
The Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour is a unique cultural experience that takes you to one of the last remaining Inca rope bridges, an impressive testament to ancient engineering and tradition. Spanning the Apurímac River, this handwoven bridge is rebuilt annually by local communities using traditional techniques passed down for centuries. Surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes, this tour offers a deep connection to Peru’s rich heritage.
Visiting the Q’eswachaka Bridge is a fascinating experience that blends history, culture, and stunning natural scenery. This day trip is ideal for travelers looking to explore an authentic and lesser-known part of the Inca legacy.
Moderate
1 Day
We will pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and travel south on the road that leads to the province of Canas. During the journey, we will observe the Pomacanchi lagoon, the enigmatic Urcos lagoon, where stories tell that the last Inca ordered all the gold of the Empire to be taken there to prevent it from being looted by the Spanish, and the Yanaoca lagoon, where we will visit a small volcano and the pass of the same name. Upon arriving at “Q’eswachaca” located at an altitude of 3,600 meters, we will have the opportunity to visit its ancestral bridge, which is an architectural and cultural legacy of the Incas. The Inca bridge of “Q’eswachaca” is built over the majestic Apurimac River, located in the province of Canas. The last Inca bridge suffers from the deterioration of its material (straw) due to the harsh climate of the highlands, so it requires an annual reconstruction. The reconstruction is carried out by the peasant communities of Perccaro, Huinchi, and Qqewe. The dimensions of the bridge are 33 meters long and 1.20 meters wide, and the material used is exclusively the braided straw (Ichu) from the highlands of the region. In the afternoon, we will return to Cusco, but the road has a surprise for us. At the height of the Hampatura community, we will find the impressive Ccarañahui or Q’arañahui caves, located at an altitude of 3,900 meters. This is a fantastic cave made of sedimentary marine material, and its chemical composition is calcium hypochlorite, which, due to constant dripping, has resulted in the formation of impressive stalagmites and stalactites that curiously resemble the shapes of a puma and a condor. The cave is thousands of years old, and at the bottom, we can appreciate a mysterious lagoon. Legend has it that the Incas used to come to the cave to spiritually communicate with their gods. Finally, we will return to Cusco in our private car, concluding our tour to the Inca bridge of “Q’eswachaka.” ANNUAL RECONSTRUCTION: The “Q’eswachaka” bridge requires annual maintenance because the straw (Ichu) used in its construction starts to decompose. Since Inca times, the reconstruction has been carried out in 3 days (before the second Sunday of June), and on the fourth day, the ceremony concludes with a folk festival, where you can experience the unique traditions and customs of this world.
EXCELLENT Based on 20 reviews Trek478479339132024-12-04Verified Excellent service and Herber was amazing We took an express and tailor made tour from Cuzco with Herber. He was absolutely amazing! The experience overall was a 100/10. He was super attentive, kind and we had an amazing time. Don’t hesitate to book any tour with them! elisa o2024-12-01Verified The best guide for a Guatemalan group 🙌🏻👏🏻 He is an amazing guide!! Always attentive with a super positive attitude. He explains in detail each place 💯 we had a good time as a group and all happy with his service. pilar L2024-06-06Verified Unforgetable experience "I was lucky to have the incredible tour guide Herber during my trip to Peru. His deep historical and cultural knowledge, combined with his kindness and enthusiasm, made each tour an unforgettable experience. I recommend Herber to anyone who wants to discover the best kept secrets in the city. Thank you, Herber, for making my trip an unforgettable adventure!" Sergio b2024-05-16Verified Great with him An exceptional guide and an excellent person, the trip under his guidance multiplied interest and fun. I would without a doubt recommend working with him. Fantastic treatment and information. Out of 10 everything. patricia g2024-05-15Verified Cusco travel, don't hesitate. Peru is a country that you love in every aspect, salkantay, mountain colors, Cusco, Amazon... But what makes all this really incredible is the human team of Cusco travel, cooks, muleteers, drivers, headed by the guide HERVER, excellent professional and better person, I would choose you a thousand times more. José Carlos G2024-05-15Verified Learning and adventure You have it all in Peru and with Herber it becomes super enjoyable and interesting. A guide of 10. A true connector with Pachamama. Thank you Shaman. Ana M2024-05-15Verified Mountain, culture and gastronomy Without a doubt highly recommended.Very good professional... highly qualified in Inca history... and in terms of mountains ⛰️🏔️ culture and gastronomy...The tours were organized in detail and their kitchen equipment was a 10.I have fallen in love with this country thanks to him. I will be back. Juan Diego S2024-05-13Verified Great supplier and person We have made a full pack with Cuzco travel for 14 days.Including culture, Trekking, MachuPicchu and jungle in Puerto MaldonadoReally, in my case we will continue working together and we will make everything grow in a respectful way and enjoying more travelers. Borja G2023-10-02Verified Pedro An unforgettable experience!!! Accompanied by our beloved guide and now friend Herber. A close and endearing person with a lot of knowledge. Where we have been protected and accompanied by him and his team like a big family, Nothing has been missing on this trip. An experience that has marked a before and after for me. I would definitely repeat it with this great team. Thank you Herber for your kindness, attention and good sense of humor. Laura B2023-09-13Verified Great tour with wonderful views and awesome guide Had such a good time on this tour, the views are amazing, the food is good and I found the walk up to the top very manageable, even with the altitude. What really made it a great tour though was Marco, our guide, who was so knowledgeable, kind and funny - our driver was also lovely. Would definitely recommend to anyone considering rainbow mountain!