The Tour of the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge
Descripción:
The Q’eswachaka Tour is a tourist excursion that takes visitors to the region of Cusco, Peru, to see the Q’eswachaka Bridge, also known as the “rope bridge.” The bridge is made of locally sourced grass fibers, which are braided into ropes and then woven together to form a hanging bridge. This bridge is one of the last remaining structures of its kind in Peru and is considered an important cultural heritage of the region.
The Q’eswachaka Tour includes visits to nearby local communities where visitors can learn about the traditional rope weaving techniques used to construct the bridge. They can also enjoy local cuisine and participate in cultural activities such as dance and music. The tour typically lasts a full day and is an exciting way to experience Andean culture and the ancient history of Peru.
Day 1
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.
included
- Private transportation Cusco – Queswachaca – Cusco.
- Professional guide in English/Spanish.
- Boxed lunch.
- Entrance ticket.
not included
- Tips for the staff.
- Breakfast.
not included
- Tips for the staff.
- Breakfast.
Our Tripadvisor Reviews
ExcellentBased on 12 reviewsVerifiedpilar L2024-06-06Experiencia inolvidable "Tuve la suerte de contar con el increíble guía turístico Herber durante mi viaje a Perú. Su profundo conocimiento histórico y cultural, combinado con su amabilidad y entusiasmo, hizo que cada tour fuera una experiencia inolvidable. Recomiendo a Herber a cualquiera que quiera descubrir los secretos mejor guardados de la ciudad. ¡Gracias, Herber, por hacer de mi viaje una aventura inolvidable!"VerifiedSergio b2024-05-16Great 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.Verifiedpatricia g2024-05-15Cusco 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.VerifiedJosé Carlos G2024-05-15Learning 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.VerifiedAna M2024-05-15Mountain, 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.VerifiedJuan Diego S2024-05-13Great supplier and person We have made a full pack with Cuzco travel for 14 days. Including culture, Trekking, MachuPicchu and jungle in Puerto Maldonado Really, in my case we will continue working together and we will make everything grow in a respectful way and enjoying more travelers.VerifiedBorja G2023-10-02Pedro 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.VerifiedLaura B2023-09-13Great 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!VerifiedDjango S2023-09-13Vinikunka tour full day Ee booked the tour with our hostel and for 30€ it was absolutley worth it. Our guide marco antonio was very helpfoul an had such good authentic vibes. Incredible. Recomendation.VerifiedSilvia I2022-09-15Altamente recomendado si buscas un buen guía de turismo Herber tiene todas las cualidades de un guía de excelencia: calidez en el trato, amabilidad e increíble conocimiento de cada lugar visitado.