Qeswachaca Bridge Tour

This tour is unique! The impressive Q'eswachaka Bridge is located on the Apurimac River at approximately 3700 meters above sea level in the province of Canas, about 160 kilometers south of Cusco. "Q'eswachaka" is a native name formed by two Quechua words: "Q'eswa", which means "to braid" and "Chaka", which means "bridge". This bridge is very special because it is built in the original Inca way made of a special grass (q'oya). The materials and construction techniques have been handed down from generation to generation since the time of the Incas, since the first bridge was built in the 15th century. That's why the Q'eswachaka Bridge Tour is a very special experience. The impressive bridge measures 33 meters long and 1.20 meters wide and swings 15 meters above the river. It is rebuilt every year, counting with the communal work. Around 1000 farmers from the communities of Winchiri, Ccolana, Quehue, Chaupibanda and Choccayhua are involved in the construction of this unique suspension bridge of Inca origin. The Qeswachaka Bridge Tour is a unique possibility of these immersed in the local Peruvian culture. During this trip we also visited four famous lagoons near Cusco and we went through different typical towns such as Piñipampa, where we can appreciate an artisan factory and a fish farm.Q'eswachaka, is unique in its type made with vegetable fibers, part of the extensive Inca Trail network. Appropriately and respectfully participate in the rituals and recognition of the technology used in the tradition of the last bridge that survives between the old and the modern era, which requires a hard work 3 days to replace the structure, the floor is made of 4 large ropes (under which the small wooden trunks are tied) the rails are 2 additional ropes and both elements (floor and rails) are joined by hundreds of smaller ropes. Once its time of service is over, the bridge is cut off and the waters of the Apurímac take it. Only one road linking the four lagoons and Q'eswachaka bridge once a year in June. Meet an authentic Quechua relic with this tour to the Q'eswuachaka bridge and Four Lagoons.

Quick Itinerary:

• 06:00 We pick you up from Hotel 
• 08:00 Start the visit to the famous 4 lakes of Cusco
• 11:00 Visit Inca Q'eswachaca Bridge
• 13:00 Lunch at Combapata
• 14:00 Return to Cusco
• 18:00 Arrive to Cusco

Celebration of the Inca bridge of Qeswachaca: 

• First day: This day begins with the offering in the middle of a ceremony in favor of the Apu tutelary Quinsallallawi. Meanwhile the main material "qoya ichu" is collected in advance by the four communities; It is in this activity that the Andean woman who is in charge of knitting the first rope or qheswa actively participates; in the afternoon the males divided into two groups meet over both sides of the bridge and spread the ropes or queas from end to end which are braided by the chakaruhac (Inca engineer) to assemble the qheswaska or greater braid.  
• Second day: This day begins by untying the old ropes that are tied to stone nails, to which they will re-tie the new braids and once finished, they will start throwing the ropes from one end to the other. The braiding of the ropes takes its time just as the rope lashing, finally the four thick ropes that serve as the base and the two rails or handrails are placed.  
• Third day: This day concludes with the assembly of the handrails and the surface of the bridge, which will serve to cross. Once finished it begins with the opening of the bridge to the music and dances typical of the area. 
• Festivity: The festival of the relaunching of the Q 'eswachaka bridge takes place every year in the month of June, lasts three days of hard work and concludes the fourth day with a beautiful festival of native dances by the inhabitants of the 4 communities The renovation of Q 'eswachaka physically involves replacing the super structure, reassessing and demonstrating that there are still many traditions, techniques and ceremonies that have survived the years and that show that our culture is alive.

Activities with families a Qeswachaca Bridge Tour: 

The patronage of Machu Picchu has encouraged this activity in the communities involved with the celebration of the Inca bridge of Q'eswachaka, having since 2015 the service of lodging in the house of the inhabitant. 

 Activities: 

• Walk to the bridge Offering to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) 
• Recreation workshop of the fabric of the bridge 
• Typical cooking workshop in the area 
• Presentation of typical garments and crafts

Characterization of the Q'eswachaka Bridge: 

• Name: Inca bridge of Q 'eswachaka. 
• Classification: Cultural manifestation. 
• Type: Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 
• Sub type: Suspension bridge made of vegetable fiber. 
•  Accessibility: Located at 180 km of paved road from the city of Cusco to the same Inca bridge.

Interesting Info

• Southern Valley Tour
• Qoylloritý Feast
• 2 Day Sacred Valley Tour
• Rainbow Mountain Trek
• Machu Picchu Travel
• Short Salkantay Trek