Q'eswachaka Bridge the last remaining Inca rope hanging bridge still standing today. If you are looking for a unique and fascinating cultural experience, get ready to discover a living jewel of Andean engineering that has withstood over 500 years of history. If you visit Cusco, this day trip is a must. Our full day tour to Q'eswachaka Bridge will take you through beautiful landscapes of southern Cusco, highland lagoons, traditional communities, and the impressive Apurímac River gorge. Each year, four local communities from the district of Quehue come together to renew this ancestral bridge using techniques passed down from generation to generation since the time of the Tawantinsuyu, keeping alive one of the most iconic traditions of Peru's cultural heritage.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Cross the last Inca rope bridge in the world, a masterpiece of ancestral engineering that is renewed every year using pre-Hispanic techniques.
- Take in the stunning Apurímac River gorge from 33 meters above, suspended between two rocky walls.
- Experience the living traditions of the Quechua communities of Canas, guardians of this centuries-old cultural heritage.
- Enjoy the beautiful highland landscapes of southern Cusco, including lagoons, volcanoes, and vast plains with herds of llamas and alpacas.
- Visit the Combapata Artisan Center, where you can observe and purchase textiles and handicrafts made with traditional techniques.
Itinerary.
We pick you up at your hotel at 4:30 am from hotels, Airbnbs, houses, and apartments in the historic center of Cusco. We will pick you up at the door of your accommodation and drive for approximately 3 and a half hours toward southeastern Cusco, crossing beautiful Andean landscapes, fertile valleys, and rural communities. Along the way, we will make a stop in the town of Combapata to enjoy a delicious breakfast and visit its Artisan Center, where local craftspeople weave textiles using ancestral techniques.
We will continue our journey through stunning highland plains, passing near the Pomacanchi and Pampas lagoons, where we will observe highland birds and herds of llamas and alpacas. We will drive through the district of Yanaoca until we reach the Apurímac Canyon, where the legendary Q'eswachaka Bridge stands (3,700 m / 12,139 ft).
Upon arrival, your guide will explain the fascinating history of this bridge and its importance within the Qhapaq Ñan road network, the Inca road system declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will learn about the annual renewal process of the bridge, where the communities of Chaupibanda, Choccayhua, Ccollana Quehue, and Huinchiri work for three days to replace the ichu grass ropes using techniques inherited from their ancestors. You will have the opportunity to cross the 28-meter-long bridge suspended 33 meters above the Apurímac River, an experience that will fill you with adrenaline and admiration.
After exploring the area and taking memorable photos, we will head to the restaurant in Yanaoca to enjoy a buffet lunch with typical dishes from the region. Afterwards, we will begin our return to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 pm.
What is included
- Pre-departure information service.
- Expert tour guide English – Spanish
- Tourist transportation round trip.
- First aid kit
- 24/7 customer service
- 1 Buffet breakfast.
- 1 Buffet lunch.
What is not included
- Entrances to Q'eswachaka Bridge
- Tips for the guide and staff.
- Additional snacks and drinks.
What do I need to bring for the Q'eswachaka Bridge tour?
- We recommend that you take only what is necessary to enjoy your tour and leave the rest of your things at the hotel in Cusco.
- The original passport.
- A small backpack that allows you to carry all the things you will take with you.
- Comfortable layered clothing, as the weather changes throughout the day. A windbreaker jacket and comfortable pants are recommended.
- Comfortable and sturdy footwear for walking on uneven terrain.
- Items to protect yourself from the sun: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- Personal medications, including altitude pills if needed.
How long in advance should I make my reservation?
You must make the reservation at least 1 day before. We recommend making all reservations in advance.
Do I need to make a deposit to guarantee my reservation?
Yes, it will be guaranteed with a deposit payment of the total cost of the tour per person through our 2 forms of payment mentioned in our Book Now form. Important: None of the requested deposits include transaction fees.
What is the best time to do the excursion to Q'eswachaka Bridge?
This tour can be done year-round. However, we consider that the best season is from April to November, during the dry season, when skies are clearer and the landscapes are at their most spectacular. The annual renewal of the bridge traditionally takes place in June, an especially meaningful experience if you can coincide with those dates.
Can I cross the Q'eswachaka Bridge?
Yes, during the tour you will have the opportunity to cross the bridge if you wish. It is an exciting and safe experience, although it is not mandatory. If you prefer not to cross, you can observe and photograph the bridge from nearby viewpoints.
Where will the information session take place?
This meeting will be held the night before the departure of the tour in the lobby of your hotel, apartment, hostel or family home in Cusco. You could also do it at our office located on Calle Portal de Panes, office 201 (second floor). Plaza de Armas de Cusco.
