Q'ESWACHAKA BRIDGE TOUR – FULL DAY TOUR OF THE LAST INCA BRIDGE

Días Cusco

Tours

Tour code
20
Ciudad
Cusco
Ciudad
Cusco
Tipo Tours
Grupal
Edad Sugerída
+7 -55
Idioma
Español/English
Pagos
Pre Pago
Restricciones
Ninguna

Over the Apurímac River, in the Cusco region, at 3,700 meters above sea level, one can appreciate an important Inca legacy that has endured for more than six centuries. This is the Q'eswachaka Bridge, a spectacular 30-meter-long engineering work made of straw and stone, which remains preserved to this day and was designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2013.

Every year, this site witnesses an incredible renovation. Community members gather to demolish the bridge, built a year earlier, dropping its foundations into the river. Women and children immediately gather the qoya-ichu, or straw, that will be used to make the foundations of the new bridge.

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• Early Departure (4:00 or 4:30 AM)

Start your day with energy. We'll pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and embark on a 3-hour drive to the picturesque town of Cusipata (3,700 m.a.s.l.), where we'll stop for a delicious breakfast to refuel you for the adventure. (Breakfast included in the tour)

• Arrival in Yanaoca

From Cusipata, we'll continue the journey to Yanaoca (3,913 m.a.s.l.), where we'll visit a tiny volcano. The scenery along the way will leave you speechless, with breathtaking views of the surrounding Andean mountains, as well as the diverse herds of alpacas and llamas that surround the area.

• Arrival in the village of Quehue and entry to the Q'eswachaka Inca temple

After an hour, we'll arrive at the village of Quehue, where the Q'eswachaka Inca temple is located. It is constructed from plant fibers and is 28.67 meters long. It is a remarkable example of ancient Andean engineering, built by the local Quechua people using techniques passed down through generations. This bridge crosses the Apurimac River and is known for its impressive construction using woven grass fibers, particularly the ichu.

• Mososqllaqta Viewpoint

After the tour across the ancient Inca bridge, we will visit the Mososqllaqta viewpoint to appreciate the different lagoons of Pampamarca and Asnaqocha. We will then head to another viewpoint, where we will appreciate the lagoons of Acopia and Pomacanchi, where we will observe and engage in forest tourism, observing a large variety of flora and fauna from the Quechua region.

• Return and lunch in Cusipata

At the end of the Puente Q'eswachaka circuit, we will return to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch starting at 2:00 pm. After lunch, we will return to Cusco. The return trip will begin at 3:00 pm, arriving approximately between 4:30 and 5:00 pm.

Includes:

Round-trip transportation from Cusco.
Professional local guide.
Picnic-style lunch.
Assistance throughout the tour.

Does Not Include:

Entrance to Qeswachaca area.
Additional drinks and snacks.
Tips.
Travel insurance.

Recommendations:

Wear comfortable trekking shoes and bring a light jacket, as temperatures can change.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect from the sun.
Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
If you’re not accustomed to high altitudes, it’s recommended to rest in Cusco before the tour to acclimatize.