Qeswachaka Bridge – Qeswachaka Inca Bridge

  • Departures
    Availability Daily departures
  • Hotel pickup
    Transporte Hotel pickup
  • Tour guide
    Tour Guide Tour guide included
  • Languages
    Available languages Spanish, English & Portuguese
  • Group
    Service type Shared service
  • Cancellation
    Cancellation policy Non-refundable
  • Altitude
    Maximum altitude 3,800 m.a.s.l.
  • Difficulty
    Difficulty Easy

We will start our Qeswachaka Inca Bridge tour early, traveling through the scenic valleys of the Apurímac region. The journey will offer stunning views of Andean landscapes and traditional villages. We will feel the thrill of exploring a living Inca heritage while surrounded by breathtaking nature. Each moment will connect us with centuries of cultural tradition.

We will arrive at Qeswachaka, a remarkable Inca bridge built with ichu grass fibers and renewed annually. We will witness local communities reconstructing the bridge using techniques preserved for centuries. The bridge spans the Apurímac River at over 3,700 meters above sea level. We will experience the unique combination of engineering, culture, and history that defines the Andes.

During our Qeswachaka Bridge tour, we will admire the majestic Apurímac Canyon and the Pabellones Volcano. We will explore nearby Andean lakes such as Pampamarca, Asnacocha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi. Each stop will offer opportunities for photography, hiking, and observing wildlife. We will feel immersed in a natural and cultural circuit unique to Peru.

Our Qeswachaka Inca Bridge tour will provide an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience. We will learn about the traditions and rituals that keep the bridge alive. The day will conclude with memories of an incredible engineering marvel and the vibrant Andean culture. We will return enriched by history, adventure, and the spectacular scenery of southern Peru.

Itinerary

Day 01 Cusco – Four Lakes – Qeswachaka Inca Bridge – Rumiqolqa – Cusco

We will start our Qeswachaka Bridge tour early at approximately 5:00 AM., with hotel pickup in Cusco. The drive will head southwest through Andean valleys, revealing breathtaking scenery. We will experience the excitement of exploring living Inca heritage while traveling toward the Apurímac region. Every moment will bring us closer to the culture and history of the Andes.

After nearly two hours, we will arrive at the Four Lakes area, located between 3,500 and 3,600 meters above sea level. We will admire the serene lakes: Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca or Tungasuca. We will take time for photography, short walks, and observing local flora and fauna. The peaceful surroundings will offer a moment of reflection and connection with nature.

Next, we will visit the Pabellones Volcano near the village of Yanaoca. We will explore the area, enjoying panoramic views of the highlands. Our guide will explain the volcanic formations and their historical significance to the local communities. The natural landscape will complement the cultural experience of the tour.

We will then arrive at the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, suspended over the Apurímac River at 3,730 meters above sea level. We will observe how the bridge is built with ichu grass fibers tied to wooden structures and anchored in stone. We will witness the courage required to cross this living Inca bridge. The bridge’s annual reconstruction by four local communities demonstrates centuries of engineering and tradition.

After crossing the Qeswachaka Bridge, we will drive back toward Cusco, stopping at the Rumiqolqa archaeological site. We will explore its stone structures, initially built by the Tiwanaku-Wari civilization and later refined by the Incas. We will admire the skill of ancient masonry and take photos of this historical site.

Finally, we will return to Cusco around 6:30 PM., ending the tour at Plaza San Francisco. We will leave the experience with unforgettable memories of the Qeswachaka Bridge and the surrounding Andean landscapes. The day will combine adventure, culture, and spectacular scenery in one immersive journey.

Details

  • Total distance

    170 km (transport + short hikes)

  • Maximum altitude

    3,800 masl (Queswachaka Bridge)

  • Minimum altitude

    3,100 masl (Cusco)

  • Route

    Cusco – 4 Lagunas – Volcán de Pabellones – Puente Queswachaka – Rumiqolqa – Cusco.

  • Difficulty level

    Moderate

Important note: Schedules are for reference only. One day before the tour, our operations team will contact you to reconfirm the schedules.

Inclusions

What’s Included

  • Tourist transportation
  • One breakfast and one box lunch
  • Professional accredited guide
  • First aid kit including oxygen and altitude sickness medication
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What’s Not Included

  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Airfare to and from Cusco
  • Personal expenses or extra costs
  • Entrance fee to Qeswachaka

Recommendations

Before Booking

  • This tour requires booking at least 15 days in advance.
  • Shared service: if the minimum number of participants is not reached, the booking may be subject to rescheduling or cancellation.
  • For private service, a minimum of 2 participants is required.
  • The tour is conducted in two languages: Spanish and English.
  • Requirements: good health is necessary.

Before Traveling

  • Light backpack with a change of clothes; prepare for large temperature variations.
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants) or poncho (available in Cusco for approx. US$1).
  • Warm clothing: jacket, fleece, gloves, scarf, and hat. Thermal clothing is recommended.
  • Camera and batteries (they discharge faster in cold weather).
  • Hat or cap for sun, rain, and cold.
  • Sunscreen and after-sun lotion.
  • Toilet paper inside and outside your luggage.
  • Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolate, fruits, granola.
  • Reusable water bottle and water for the first morning.
  • Water purification tablets and personal first-aid kit (special medication, Sorojchi Pills, etc.).
  • Cash for snacks and souvenirs.
  • Binoculars (optional).
  • Legal and safety requirements before traveling.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Qeswachaka important today?

We will see how Qeswachaka symbolizes the unity of Inca communities and preserves ancient cultural traditions.

Which communities participate in the Qeswachaka Bridge construction?

We will witness the work of Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, and Chocayhua communities, each performing specific roles during reconstruction.

How long is the Qeswachaka Bridge?

We will cross a 28-meter long and 1.2-meter wide bridge made from braided ichu grass fibers.

What is the cancellation policy?

We will lose 100% of the trip cost if canceled 30 days or less before departure. For cancellations 31 days or more, fees may vary depending on the tour.

Can we cross the Qeswachaka Bridge safely?

We will ensure safety while crossing the bridge and follow instructions from local guides and the tour leader

What is the best time to visit Qeswachaka?

We will recommend May to September for dry, clear weather that offers better visibility and safer conditions.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly participants?

We will allow children over 12 and fit elderly travelers, but the tour requires moderate walking and balance for crossing the bridge.

Can we take photos during the tour?

We will take unlimited photos of Qeswachaka Bridge, Apurímac Canyon, and surrounding Andean lakes throughout the tour.

Are meals included during the Qeswachaka Bridge tour?

We will provide breakfast and a box lunch with hot drinks, while other meals are the traveler’s responsibility.

What should we bring for this tour?

We will carry warm clothing, rain gear, water, snacks, a camera, personal medication, and cash for souvenirs.

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Fue una linda experiencia y un servicio muy profesional de la agencia.

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Hermosa experiencia en familia. Tanto el traslado, el hotel como el guía fueron excelentes!

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