Qeswachaca Inka Bridge
The Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge is a historical and cultural wonder located in the Cusco region of Peru. This suspension bridge, made entirely of ichu plant fiber (Andean straw), is the last of its kind still in use and keeps alive an ancestral tradition of more than 500 years. Every year, local Quechua communities gather to renew it in an impressive ceremonial event, where they combine Inca engineering techniques with traditional rituals. Situated above the Apurimac River canyon, Q’eswachaka is not only a testament to impressive Inca engineering, but also a symbol of identity and community cooperation. In 2013, UNESCO recognized this tradition as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its importance in preserving ancestral knowledge and the living culture of the Andes.
Qeswachaca
This tour is unique! The impressive Q’eswachaka Bridge is located on the Apurimac River, approximately 3,700 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 “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). Construction materials and techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since the time of the Incas, since the first bridge was built in the 15th century. Therefore, the Q’eswachaka Bridge Tour is a very special experience.
The impressive bridge is 33 meters long and 1.20 meters wide and swings 15 meters above the river. It is rebuilt every year, counting on community 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 opportunity for these people to immerse themselves in the local Peruvian culture. During this trip we also visit four famous lagoons near Cusco.
