Details
Have you heard of the Qeswachaka Bridge? Known as the last Inca bridge, it has been preserved over centuries thanks to the dedication of nearby communities. Each year, over 800 locals gather with bundles of Peruvian feather grass (Ichu) to spend four days restoring this incredible piece of history. Join us on this full-day trip to witness this 600-year-old marvel, one of Cusco’s most remarkable sites.
The journey takes you to the town of Quehue, where you’ll have the chance to cross the 30-meter-long bridge, swaying above the Apurimac River. If you’re visiting in June, you’ll experience the impressive annual ceremony, where community members take down the old bridge and construct a new one. Recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage event, this spectacle includes ancient rituals and a vibrant celebration. Plus, you’ll visit the famous 4 Lagoons—a truly immersive journey not to be missed!
Departure & Return Location
Cusco hotel transfer
Departure Time
4:00 AM
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Combapata - Quehue - Qeswachaka Bridge
Your journey begins with a 4:00 a.m. departure from Cusco, followed by a scenic three-hour drive to the remote province of Canas. We’ll stop halfway for breakfast, then continue past the town of Yanaoca until we reach Quehue (3,792 m / 12,441 ft). From this charming village, a short drive brings us to the Qeswachaka Bridge.
At this stunning site, you’ll have the chance to cross the bridge and experience a piece of living history. Qeswachaka combines the Quechua words “Qeswa,” meaning “braid,” and “Chaka,” meaning “bridge.” This 30-meter-long bridge is woven by hand from Peruvian feather grass, or ichu. Every year, four surrounding communities come together to dismantle the old bridge and construct a new one using traditional methods, basic tools, and remarkable strength—continuing a tradition that has endured for centuries.
Suspended more than 15 meters above the Apurimac River, you’ll feel the thrill of crossing from one side to the other while admiring breathtaking canyon views. Don’t forget to capture the moment with your camera! If you’re visiting in June, you can witness the annual rebuilding ceremony, complete with rituals dedicated to Mother Earth and regional folk dances.
Afterward, enjoy a boxed lunch near the bridge and take in the last views of this unique site. On the return trip, we’ll drive along the 4 Lagoons route, stopping to see the beautiful lakes of Pomacanchi, Ancascocha, Pampamarca, and Acopia—often called the “sacred lagoons”—which provide local communities with fish. Finally, relax on the drive back to Cusco, with memories of an unforgettable day in the Peruvian Andes.
Photos
