Qeswachaka Bridge Tour | Full Day Tour Qeswachaka Bridge Tour | Full Day Tour Qeswachaka Bridge Tour | Full Day Tour Qeswachaka Bridge Tour | Full Day Tour

Qeswachaka Bridge Tour | Full Day Tour

Cusco, Qeswachaka
(526)
Physical Level
Trip Style
Hike
Max Altitude
3300msnm
Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Trip Length
1 Day
Starting from
$ 37.00
per person

Q’eswachaka Bridge Tour

This cultural route is designed for tourists who want to experience the rich history of the Incas while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Our tour takes place in the southern part of Cusco, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance.

We will start our journey with a visit to the Four Lagoons (Lagoon Circuit), a series of picturesque lakes surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. Each lagoon has its own charm and significance, providing ample opportunities for photography and relaxation.

The best of 1-Day Q’eswachaka Bridge

The highlight of our tour is the Inca Bridge of Q’eswachaka, a remarkable example of Inca engineering. This straw bridge, made from ichu grass, is rebuilt annually by local communities in a tradition that dates back over 500 years. Witnessing the bridge and learning about its construction offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity and collaborative spirit of the Inca civilization.

Throughout the Q’eswachaka full-day tour, you will not only see breathtaking sights but also gain insights into the cultural and historical context of the region. Our knowledgeable guides will share stories and facts about the Inca Empire, making this an enriching experience for all visitors. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a unique adventure, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.


Would you like to know what our travelers are saying about their experience at Machu Picchu? We invite you to check out our profile on TripAdvisor! Discover why our experiences are so popular among visitors. Don’t miss out on the reviews and recommendations to make your trip an unforgettable experience.

Travel map of: Qeswachaka Bridge Tour | Full Day Tour
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Qeswachaka Bridge Tour | Full Day Tour

1 Day from US $ 37.00

Highlights

The BEST of 1-Day Q’eswachaka Bridge

  • Q’eswachaka is the last remaining Inca rope bridge, constructed using traditional Andean techniques that have been passed down through generations.
  • It is made entirely of woven grass (ichu), a sturdy native grass found in the Andes. The bridge spans the Apurimac River in the region of Cusco.
  • Each year, the local communities come together in a communal effort to rebuild the bridge. This renewal ceremony, known as the Q’eswachaka Festival, is a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage event.
  • The bridge represents not only a functional crossing point but also embodies communal work, cultural identity, and traditional knowledge preservation among the Quechua communities.
  • The bridge’s design includes a single span that hangs over the river, supported by handwoven cables and wooden supports. It showcases the engineering ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
  • Visitors can witness the construction and renewal process during the festival in June each year, gaining insight into Andean engineering techniques and community solidarity.
  • Q’eswachaka Bridge is more than just a means of crossing; it symbolizes continuity, resilience, and the living heritage of the Andean people.

Trip Details

Key Details about Q’eswachaka Full Day Tour

  • Mode: Adventure, Cultural, and Ecological
  • Duration: 1 Day (Full Day)
  • Degree of Difficulty: None
  • Languages: English, Spanish
  • Departure Time: 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM
  • Return Time: Approximately 4:30 PM
  • Minimum Group Size: 3 people required for this tour
  • Maximum Participants: 20 per group
  • Seasons: All year round, recommended from April to November
  • Maximum Altitude: 12,467 feet (3,800 meters)
  • Tour Name: 1-Day Q’eswachaka Bridge

Trip Summary

1-Day Q’eswachaka Bridge Details

  • 04:00 / 04:30 hrs: Pick-up from hotel or accommodation in downtown Cusco.
  • 05:00 hrs: Departure and transfer by bus to the district of Cusipata.
  • 07:30 hrs: Arrival in Cusipata, breakfast and break.
  • 08:30 hrs: Crossing through Combopata Viewpoint.
  • 09:30 hrs: Arrival at Q’eswachaka Bridge, briefing and explanation by the guide.
  • 11:00 hrs: Visit to the House of Tupa Amaru II (Mosoc Llaqta).
  • 12:00 hrs: Visit to the 4 Pomacanchis Lakes in the South Valley of Cusco.
  • 13:00 hrs: Free time for lunch (included) and break.
  • 14:30 hrs: Bus departure from Cusipata to Cusco.
  • 17:30 hrs: Arrival in the city of Cusco.

Itinerary

DAY 1:

QESWACHAKA BRIDGE

The tour to the Q’eswachaka Bridge starts early in the morning with pickups from your selected hotels beginning at 4:00 AM. We will then drive for approximately two hours to a tourist restaurant in Cusipata, where we will enjoy an included breakfast.

After breakfast, we will continue our journey for about 25 minutes to reach the first lagoon, Pomacanchis, situated at an altitude of 12,139 feet (3,700 meters). Here, we will have a brief stop for an explanation of the place. Our next stop will be at the Acopia Lagoon, located at an altitude of 11,811 feet (3,600 meters), where we will take photos and listen to more details about the area. The third lagoon on our route is Asnaqocha, also known for its picturesque setting and fresh air, situated at an altitude of 11,646 feet (3,550 meters). Finally, we will visit the Pampa Marca Lagoon, located at an altitude of 11,482 feet (3,500 meters).

After completing the Four Lagoons circuit, we will pass through small historical towns, including the town associated with Túpac Amaru II. We will then proceed to the highlight of our tour, the Inca Bridge of Q’eswachaka. This remarkable bridge, made from ichu grass, showcases the ingenuity of Inca engineering and the cultural traditions that have been preserved for centuries. Our guide will provide an in-depth explanation of the bridge’s construction and significance.

After immersing ourselves in nature and Inca culture, we will return to our base camp for a buffet lunch. We will then head back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of around 5:00 PM.

Inclusions

Included

  • Tourist transport.
  • Income to qeswachaka bridge
  • Professional guide.
  • Breakfast and lunch.
  • First aid kit.

No Included

  • Additional Foods

Pricing Options

At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we offer personalized Qeswachaka Bridge Tour | Full Day Tour, designed to match your interests and preferences. With expert local guides and customized itineraries, explore the beauty of the Andes. Check out our pricing options for a memorable adventure.

OPTION 1
SHARE SERVICE

$ 37.00 USD

(enjoy the tour with more people between 10 – 15 person)

OPTION 2
PRIVATE SERVICE

$ 100.00 USD

(enjoy the tour only for you and your family minimun 2 people)

Check out our TripAdvisor Reviews

Our clients trust us, and their glowing reviews on TripAdvisor speak for themselves. Discover why so many travelers choose us for unforgettable experiences in Cusco.

Why choose “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL”?

“MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

  • Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
  • Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
  • Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
  • Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
  • Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
  • Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
  • Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

Faqs

What is the Q’eswachaka Bridge?

The Q’eswachaka Bridge, which is annually renovated by local communities using traditional Inca techniques, is the last remaining Inca bridge. It is constructed using “Ichu,” a type of long grass found in the high altitudes of the Andes. The grass is harvested, dried, and braided into thick ropes. Spanning 35 meters (118 feet) and hanging 18 meters (60 feet) above the Apurimac River, the bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering.

Where is the Q’eswachaka Bridge located?

Located in the province of Canas, district of Quehue, the Q’eswachaka Bridge is a suspension bridge that crosses the Apurimac River. It sits at an altitude of 3700 meters (12,139.1 feet) above sea level, approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles) from the city of Cusco. In 2013, it was recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

When is the best time to visit the Qeswachaca last Inca Bridge?

The optimal time to visit the Q’eswachaka Bridge is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this period, there is less rainfall and generally more sunshine.

The most significant and captivating time to visit is during the first weekend of June when the local communities come together to renew the bridge’s weaving in a unique and festive event.

Although the rainy season, from November to March, has a higher chance of rain, there can still be sunny days if you’re lucky.

How difficult is the hike to the Qeswachaca last Inca Bridge?

The hike to the Q’eswachaka Bridge is considered easy, with a maximum altitude of 3800 meters (12,467.2 feet) above sea level. It provides a great opportunity for acclimatization to higher altitudes or for those seeking a straightforward trek.

Alternative Tours in Machu Picchu?

Most visitors reach Machu Picchu by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), followed by a bus ride up to the archaeological site. Alternatively, some choose to trek the famous Inca Trail or other trekking routes.

Travel Guide

Weather in Q’eswachaka

The weather in the Cusco region can be quite variable, so it’s important to be prepared for a range of conditions:

  • Dry Season (April to November): Typically sunny with clear skies, but temperatures can drop significantly in the morning and evening. Daytime temperatures average around 59-68°F (15-20°C).
  • Rainy Season (December to March): Expect frequent rain showers and overcast skies. Temperatures remain similar, but the added moisture can make the air feel cooler.

Travel tips to Q’eswachaka

  • Book in Advance: Given the popularity of the tour, especially during peak season (April to November), it’s advisable to book your spot ahead of time.
  • Acclimatization: Spend at least one to two days in Cusco before the tour to acclimate to the high altitude.
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, particularly important at high altitudes.
  • Pack Snacks: Although meals are provided, having extra snacks like nuts, dried fruits, or energy bars can be useful.

How to Dress for Q’eswachaka bridge Tour

  • Layered Clothing: Wear layers that can be added or removed as temperatures change. Consider thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof outer layer.
  • Comfortable Footwear: Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes with good grip are essential for uneven terrain.
  • Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the strong sun at high altitudes.
  • Gloves and Scarf: Mornings and evenings can be cold, so it’s good to have these handy.
  • Rain Gear: A waterproof jacket or poncho is essential during the rainy season.

Restrictions to visit Q’eswachaka

  • Health Conditions: Individuals with heart conditions or severe respiratory issues should consult a doctor before participating due to the high altitude.
  • Minimum Age: It’s recommended that children under the age of 7 do not participate in the tour.
  • Pregnancy: Pregnant women should seek medical advice before joining the tour.

Physical Preparation to visit Q’eswachaka

  • Basic Fitness: Although the tour is not strenuous, having a basic level of fitness will enhance your experience. Activities include walking and short hikes.
  • Altitude Awareness: Understanding how your body reacts to high altitude is crucial. Light exercise and proper acclimatization can help mitigate the effects of altitude sickness.
  • Breathing Exercises: Practicing deep breathing can help your body adjust to the thinner air.

By following these recommendations, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience on the Q’eswachaka Bridge Tour.

Inquiry now

Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all thats left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, well be with you every step of the way. At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.

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