Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Full Day (also spelled Keshwa Chaca, Q’iswa Chaca, Keswachaka, Q’eshwachaka, Qeswachaka, Q’eswachaca, Q’eswachaka, Queshuachaca, or Queswachaka), is the last remaining Inca rope bridge, consisting of grass ropes that span the Apurimac River near Huinchiri, in Quehue District, Canas Province, Peru.
Even though there is a modern bridge nearby, the residents of the region keep the ancient tradition and skills alive by renewing the bridge annually, in June. Several family groups have each prepared a number of grass-ropes to be formed into cables at the site, others prepare mats for decking, and the reconstruction is a communal effort. In ancient times the effort would have been a form of tax, with participants coerced to perform the rebuilding; nowadays the builders have indicated that effort is performed to honor their ancestors and the Pachamama (Earth Mother).
Cusco – Cusipata – 4 lakes – Q’eswachaka – Cusipata – Cusco
The trip begins in the city of Cusco we will pick up you of your hotel at 6 a.m. approximately with south-west direction. After almost two hours of travel we will visit the four lagoons: Pomacanchi Lagoon, Acopia Lagoon, Laguna Asnaqocha and the Pampamarca or Tungasuca Lagoon. After enjoying a quiet moment near the lagoons, the next place we will visit will be the small volcano of pavilions that is located near the town of Yanaoca.
Finally, we will arrive at the Apurímac river and the impressive Inca bridge. This hanging Inca bridge is made of vegetable fiber (Ichu) and is located on the Apurímac River in the district of Quehue. The existence of this bridge dates from the Inca times, the renovation and maintenance is done once a year by the local people of the four communities that are around. Before beginning with the renewal of the bridge an offering is given as a sign of respect and gratitude to the Pachamama.
We will have the opportunity to cross the Inca bridge, if you have the courage to do so, because it may seem easy. But without a doubt you will feel great emotion crossing this bridge so much that you will feel like Indiana Jones. On the way back to Cusco we will make a last visit, the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe where you will be able to see the differences between both bridges.This interesting trip ends in the city of Cusco at approximately 5 pm
At Ausangate Trekking, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
INCLUDED:
- Pick up from your Hotel
- Private transportation from site to site during the tour
- Professional and experienced guide (English/or Spanish)
- Tourist ticket into the Q’eswachaka
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- First aid kit
NOT INCLUDED:
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Ausangate Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
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WHAT TO BRING
- Snacks (i.e. dried fruit, chocolates, granola bars, nuts, etc.)
- Extra layers for the cold and wind
- Hat, gloves, sun block, sunglasses
- Trekking shoes/boots
- 1-liter water bottle
- Daypack 25 liters
- Trekking poles
- Extra money
- Toilet paper
- Lip Balm
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Ausangate Trekking office.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Ausangate Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historical Center of Cusco. Your guide will coordinate the pickup time in the briefing session, but please keep in mind that the time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an old city, meaning it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are usually common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport or restaurant. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Ausangate Trekking. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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