Qeswachaca Bridge Tour
- Plaza de Armas
- Cusipata
- Yanaoca
- Qeswachaca
- 4 lakes
- Cusco
Easy
Diary
Group/ private
All years
Bus
Overview
Step off the beaten path and experience a living piece of Inca history on our Qeswachaka Bridge Tour, a unique day trip from Cusco. Located in the remote Canas province, this handwoven grass bridge is the last remaining example of Inca engineering still maintained using traditional methods. Every year, local communities come together to rebuild the bridge with braided ichu grass, just as their ancestors did centuries ago.
This cultural adventure combines stunning Andean landscapes with fascinating traditions. Along the journey, you’ll visit several small lakes, colonial bridges, and rural highland communities before reaching the awe-inspiring Qeswachaka (Q’eswachaka) Bridge. It’s a journey into the heart of living Andean culture, perfect for travelers who seek authenticity, heritage, and breathtaking views.
Tour Summary – Rainbow Mountain Full day
Embark on a one-of-a-kind cultural journey to the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge, the last handwoven suspension bridge still rebuilt annually by local communities using traditional Inca techniques. This full-day tour from Cusco takes you through the breathtaking Andean highlands, past stunning viewpoints, colonial bridges, and scenic lakes. Experience Andean heritage, history, and adrenaline in a single day.
Tour Details:
- Tour Duration: Full Day (Approximately 12 hours)
- Departure Time: 4:30 – 5:00 AM
- Return Time: Around 6:00 PM
- Pick-Up Location: Your hotel in central Cusco or designated meeting point
- Tour Type: Cultural, Scenic, Adventure
- Group Size: Small groups for a personalized experience
- Altitude Range: 3,300 – 3,700 meters (10,827 – 12,139 feet)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (some walking on uneven terrain)
Highlights
- Walk across the legendary Q’eswachaka Bridge, a UNESCO-recognized tradition
- Visit the remote and authentic Canas province
- Marvel at Andean scenery, rivers, valleys, and ancient cultural routes
- Discover the impressive colonial and natural viewpoints along the way
- Visit the stunning Four Lakes region surrounded by wildlife and mountain landscapes
- Taste traditional Andean flavors with breakfast and lunch in local towns
Itinerary at a Glance
- 4:30 AM – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
- Drive through scenic countryside passing rivers and lagoons
- Stop at four beautiful lagoons: Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca
- Visit colonial bridges and Andean villages
- Arrive at Qeswachaka Inca Bridge – walk across and learn about its history
- Enjoy a traditional Andean lunch near the Apurímac Canyon
- Return to Cusco in the afternoon
- 6:00 PM – Drop-off at city center
Rainbow Mountain Day Itinerary
The Qeswachaka Bridge Tour begins with an early pick-up from your accommodation between 4:30 and 4:45 AM. If your hotel is located outside the historic center, we’ll arrange to meet you at the front entrance of our office. Once the group is assembled, we’ll begin our scenic journey at around 5:00 AM aboard our comfortable tourist vehicle.
After approximately 1.5 hours, we’ll arrive in the town of Cusipata, where a semi-buffet breakfast will be waiting to fuel your day. We’ll then continue our drive for about 25 minutes to reach the Combapata viewpoint. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Andean landscape and witness the convergence of the Salcca River with the Vilcanota River—revered by the Incas as sacred.
Next, we head toward Yanaoca, one of the eight districts of Canas Province. From there, it’s about an hour’s drive to Q’ewe District, where you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of the legendary Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge, dramatically suspended between the cliffs of the Apurímac Canyon.
We’ll leave the van and hike a short, steep path to a viewpoint—perfect for photos—before preparing to cross the bridge together. Feel your adrenaline rise as you carefully step across this traditional handwoven Inca suspension bridge, hanging high above the roaring river. On the other side, a local guardian will welcome us and offer a brief demonstration of the bridge’s construction process and cultural importance, still practiced annually by surrounding communities.
After this unforgettable experience, we’ll continue to the region known for its four highland lakes: Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi. Nestled among golden hills, the lakes shimmer in the sunlight, often visited by flamingos and other Andean birdlife. We’ll then head back to Cusipata for a delicious semi-buffet lunch, before beginning the return trip to Cusco. We expect to arrive back in the city by approximately 5:00 PM.
What’s Included
- Hotel pick-up from central Cusco
- Private tourist transportation with professional driver
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Semi-buffet breakfast in Cusipata
- Semi-buffet lunch in Cusipata
- Guided visit to the Q’eswachaka Bridge and surrounding areas
- Stop at the Four Lakes Region for sightseeing and photos
- First-aid kit and oxygen supply
- Drop-off near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco
What’s Not Included
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
- Additional snacks or drinks
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Hotel drop-off (tour ends near main square)
- All entrance fees (Q’eswachaka Bridge & viewpoints)
Recommendations
- ✔ Bring your passport – required for train and site entry
- ✔ Wear comfortable walking shoes – the terrain is uneven
- ✔ Pack a light jacket or raincoat – weather can change quickly
- ✔ Use sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat – sun exposure is strong
- ✔ Bring a refillable water bottle – staying hydrated is key
- ✔ Carry some cash (Peruvian soles) for snacks or tip
Frequently Asked Questions – Qeswachaca bridge
What is the Qeswachaka Bridge?
The Qeswachaka Bridge is a handwoven Inca suspension bridge made entirely from ichu grass, located in the Canas province of Cusco. It is the last remaining example of Inca bridge-building, and it’s rebuilt annually by local communities using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
How difficult is the Qeswachaka Bridge Tour?
This day tour from Cusco is considered easy to moderate. There are a few short walks on uneven paths and a brief hike down to the bridge viewpoint. Most travelers in good health can enjoy this tour without difficulty.
Is it safe to cross the Qeswachaka Bridge?
Yes, it’s safe. The bridge is rebuilt every year by skilled community members who follow ancient Inca engineering techniques. It’s strong enough to carry people, and a local guardian is always present to guide and ensure safety during the crossing.
What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with hotel pick-up between 4:30 and 5:00 AM and ends back in Cusco around 5:00 PM. It’s a full-day experience that includes transportation, meals, and several stops along the way.
Is breakfast and lunch included in the tour?
Yes, both are included. You’ll enjoy a semi-buffet breakfast and lunch in the town of Cusipata, featuring a variety of traditional Andean dishes prepared fresh for our group.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
No separate tickets are needed. All entrance fees to the Qeswachaka Bridge and other stops are included in the tour price, so there’s no need to worry about additional costs during the trip.
What should I bring on this tour?
We recommend bringing warm clothing, sunblock, a hat, water, comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket (during the rainy season), and your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and the unique bridge crossing experience.
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. However, crossing the bridge can be a bit thrilling due to its movement and height, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with heights and mild walking on uneven terrain.
When is the best time to visit the Qeswachaka Bridge?
The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit, offering clear skies and better road conditions. However, the bridge can be visited year-round, and tours operate daily regardless of season.
What makes this tour different from other tours in Cusco?
This is one of the few tours that takes you off the beaten path to experience a living tradition of Inca engineering. Unlike the more touristy sites, the Qeswachaka Bridge Tour offers a deep cultural connection with rural communities and authentic Andean heritage.
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