Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour – 1 Day

Embark on a unique adventure south of Cusco and discover the magic of the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. to begin a journey full of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

During the trip to the province of Canas, you will enjoy spectacular views such as Urcos Lake, where legend says that the last Inca ordered all the gold of the Empire to be hidden so it would not be looted by the Spanish. We will pass through the districts where Túpac Amaru II lived, the leader of the great indigenous rebellion against the Spanish Crown in 1780. You will also have the opportunity to admire the Pabellones Volcano in Yanaoca and the beautiful Pampamarca Lake from the district of Tungasuca.

Upon arriving at Q’eswachaka, located at 3,792 meters above sea level (12,441 feet), you will be amazed by its ancestral straw bridge, a true architectural and cultural jewel of the Incas. Built over the majestic Apurímac River, this bridge requires annual reconstruction, a process that keeps the ancestral tradition alive thanks to the joint work of the farming communities of Chaupibanda, Choccayhua, Ccollana, Quehue, and Huinchiri.

The bridge measures 33 meters long and 1.20 meters wide, and it is made exclusively from Ichu grass, carefully braided by the inhabitants of the Puna region. Each rope is dried in the sun, beaten, flattened, and braided again to ensure the strength of this Inca marvel.

Our visit also includes the caves of Ccarañahui (Q’arañahui), a mystical place where the Incas used to communicate spiritually with their gods. The presence of a mysterious lagoon at the bottom of the cave adds a touch of magic and mystery to the journey, closing this experience with a unique natural and spiritual touch.

At the end of the tour, we return to Cusco in the afternoon, leaving you with memories of a day full of history, culture, and nature. This journey combines adventure, learning, and living traditions, offering a complete vision of the richness of southern Cusco.

The Annual Reconstruction of the Bridge

The Q’eswachaka Bridge requires annual maintenance due to the natural wear of the Ichu grass. Since Inca times, the reconstruction has been carried out over three days (on the second Sunday of June), and on the fourth day it concludes with a folkloric festival full of traditional dances and celebrations, where you can share in the unique traditions of these communities.

An experience that connects history, culture, and nature in a single day.

What is included in the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour?

• Tourist transportation: Cusco – Q’eswachaka – Cusco
• Professional bilingual guide: Spanish and English
• Breakfast at a local restaurant
• Lunch at a local restaurant

Not included:

• Tips for the staff
• Entrance ticket to the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge
• Services or expenses not mentioned

What to Bring for the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour

• Warm clothing and a rain jacket (depending on the season)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera
• Water bottle
• Personal snacks (energy bars, dried fruit, chocolates, cookies)
• Cash (soles and dollars, as there are no ATMs)
• Identity document

Where is the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge located?
The bridge is located in the district of Canas, about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Cusco. It is a unique example of Inca engineering and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site.

What altitude is the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge at?
It is located at 3,792 meters above sea level (12,441 feet) and crosses the Apurímac River.

What is the hike to the bridge like?
The hike is moderate and suitable for most travelers. You will pass through beautiful Andean landscapes, rivers, and small local communities.

Can I cross the bridge?
Yes, all visitors can cross it on foot while learning about the history and tradition of its annual construction.

What is the annual reconstruction of the bridge?
The Q’eswachaka Bridge requires annual maintenance using Ichu grass braided by local communities. It is carried out over three days, and on the fourth day a folkloric festival is held with traditional dances and ceremonies.

Can I take part in the reconstruction ceremony?
If you visit during the second Sunday of June, you will be able to observe and take part in the traditional ceremony together with the local communities.

What level of physical fitness do I need?
No previous trekking experience is required, but it is recommended to have a good level of fitness in order to enjoy the hike and surroundings comfortably.

What documents or tickets do I need?
You will only need your identity document or passport, and the entrance ticket included in the tour.

What clothes should I bring?
Warm clothing, a rain jacket depending on the season, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes private transportation from Cusco to Q’eswachaka and back

Cancellation and Rescheduling Flexibility

At Enjoy Machupicchu Travel, we understand that plans can change.

You may cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before the start of the tour and receive a full refund.

Cancellations made within 48 hours prior to the tour will incur a 100% penalty, with no refund option.

Rescheduling

Rescheduling is possible up to 5 days before the travel date at no additional cost.

This rescheduling policy is valid until December 30, 2026.

Please note that itineraries may be subject to changes due to weather conditions, technical reasons, or other force majeure situations. In the event of any change, Enjoy Machupicchu Travel will contact you in a timely manner to inform you and provide the best possible alternative.