The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge is a unique wonder that’s captivated travelers for centuries. This day trip from Cusco takes visitors to experience its centuries-old construction firsthand. Travelers can walk across the bridge woven from natural fibers and explore the area’s stunning lagoons and volcanoes. With hotel pickup, bilingual guidance, and tasty meals included, it’s an adventure that offers insights into Inca engineering and the region’s rich history. What will you discover on this captivating journey?
Key Points
- A 12-hour day trip from Cusco to visit the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, a centuries-old structure made of natural fibers, and other historical sites.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, bilingual guide, meals, safety equipment, and entrance fees, but is not suitable for certain health conditions.
- Highlights include visiting four enchanting lagoons, the Pabellones volcano, and the opportunity to walk across the Qeswachaka Bridge.
- The tour also includes a visit to the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe for a historical comparison.
- Recommended items to bring include passport, comfortable shoes, and sun protection, while certain items are prohibited on the tour.
Tour Overview
The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge Day Trip from Cusco is a 12-hour activity that allows visitors to explore the Inca engineering marvel.
Priced at $42.75 per person, the tour is available in Spanish and English. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, meals, safety equipment, and entrance fees. However, it’s not suitable for those with heart problems, fear of heights, vertigo, or epilepsy.
Visitors should bring necessary items like passports, comfortable shoes, and sun protection.
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Highlights of the Itinerary
Early morning sees guests picked up from their hotels in Cusco, kicking off the day’s adventure. The first stops are the four enchanting lagoons, followed by a visit to the Pabellones volcano near Yanaoca. The highlight is the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge spanning the Apurimac River. This engineering marvel is annually renewed by local communities through an offering to Pachamama. Guests have the opportunity to walk across the bridge made of natural vegetable fibers.
| Stop | Location |
| — | — |
| Four Lagoons | – |
| Pabellones Volcano | Yanaoca |
| Qeswachaka Inca Bridge | Apurimac River |
| Colonial Inca Bridge | Checacupe |
The tour concludes with a visit to the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe, allowing guests to compare the two remarkable structures.
Bridge Details
Made of natural vegetable fibers known as ichu, the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge spans the Apurimac River.
The bridge is renovated annually by local communities through a ritual offering to Pachamama, the Mother Earth. During this ceremony, villagers use ropes woven from ichu to rebuild the bridge, ensuring its structural integrity for the coming year.
Visitors have the opportunity to walk across the bridge, experiencing this centuries-old Inca engineering marvel.
The bridge’s remarkable craftsmanship and the community’s dedication to its upkeep make the Qeswachaka a captivating cultural heritage site.
Additional Visits
After visiting the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, the tour also includes a stop at the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe.
This allows travelers to compare the two structures and gain a deeper understanding of Inca engineering and construction techniques.
The Checacupe bridge dates back to the 16th century and provides a fascinating contrast to the annually renewed Qeswachaka.
The Checacupe bridge dates back to the 16th century and provides a fascinating contrast to the annually renewed Qeswachaka.
Guests can explore the historical site, take photos, and learn about the differences between the two iconic Inca bridges.
This additional stop rounds out the experience, offering a more comprehensive look at Inca infrastructure and heritage.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions and Exclusions
The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge day trip includes pickup and drop-off in Cusco’s historic center, a bilingual tour guide, breakfast and lunch, a first aid kit and oxygen bottle, travel insurance, and entrance fees to the National (10 soles) and Foreigner (20 soles) sites.
However, it isn’t suitable for individuals with:
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Heart problems
-
Fear of heights
-
Vertigo
-
Epilepsy
Participants should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.
Smoking, alcohol/drugs, electric wheelchairs, explosive substances, and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle are prohibited.
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Important Information for Travelers
Travelers should come prepared for the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge day trip. Bring a passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Smoking, alcohol/drugs, electric wheelchairs, explosive substances, and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle are prohibited.
| What to Bring | Prohibited Items |
| — | — |
| Passport or ID | Smoking |
| Comfortable shoes | Alcohol/drugs |
| Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen | Electric wheelchairs |
| Comfortable clothes | Explosive substances, alcoholic drinks in vehicle |
Customer Feedback
According to available customer reviews, the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge day trip has an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews.
Experiences seem to vary:
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Some reviewers note issues with booking accuracy and communication.
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Others praise the guide and highlight the unique cultural experience of the Inca bridge.
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A few mention enjoying the scenic stops along the way, like the four lagoons.
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However, a couple reviewers caution the trip may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions or a fear of heights.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Although the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge day trip can be booked directly, travelers have the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility. This policy allows visitors to book with confidence and adjust their plans if needed.
The tour is priced at $42.75 per person, a 5% discount from the original $45.
With pickup and drop-off in Cusco’s historic center, multilingual guides, and all necessary inclusions, the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge day trip provides a convenient and customizable experience.
Since You Asked
Is the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge Wheelchair Accessible?
The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge is not wheelchair accessible. The tour provider notes it’s not suitable for individuals with "electric wheelchairs" due to the bridge’s construction and environment.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Day Trip?
No, pets are not allowed on the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge day trip. The tour information states that prohibited items include explosive substances and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle, indicating pets would also not be permitted.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan meal options are available on the tour. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, and the tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour provider offers private options that allow groups to have a more personalized experience with flexibility in the itinerary and schedule.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can inquire about longer tour options with the tour provider. Customized tour lengths may be available for an additional fee, depending on the specific requirements.
The Sum Up
This captivating day trip from Cusco takes visitors to the remarkable Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, woven from natural fibers. Travelers can explore picturesque lagoons, the Pabellones volcano, and compare the Inca bridge to the colonial Checacupe bridge. With hotel pickup, bilingual guidance, and delicious meals, this unique adventure offers insights into Inca engineering and a chance to walk across the centuries-old bridge.
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