Inca Bridge Qeswachaka the Last Surviving Inca Bridge 1 Day

The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge stands as a remarkable testament to the engineering prowess and cultural resilience of the Inca civilization. This one-day tour offers travelers a rare opportunity to witness the annual renewal ceremony, where local communities come together to rebuild the bridge using traditional techniques. As they cross the bridge, visitors can enjoy the vibrant rituals and breathtaking scenery that have captivated generations. What secrets does this last surviving Inca bridge hold, waiting to be unveiled?

Key Points

• The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge is the last surviving Inca bridge, located in Peru, and can be visited on a 12-hour one-day tour.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and first aid, with an additional cost for the entrance fee to the bridge.
• Visitors can witness the annual renewal ceremony where the local community gathers to replace the worn sections of the bridge with new ropes woven from ichu grass.
• The tour also includes stops at four lagoons and the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe, providing a comprehensive cultural and natural experience.
• Feedback on the tour focuses on the comfort of transportation and time management at the stops, with recommendations for improving overall service quality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge Tour

The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of the last surviving Inca bridges. This one-day tour lasts approximately 12 hours and costs between $52-$65 per person.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay later option are available. The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and first aid.

Visitors can cross the bridge from both sides and witness the annual renewal ceremony by local communities. Reviews praise the destination’s beauty but criticize transportation comfort and time management at stops.

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with a pickup from the hotel at 5:00 a.m., followed by a two-hour journey to the four lagoons. Along the way, visitors will stop to explore the Pabellones volcano near Yanaoca. The highlight of the day is the arrival at the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge over the Apurimac River. Here, guests can witness the annual renovation ceremony by local communities, who offer tributes to Pachamama. Visitors have the opportunity to cross the bridge from both sides, before returning to Cusco with a stop at the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe.

| Itinerary | Duration | Activity |

| — | — | — |

| 5:00 AM | 2 hours | Travel to four lagoons |

| Pabellones Volcano | – | Exploration near Yanaoca |

| Qeswachaka Inca Bridge | – | Witness annual renewal ceremony |

| Checacupe | – | Visit colonial Inca bridge |

| 5:00 PM | – | Tour ends in Cusco |

Inclusions and Additional Costs

The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, breakfast, lunch, a first aid kit, and oxygen. These inclusions ensure a seamless and well-supported experience for visitors.

However, there are some additional costs not covered in the tour price. Travelers must pay the entrance fee to access the Qeswachaka bridge. Travel insurance is also recommended but not included. Dinner is another expense as it isn’t provided.

Important Information and Recommendations

When visiting the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, travelers should remember to bring their passport or ID card and sunscreen. The tour starts early, so checking availability for starting times is recommended. The tour includes several activities, so it’s best to be prepared for the long day.

| What to Bring | Tips |

| — | — |

| Passport or ID | Check tour availability |

| Sunscreen | Prepare for a full day |

The tour offers a unique chance to see the last surviving Inca bridge, with an annual renovation by local communities. Visitors can cross the bridge from both sides, making this a memorable experience.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

According to the available customer reviews, the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge tour has received an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the tour’s beautiful destination and informative guide. However, some customers criticized the transportation comfort and time management during stops.

To enhance the overall experience, the following recommendations have been provided:

• Improve transportation comfort for a more enjoyable journey

• Optimize time management during stops to allow for a less rushed experience

• Enhance tour pacing to provide a more relaxed and immersive exploration

• Address concerns regarding the condition of some tour amenities

• Ensure consistent high-quality service across all aspects of the tour

Exploring the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge

As one approaches the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, the sheer grandeur of this remarkable structure immediately captivates the senses.

Constructed entirely of woven grass and natural fibers, the bridge spans the mighty Apurimac River, a testament to the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.

Crossing the bridge offers a thrilling experience, with each step revealing the intricate craftsmanship and the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Annually, the local communities gather to renew the bridge, honoring the Pachamama, or Mother Earth, through offerings and rituals.

This centuries-old tradition preserves the legacy of the Inca, allowing visitors to connect with Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

The Annual Renovation Ceremony

The local communities of the Qeswachaka region gather annually to renew the iconic Inca bridge, a ritual that preserves the legacy of their ancestors.

This time-honored tradition involves:

• Weaving new ropes from ichu grass to replace the worn sections of the bridge

• Offering coca leaves, flowers, and chicha (corn beer) to Pachamama, the Andean earth goddess, as an act of reverence

• Ceremonial dances and music to honor the bridge’s spiritual significance

• Participation from all community members, from elders to children

• A shared commitment to maintaining this ancient engineering marvel for future generations.

Connecting With the Inca Heritage

One of the most captivating aspects of the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge tour is the opportunity to connect with the rich Inca heritage. As visitors cross the bridge, they can feel the history and reverence of the Inca people who built this remarkable structure centuries ago. The annual renovation ceremony, where local communities gather to maintain the bridge, further enhances this connection. Visitors can witness the traditions, rituals, and offerings to Pachamama, the Inca Earth Mother, fostering a deeper understanding of the enduring Inca culture.

| Experience | Description |

| — | — |

| Crossing the Bridge | Walk across the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, the last surviving Inca suspension bridge. |

| Witnessing Renovation | Observe the annual renewal ceremony performed by local communities. |

| Connecting with Tradition | Understand the significance of the Inca rituals and offerings to Pachamama. |

| Taking in History | Gain insights into the engineering feats and cultural importance of the Inca bridge. |

| Appreciating Endurance | Marvel at the resilience of the Inca heritage, preserved through generations. |

Since You Asked

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Inca Bridge?

The best time to visit the Inca Bridge is during the dry season, typically from May to September. This ensures optimal weather conditions and makes crossing the bridge more accessible for travelers.

Can I Take Photos During the Renovation Ceremony?

Yes, you can take photos during the annual renovation ceremony at the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge. The local communities welcome visitors to observe and photograph the traditional ceremony and offerings to Pachamama, the Inca earth goddess.

Are There Any Age or Physical Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no age or physical requirements, but it involves walking over a narrow suspension bridge. Travelers should be in good physical condition to safely cross the bridge. There are no special accommodations for children or those with mobility issues.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Multiple Days?

The tour is offered as a one-day experience, but there’s no option to extend it to multiple days. Visitors must inquire with the tour operator for any customization or additional activities beyond the standard itinerary.

Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional activities. Travelers can work with the tour operator to add optional excursions or extend the tour duration to experience more of the local culture and natural surroundings.

The Sum Up

Witnessing the annual renewal of the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge is a unique opportunity to experience Peru’s enduring cultural heritage. Travelers can cross the bridge, observe the traditional ceremonies, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes surrounding this iconic landmark. This one-day tour offers a captivating glimpse into the ingenious engineering and resilient traditions that have sustained the Inca’s legacy for centuries.

You can check availability for your dates here: