Setting out on a private excursion to the Inca Bridge of Queswachaka offers travelers a chance to enjoy Peru’s rich cultural heritage. This unique tour not only showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of the region but also provides an opportunity to witness the annual renewal ritual of this marvel of Inca engineering. With comfortable transportation, delectable meals, and expert guidance, participants can expect an unforgettable experience that delves into the vibrant traditions of the local community. Intrigued? Let’s explore further the details of this captivating journey.

Contents show

Key Points

Private tour of the Queswachaka Bridge, an Inca engineering marvel, with culture and participation in the annual renewal ritual.
Early morning departure from Cusco to visit lagoons and a volcano, culminating in the highlight of crossing the iconic Queswachaka Bridge.
Opportunity to witness the local community’s offering to Pachamama, showcasing their deep connection to the land and enduring traditions.
Comfortable round-trip transportation, professional English and Spanish-speaking guide, and provided meals to enhance the overall experience.
Awareness of additional costs, such as entrance fees and travel insurance, for comprehensive trip planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This excursion offers a private tour to the iconic Inca Bridge of Queswachaka. Priced at $250 per person, the 1-day adventure departs Cusco between 4:30-5:00 AM.

Travelers will journey south, exploring lagoons and a small volcano before reaching the Qeswachaka Bridge. Here, they’ll cross the bridge made of woven ichu grass and observe the annual renewal ritual by local communities.

Travelers journey south, exploring lagoons and a small volcano before reaching the Qeswachaka Bridge. They’ll cross the bridge and observe the annual renewal ritual.

The tour also visits the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe for comparison. Comfortable round-trip transportation, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, meals, and safety equipment are included.

Entrance fees and travel insurance are additional costs.

Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Cusco

Itinerary Highlights

After an early hotel pick-up between 4:30 and 5:00 AM, the tour travels south of Cusco, visiting four lagoons and the small volcano of Pabellones near Yanaoca.

The main highlight is the visit to the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, made of vegetal fiber (Ichu), over the Apurímac River.

Guests will have the opportunity to:

Cross the Inca bridge and observe the annual renovation ritual by local communities.
Explore the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe to compare with Qeswachaka.
Witness the offering to Pachamama, reflecting local customs and respect for nature.

Cultural Significance

The Qeswachaka Bridge dates back to the Inca era, reflecting the ingenuity and cultural significance of this iconic structure.

The annual renovation ritual by local communities involves an offering to Pachamama, showcasing their respect for nature and enduring traditions. This ritual symbolizes the community’s connection to the land and their commitment to preserving this historic landmark.

The bridge’s construction from vegetal fiber, or Ichu, exemplifies the Inca’s mastery of engineering and their deep understanding of the natural environment.

Visiting the Qeswachaka Bridge offers a unique opportunity to witness the living history and cultural heritage of the region.

Inclusions

The tour includes comfortable round-trip transportation to Cusco, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for participants.

Accompanying the group is a professional guide fluent in English and Spanish, providing in-depth commentary and insights throughout the day.

Meals are also included, with breakfast and lunch served to fuel the adventurous spirit.

The tour also provides a first aid kit and oxygen, ensuring the safety and well-being of all travelers.

With these thoughtful inclusions, participants can focus on seeing the cultural richness of the Inca Bridge of Queswachaka.

More Great Tours Nearby

Additional Costs

While the tour includes many amenities, there are additional costs travelers should be aware of. Entrance fees to the National site are 10 soles, while foreign visitors pay 20 soles. Plus, travel insurance and any extra expenses not mentioned in the itinerary will be the responsibility of the traveler. To provide more detail, here is a table outlining the additional costs:

| Fee | Peruvian Citizen | Foreign Visitor |

| ——————— | —————- | —————- |

| National Site Entrance| 10 soles | 20 soles |

| Travel Insurance | Varies | Varies |

| Extra Expenses | Varies | Varies |

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Hotel Pick-up and Transportation

One aspect of the excursion is the hotel pick-up and transportation. The tour provides comfortable round-trip transportation from Cusco, with pickup between 4:30 and 5:00 AM. This allows participants to start the day’s activities as early as possible.

The transportation is included in the tour price and is handled by the tour operator. Key features of the transportation include:

Private vehicle for the group
Experienced driver familiar with the route
Pickup from centrally located Cusco hotels

This convenient transportation ensures a smooth and efficient start to the day’s adventure.

Visiting the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge

After the early morning hotel pickup, the tour travels south of Cusco, passing through four lagoons and the small volcano of Pabellones near Yanaoca, before arriving at the main destination – the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge.

This ancient bridge, dating back to the Inca era, spans the Apurímac River. Visitors have the opportunity to cross the bridge, made of woven vegetation, and observe the annual renewal ritual performed by local communities.

The bridge’s cultural significance reflects the Inca’s respect for nature and their traditions, which are still honored today.

Comparing the Inca Bridges

The tour also includes a visit to the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe, allowing visitors to compare and contrast it with the iconic Qeswachaka Bridge.

This provides a unique opportunity to:

Examine the architectural differences between the bridges, as Checacupe is built with stone while Qeswachaka is made of woven grass and fiber.
Observe the annual renewal ceremony at Qeswachaka, a centuries-old tradition that’s still practiced by the local communities.
Gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and engineering feats of the Inca Empire, as evidenced by these remarkable structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The best time to visit the Inca Bridge of Queswachaka is during the dry season from May to October. This allows for optimal viewing of the annual renewal ceremony and crossing the bridge without the risk of heavy rain.

How Physically Demanding Is the Hike to the Inca Bridge?

The hike to the Inca Bridge of Queswachaka is moderately challenging, with a gradual ascent. It’s not overly strenuous, but visitors should be in reasonably good physical condition and wear proper hiking footwear to navigate the terrain comfortably.

Can I Take Photos of the Annual Renovation Ritual?

Yes, participants can take photos of the annual renovation ritual at the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge. The tour includes an opportunity to observe this cultural event, and photography is generally permitted during the ritual.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour has no age or fitness restrictions, as it’s suitable for all ability levels. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and the guide can adjust the pace to accommodate participants. Children are welcome, and discounts may be available.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour to Visit Other Inca Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit other Inca sites in the area. Travelers can discuss adding stops at sites like Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley with the tour operator before booking the excursion.

The Sum Up

This private excursion to the Inca Bridge of Queswachaka offers a unique opportunity to experience the cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of Peru. Travelers will explore lagoons, witness the annual renewal ritual, and gain insights from a professional guide, all while immersed in the vibrant traditions of the local community. With comfortable transportation and included meals, this tour provides a memorable and enriching way to discover the wonders of the Andes.