The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge remains the last of its kind, a testament to the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization. This one-day tour invites travelers to witness the annual ritual of its maintenance, offering a unique window into the cultural traditions that have sustained this iconic structure for centuries. From Cusco, the journey unfolds, unveiling scenic landscapes and colonial landmarks before culminating in the breathtaking crossing over the bridge woven from Ichu, a local vegetable fiber. What secrets does this ancient marvel hold?
Good To Know
- The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge is a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved example of Inca engineering and cultural significance.
- The one-day tour, costing between $65.00 and $61.75 per person, includes hotel pickup, transportation, meals, and a bilingual guide.
- The tour features a nearly two-hour journey through the south of Cusco, visiting four lagoons and a small volcano near Yanaoca.
- The tour allows for flexibility, with a 24-hour cancellation policy and a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option.
- Visitors can compare the features of the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge with the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe during the return journey.
Overview of the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge Tour
The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the last surviving examples of the Inca’s remarkable engineering prowess.
Lasting just one day, the tour costs between $65.00 and $61.75 per person. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without paying upfront.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and emergency supplies. Visitors will cross the bridge made of vegetable fiber, learn about its cultural significance, and compare it to the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe on the return to Cusco.
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Duration and Pricing of the Tour
Although the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge tour lasts just one day, it offers excellent value for money.
The tour costs from $65.00 to $61.75 per person, with up to 5% savings available. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour costs from $65.00 to $61.75 per person, with up to 5% savings available. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The early morning pick-up at 5:00 a.m. kickstarts a nearly two-hour journey through Cusco’s south, culminating in crossing the iconic Inca bridge.
With inclusions like hotel pick-up, transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and first aid, it’s a comprehensive experience at a reasonable price.
Free Cancellation and Reserve Now & Pay Later
One of the best features of the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge tour is its flexible cancellation policy.
Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. This allows them to make last-minute changes without penalty, providing peace of mind when planning their trip.
Plus, the tour offers a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, where visitors can secure their spot without paying upfront.
This convenient booking method enables travelers to finalize their itinerary and payment at a later time, adding flexibility to the overall experience.
Itinerary Highlights of the Tour
The tour kicks off with an early morning pickup at 5:00 a.m. from your hotel, setting the stage for a day of exploration.
After a nearly two-hour drive through the south of Cusco, the group will visit four lagoons and a small volcano near Yanaoca.
The highlight of the day is crossing the Inca bridge made of vegetable fiber (Ichu) over the Apurimac River.
Annually, local communities perform maintenance and renovation on the bridge, preserving this cultural heritage.
Afterward, the tour will visit the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe, allowing participants to compare the two unique structures.
More Great Tours NearbyCultural Significance of the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge
The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge dates back to the Inca era, a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of this ancient civilization.
Local communities perform offerings to Pachamama, the Mother Earth, before the annual bridge renovations, a ritual that preserves cultural traditions.
Crossing the bridge is considered a challenge, allowing visitors to experience the Incas’ impressive engineering feats.
The bridge’s construction from vegetable fiber (Ichu) is particularly noteworthy, showcasing the Incas’ mastery of natural materials.
The Incas’ mastery of natural materials is showcased in the Qeswachaka Bridge’s construction from the vegetable fiber, Ichu.
Visitors can explore the bridge from both sides, gaining a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance within the Andean region.
Return Journey and Comparisons
After visiting the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, the tour then takes visitors to explore the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe on the way back to Cusco. This provides an opportunity to compare and contrast the features of both bridges. The tour concludes in Cusco at approximately 5 p.m.
| Feature | Qeswachaka Inca Bridge | Checacupe Inca Bridge |
| — | — | — |
| Construction | Woven vegetable fiber (Ichu) | Stone |
| Age | Inca era | Colonial era |
| Location | Across the Apurimac River | Across the Vilcanota River |
| Maintenance | Annual renewal by local communities | Under government supervision |
Inclusions and Additional Costs
The tour package includes hotel pick-up, round trip transportation, a bilingual guide, breakfast, lunch, a first aid kit, and oxygen.
The tour package offers a convenient experience with hotel pick-up, transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and essential medical supplies.
Additional expenses not covered in the tour price include:
-
Travel insurance
-
Entrance fee to the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge
-
Dinner
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, allowing them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour also offers a reserve now and pay later option, enabling visitors to secure their spot without any upfront payment.
Tour Pickup and Concluding Times
An early morning pick-up at 5:00 a.m. from your hotel kicks off this one-day adventure to the renowned Qeswachaka Inca Bridge. The journey takes nearly two hours through the south of Cusco, before visiting four lagoons and a small volcano near Yanaoca. After crossing the iconic Inca bridge made of vegetable fiber, the tour concludes back in Cusco around 5 p.m. This allows time to visit the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe on the return trip, providing a chance to compare the two historic structures.
| Pickup Time | The Sum Up Time |
| — | — |
| 5:00 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Duration | Nearly 2 hours each way |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, the inclusions indicate it’s a private tour, likely accommodating a small group for a personalized experience.
Is This Tour Suitable for Travelers With Mobility Issues?
The tour may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues. Crossing the Inca bridge requires navigating uneven terrain and traversing a suspension bridge made of vegetable fiber, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Interests?
Customers can customize the tour itinerary to suit their interests. Tour operators are typically willing to accommodate requests, such as visiting additional sites or adjusting the schedule, within the overall tour duration and logistics.
What Type of Footwear Is Recommended for the Bridge Crossing?
For the bridge crossing, sturdy hiking boots or trekking shoes with good traction are recommended. The bridge’s natural fiber construction can be slippery, so appropriate footwear is essential for safely navigating the historic structure.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parents should exercise caution when crossing the bridge as it can be challenging for younger kids.
The Sum Up
The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge tour offers a unique opportunity to experience ancient Inca engineering and cultural traditions. Travelers will cross the iconic bridge, visit scenic lagoons, and learn about the annual maintenance rituals performed by local communities. This one-day excursion from Cusco promises an enriching understanding of Inca heritage and a breathtaking journey through the Andean landscape.
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