Private Experience Qeswachaka Community & Last Inca Bridge Day Trip From Cusco

The Qeswachaka Community Day Trip from Cusco promises a rare glimpse into the enduring legacy of the Incas. Travelers can witness the traditional construction of the last remaining Inca suspension bridge, learn the intricate art of ichu braiding, and savor authentic Andean cuisine. With transportation, entrance fees, and a locally-prepared lunch included, this full-day excursion offers a personalized, immersive experience that explores the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable region. What secrets might this remote community unveil?

Key Points

• A private day tour to the Qeswachaka community in Cusco, Peru, to experience the last remaining Inca suspension bridge and learn about the region’s cultural traditions.
• The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, a locally-prepared lunch, and a demonstration of the traditional ‘ichu’ braiding technique used to maintain the bridge.
• The full-day excursion allows for immersion in the daily life and customs of the Qeswachaka people, who have preserved the Inca heritage for centuries.
• Guests are welcomed into a local house for a hearty lunch of authentic Andean dishes, and have the opportunity to engage in cultural activities like weaving.
• The experience is highly rated, non-refundable, and likely to sell out, offering a personalized cultural encounter in the Andes.

Overview

This private experience offers travelers a chance to explore the Qeswachaka community and witness the last remaining Inca suspension bridge in Cusco, Peru.

Located just a short drive from Cusco, the tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the traditions and daily life of the Qeswachaka people.

Priced from $274 per person, the full-day excursion includes transportation, entrance fees, and a locally-prepared lunch.

Priced from $274 per person, the full-day excursion includes transportation, entrance fees, and a locally-prepared lunch.

With a 5.0 rating based on 3 reviews, the experience is highly rated among past participants, making it a must-do activity for those seeking a genuine cultural encounter while visiting the Cusco region.

Inclusions

The private experience includes a provided lunch in a local house, a box breakfast, and access to Checacupe and Q’eswachaka, where visitors can witness a demonstration of the traditional ‘ichu’ braiding technique.

Transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle for roundtrip transfer is also included. However, alcoholic beverages and dinner aren’t provided.

Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Confirmation is received at booking, and the tour is likely to sell out.

Note that there are no refunds for cancellations, as the tour is non-refundable.

Pickup Information

Pickup points for the private Qeswachaka Community and Last Inca Bridge Day Trip can be selected from designated locations.

Some hotels have restricted vehicle access, so alternative pickup arrangements may be required.

The tour begins at 5:00 am, ensuring an early start to the day’s activities. Guests are advised to be ready at their chosen pickup point to avoid delays and ensure a smooth start to the excursion.

The private nature of the tour means that only your group will participate, providing a personalized and immersive experience throughout the day.

Exploring the Qeswachaka Community

After an early morning pickup, guests embark on a journey to explore the Qeswachaka community, home to a remarkable Inca bridge that has been meticulously maintained for centuries.

At the bridge site, visitors witness a demonstration of the traditional ‘ichu’ braiding technique used to construct the bridge. They learn about the community’s rich history and the significance of this engineering marvel, a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

The experience provides a unique opportunity to take in the cultural traditions of the Qeswachaka people and appreciate the enduring legacy of the Inca heritage.

Witnessing the Last Inca Bridge Tradition

Upon arriving at the Qeswachaka bridge site, guests witness a captivating demonstration of the traditional ‘ichu’ braiding technique.

Skilled community members skillfully weave the tough, wiry native grass into sturdy ropes, which they then use to painstakingly reconstruct the 600-year-old Inca bridge.

Visitors gain a profound appreciation for this time-honored practice as they observe the intricate process and learn about its cultural significance.

The tour culminates in crossing the newly rebuilt bridge, providing a rare opportunity to experience this remarkable living tradition firsthand.

This unique experience offers a glimpse into the enduring heritage of the Qeswachaka community.

Experiencing the Ichu Braiding Technique

Visitors are captivated as skilled community members demonstrate the intricate ‘ichu’ braiding technique. The process involves:

• Harvesting the long, flexible ichu grass from the nearby highlands

• Carefully selecting and cleaning the strands to ensure quality

• Masterfully weaving the strands together using traditional methods

• Forming strong, durable ropes that will be used to construct the Qeswachaka bridge

The demonstration provides a rare glimpse into this centuries-old tradition, allowing guests to appreciate the craftsmanship and community spirit that sustains this iconic Inca engineering marvel.

Taking in the Local Cuisine and Hospitality

The tour continues as visitors are welcomed into a local house for a hearty lunch prepared by the community.

Guests savor authentic Andean dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The meal offers a chance to immerse in the hospitality of the Qeswachaka people.

Guests savor authentic Andean dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, immersing in the hospitality of the Qeswachaka people.

After lunch, hosts demonstrate traditional weaving techniques, allowing participants to try their hand at the intricate ‘ichu’ braiding.

This intimate cultural exchange provides a unique opportunity to learn about the community’s way of life and culinary traditions firsthand.

The experience leaves a lasting impression of the warmth and generosity of the Qeswachaka people.

The Sum Up

The Private Experience Qeswachaka Community & Last Inca Bridge Day Trip from Cusco offers a unique culture, allowing visitors to witness the preservation of ancient Inca traditions. From the iconic suspension bridge to the intricate ichu braiding, this personalized excursion promises an authentic Andean experience complemented by delicious local cuisine and genuine hospitality.