Experience the adrenaline and history of crossing the last remaining Inca rope bridge in the world. Suspended 33 meters (118 ft) above the raging Apurimac River, the Q’eswachaka Bridge is not a ruin it is living history. While other Inca bridges vanished centuries ago, this masterpiece of engineering has survived for over 500 years thanks to a continuous tradition. Every year, local communities gather to rebuild it entirely by hand using Ichu (Andean grass), preserving the ancient techniques of the Great Inca Road (Qhapaq Ñan).
Overview
Experience the best of the last and the only remaining Inca rope bridge, Q’eswachaka on this full day Qeswachaka Bridge Tour from Cusco. Accompanied by our local tour guide, you will not only visit the bridge but also learn about the traditions and culture that has been preserved for centuries.
Qeswachaka or Keshwa chaca is a combination of two Quechua words where Keshwa means rope and Chaca means braid. As Qeswachaka Inca bridge is primarily built of braiding ropes, it is named after the way it is built.
During the Inca civilization, they built the great Inca road system or Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail) to facilitate travel within the Inca empire. In places where they could not build roadways due to geographical challenges, they built suspension bridges.
Qeswachaka Inca bridge is suspended above the Apurímac river in the province of Canas in Southern Cusco. It is 33 metres long and 1.20 meters wide. Every year, in June, people from the four neighboring communities gather to renew the bridge and connect the two sides of the Apurimac River.
It is a four day event that is telecasted by BBC and NOVA. In 2009, the government of Peru recognised the bridge as a national heritage site.
Q’eswachaka Bridge Tour: Full day
05:00 AM | Departure & The Circuit of the Four Lagoons
Your exclusive Q’eswachaka Rope Bridge Tour begins with a personalized pickup from your hotel. We leave the city behind and venture into the fertile Southern Valley of Cusco. As the sun rises over the Andes, we enter the province of Acomayo to explore the majestic Circuit of Four Lagoons:
- Pomacanchi: The largest of all, teeming with native birds and totora reeds.
- Acopia: A jewel nestled next to a traditional village with deep cultural roots.
- Asnaqocha & Pampamarca: High-altitude lakes known for their mirror-like reflections.
The Premium Touch: Unlike standard tours, we stop at a scenic spot by the water to enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast prepared by our team, allowing you to soak in the silence and beauty of the Andes.
10:30 AM | Descent into the Apurimac Canyon
The landscape changes dramatically as we begin our descent down the winding road into the steep Apurimac Canyon. The views here are breathtaking. At the bottom, roaring with energy, lies the turquoise Apurimac River, and suspended above it: the Q’eswachaka Bridge (3,700m / 12,139 ft).
The Main Event: Crossing the Last Inca Bridge
This is not just a sightseeing stop; it is an immersion into engineering history.
- The Engineering: Before crossing, your expert guide will explain the Minka tradition—how local families braid thousands of Ichu grass fibers to create cables strong enough to hold tons of weight.
- The Crossing: With our guide’s safety instructions, you will step onto the woven grass structure. Feel the adrenaline as the bridge sways gently with your steps and the river rushes 33 meters below. It is a visceral connection to the Inca ancestors who walked this same path centuries ago.
- Photography: You will have ample time to explore the stone foundations, take photos from both sides of the canyon, and interact with the local bridge keepers.
01:30 PM | Authentic Andean Lunch & Return
After the thrill of the crossing, we relax with a wholesome buffet lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients (trout, quinoa, potatoes, and more) in a location with panoramic views. We then begin our comfortable drive back to Cusco, taking a scenic route through the highlands, aiming to drop you off at your hotel door around 06:00 PM, filled with memories of the real Peru.
Inclusions
- Private / Semi-Private Transportation: A modern, spacious vehicle (Mercedes Sprinter or similar) ensuring a comfortable ride through the winding Andean roads.
- Specialized Guide: An English-speaking guide with deep knowledge of Inca engineering, local anthropology, and the Quechua traditions of the Canas province.
- Full Admission Tickets: Entrance fees to the Q’eswachaka Bridge and direct contribution to the local community for bridge maintenance.
- Scenic Picnic Breakfast: A hot breakfast served outdoors with views of the Pomacanchi lagoon (part of the route).
- Buffet Lunch: A wholesome lunch featuring fresh local products (quinoa, trout, potatoes) in a local restaurant. Vegetarian/Vegan options available upon request.
- Safety Equipment: First Aid Kit and a full oxygen tank (O2) available at all times for altitude support.
- Walking Sticks: Optional trekking poles provided for the walk down to the canyon if needed.
- Travel Insurance: Recommended for all outdoor activities in Peru.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs or handicrafts sold by the local community members.
- Tips: Gratuities for your guide and driver (discretionary).
- Dinner: The tour ends in Cusco around 6:00 PM.
Packing list
Essential Packing List for the Q’eswachaka Bridge Tour
To ensure your comfort during this full-day adventure at 3,700 meters (12,139 ft), we recommend bringing a small daypack with the following items:
- Valid Passport or ID: Essential for checkpoints and entrance control.
- Sturdy Walking Shoes: Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip are highly recommended for stability when crossing the woven rope bridge.
- Clothing Layers: The Andean weather is unpredictable.
- A warm jacket or fleece for the early morning departure (05:00 AM).
- Light clothing (T-shirt/long sleeves) for the sunny midday.
- A windbreaker or rain poncho (essential during the rainy season: Jan-March).
- Sun Protection: The UV radiation is high in the Apurimac Canyon. Bring a sun hat, high-quality sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 50+).
- Hydration & Snacks: A reusable water bottle (we support eco-friendly tourism) and extra energy snacks like nuts or chocolate.
- Peruvian Cash (Soles): Small denominations are necessary for using local toilets, buying unique handicrafts from the Quechua communities, or tipping your staff.
- Personal Meds: Motion sickness pills are recommended for the winding roads leading down to the canyon, and any personal medication for altitude.
- Camera & Power Bank: You will want to capture the Four Lagoons and the bridge crossing without running out of battery.
Pricing
Small Group Tour (Personalized Experience) :
2 -3 People – 120US$ Per person
4+ People – 110US$ Per person
Children/students 100US$ Per person
Exclusive Private Tour:
2 -3 People – 160US$ Per person
4+ People – 150US$ Per person
Children/students 140US$ Per person
Frequently Asked Questions
The Qeswachaka Bridge is located in the district of Quehue, province of Canas, in the Cusco region of Peru, hanging over the dramatic Apurímac River canyon. It sits at an altitude of about 3,700 meters (12,140 ft) above sea level, surrounded by scenic Andean landscapes with mountains, valleys, and nearby lagoons.
To reach it, most tours take a 3–4 hour drive from Cusco, passing through picturesque Andean villages and rural communities that preserve centuries old traditions.
Yes, absolutely. The braiding technique creates cables with a tensile strength comparable to steel for this span. It is completely rebuilt every year in June, ensuring the fibers are fresh and strong.
Yes, it is a suspension bridge, so movement is natural. It adds to the thrill! However, there are handrails on both sides, and our guide will help you cross safely.
Of course. Crossing is optional. The views from the canyon edge are spectacular, and you can see the intricate knots and structure without stepping on it.
The bridge is accessible year round. However, the “newest” bridge is available right after the renovation festival in the second week of June.
Yes. Visitors usually have the chance to walk across the Qeswachaka Bridge if weather conditions are safe and the guide authorizes it. Crossing the handwoven rope bridge is an unforgettable experience you’ll feel a gentle sway and hear the creaking of the ropes as you move along.
Although it might feel thrilling, the bridge is safe thanks to its annual reconstruction by local communities. Guides provide tips for a comfortable crossing, such as walking slowly, keeping your balance, and holding onto the side ropes.
The tour is considered easy to moderate and is suitable for most travelers. The journey mainly involves a comfortable drive from Cusco, followed by short and gentle hikes with some moderate ascents or descents near the bridge.
No advanced hiking experience is needed, but wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes and sun protection is recommended. Travelers who aren’t used to high altitude may prefer to walk slowly to avoid fatigue.
The best time to visit is during the dry season (April to November), when the weather is clear, roads are in better condition, and panoramic views are spectacular for photography.
During the rainy season (November to March), trails can become muddy and slippery, fog may reduce visibility, and rivers run higher, making travel less comfortable. However, the surrounding landscape is greener and more lush at this time.
Yes. Although the hike itself is not strenuous, the Qeswachaka Bridge sits at 3,700 m (12,140 ft), which can affect visitors not accustomed to high elevations. It’s best to spend one or two days acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Stay well hydrated, eat light meals, avoid alcohol, and engage in light activities during acclimatization. Drinking coca tea, a traditional local remedy, can also help with mild altitude discomfort.
