The Queshuachaca, also known as Qeswachaqa or Keshwa Chaca, is the last Inca rope bridge in the world. It is made of ichu, a grass species that grows in the upper region of the Andes mountains. The bridge is located at 3700 meters (12139 feet) above sea level. It is 28 meters (91 ft) long and 1.20 meters (3.9 ft) wide. Together with the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the Queshuachaca bridge is one of the best preserved sections of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan.
The Qhapaq Ñan was an extensive road system that covered most of the Inca Empire. These Inca roads were built to connect the population centers scattered around the Andes mountains. The construction of the Qhapaq Ñan began under the reign of Inca Pachacutec, during the mid XV century.
After the Spanish conquest of Peru, some sections of the Qhapaq Ñan were still used by the colonial government. However, with the passage of time, most of the road system slowly disappeared. Nowadays, the Queshuachaca is the last remaining Inca bridge of the Qhapaq Ñan.
The Queshuachaca Inca bridge crosses the Apurímac river. It managed to survive thanks to the efforts of the nearby Andean communities of Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Ccollana Quehue and Choccayhua. These communities gather each June to restore and rebuild the bridge. The renovation process is accompanied by traditional rituals and festivals that last for 4 days. Building the bridge has a cultural and historical importance for these Andean communities.
The bridge construction is a laborious process. First, the local communities gathered the ichu, which is later used to create small ropes. These ropes are combined into larger wires, which are used to connect two stone pillars located at both sides of the bridge. This ancient technology allowed the Incas to cross the Apurimac river and other geological features of the Andes.
It is recommended to visit the Queshuachaca Inca bridge during the dry season, between April and October. During the rainy season, the roads become slippery, and much of the landscapes are covered in mist and rain.
At Sanvil Turismo we offer the best travel packages in the Cusco region. Our tour guides are professionals authorized by the local government to guide treks and tours in the region. They are experts in the history and traditions of each destination you will be visiting. Our tours combine travel and exploration to the most beautiful attractions in Cusco.
We also offer tours to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Inca Trail, the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, and the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a unique vacation in Peru with us and explore the land of the Incas.
Your Hotel in Cusco City
6:00 am
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 am. Then, we will go on our private vehicle to the Canas province. We will be driving through the beautiful South Valley of Cusco, a place that is often overlooked in most tours. We will stop at different points of the route to appreciate the Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnacocha, and Pampamarca lagoons.
Once we arrive at the trailhead to Queshuachaca, we will leave our vehicle and then walk to this ancient Inca bridge. You will have the chance to cross the bridge and see first-hand its intricate structure. After exploring the Queshuachaca bridge, we will stop to have lunch.
Then, we will visit the mysterious Ccarañahui caverns, located at 3900 meters (12795 feet) above sea level. This place is famous for its stalagmites and stalactites, which have the shapes of animals such as condors and pumas.
Finally, we will return to the city of Cusco, where we will be arriving around 5:00 pm.
