Amid the mountains of southern Peru, the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka stretches across the Apurímac River as a living relic of Incan ingenuity. Made entirely of ichu, a natural fiber from the high Andean grasslands, this bridge connects not only two shores but also the past and present of Andean culture.
Each year, farming communities from the province of Canas come together to rebuild it in a ceremony that blends labor, faith, and ancestral heritage. More than just a structure, is a symbol of identity and cultural resilience.
The Inca Bridge Qeswachaka: Meaning, Tradition, and Living Culture
As we know the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka is part of the ancient road system known as the Qhapaq Ñan, the vast network of Inca trails that connected the Tahuantinsuyo empire. Its name comes from Quechua: “Q’eswa” (braided rope) and “Chaka” (bridge). The tradition of rebuilding it has been preserved for over 500 years, passed down from generation to generation.
Over the course of four days, the communities of Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Ccollana Quehue, and Choccayhua take part in a great minga—a communal work effort—accompanied by rituals, music, and dances that pay tribute to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
The Route of the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka
Visiting the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka is much more than a tourist journey—it’s a connection to the living history of the Andean people. Each braided fiber tells a story of unity, respect, and tradition. If you travel to Cusco, don’t miss the opportunity to discover this unique cultural heritage and feel the strength of the Inca legacy beneath your feet.
Location and Altitude of the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka
It is located over the Apurímac River, in the district of Quehue, province of Canas, in the Cusco region.
This is an Andean corner of spectacular landscapes, where the mountains embrace the river and history seems to keep beating in every stone along the path.
Distance from Cusco
From the city of Cusco, the journey covers about 110 kilometers to the south, approximately a 3.5-hour drive by road.
Along the way, travelers pass through traditional towns such as Combapata, Yanaoca, and Quehue, where visitors can experience rural life, local markets, and the warmth of the Quechua people.
Altitude of the Qeswachaka Bridge
The bridge is located at 3,700 meters above sea level (12,139 feet).
The climate is cool and dry, typical of the Cusqueñan puna, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) depending on the time of day.
The altitude is moderate, so most visitors adapt easily.
Landscape and Natural Surroundings
The surroundings of the Bridge Qeswachaka are a spectacle in themselves.
Mountains, canyons, and ichu grasslands stretch out around it, home to alpacas, vicuñas, and Andean birds.
The Apurímac River—whose name means “the speaking god”—flows powerfully beneath the bridge, adding drama to this ancestral setting.
From natural viewpoints, you can enjoy an impressive view of the suspended bridge, which seems to float between the mountains.
Every fiber, every braid, and every knot tells a story that has endured for centuries.
What to Bring to the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka
- Warm and lightweight clothing (the weather changes quickly)
- Hat or cap, sunscreen, and UV-protection sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera or drone (check local permit requirements)
- Water and light snacks
- Cash (local entrance fee: S/ 10)
- ID or passport
- Respect for tradition and silence during rituals if visiting during the renewal ceremony
The Annual Renewal of the Inca Bridge
Each June, the communities of Quehue celebrate the renewal of the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka in a four-day ceremony:
Day 1: Ichu grass is selected and cut to make the ropes.
Day 2: The master ropes, known as q’eswas, begin to be braided.
Day 3: The community members replace the old bridge under the guidance of the chakaruhac (master builders).
Day 4: A great celebration is held to give thanks to Pachamama, with music, dancing, and traditional food.
This celebration not only renews a physical structure, but also strengthens social ties and preserves a centuries-old cultural legacy.spirituales del pueblo quechua.
Verlo en vivo es presenciar
Frequently Asked Questions about the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka
Where is the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka located?
The Inca Bridge Qeswachaka is located over the Apurímac River, in the district of Quehue, province of Canas, Cusco region. It lies about 110 kilometers south of the city of Cusco at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level.
What does Qeswachaka mean?
The name Qeswachaka comes from the Quechua language: “Qeswa” means “to braid or weave with ropes,” and “Chaka” means “bridge.” Together, it means “woven bridge,” reflecting the ancestral Inca technique used to build it.
When is the renewal of the Qeswachaka Bridge celebrated?
The renewal of the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka is held every year in the month of June. During four days, the communities of Quehue rebuild the bridge using ichu (Andean grass) in a traditional ritual recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
What is the altitude of the Qeswachaka Bridge?
The bridge is located at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters above sea level (12,139 feet). The weather is cool and dry, typical of the Andean highlands.
How to get to Qeswachaka Bridge from Cusco?
From the city of Cusco, the trip to the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka takes around 3 and a half hours by road, passing through the towns of Combapata, Yanaoca, and Quehue. You can also visit it through a guided tour that includes transportation, guide, breakfast, and lunch.
How much is the entrance fee to Qeswachaka Bridge?
The local entrance fee to the Inca Bridge Qeswachaka is approximately S/ 10 soles per person. It is recommended to bring cash, as there are no ATMs in the area.
What is the best time to visit the Qeswachaka Bridge?
The best season to visit the Qeswachaka Bridge is between April and October, during the dry season. If you travel in June, you can witness the bridge reconstruction ceremony, a unique cultural experience.
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