$120 USD
Per person
Qeswachaca Bridge Tour
Discover one of the most extraordinary living traditions of the Inca world with this unforgettable journey to the Qeswachaka Bridge, the last remaining Inca rope bridge still preserved using ancient techniques.
For more than 600 years, local Andean communities have rebuilt this remarkable bridge every year using ichu grass (Peruvian feather grass), just as their ancestors did during the Inca Empire. Over 800 community members come together during a four-day ritual to dismantle the old bridge and weave a new one entirely by hand.
During this full-day experience, you will travel south of Cusco to the small village of Quehue, where this historic bridge spans the dramatic canyon of the Apurímac River. Stretching about 30 meters (98 ft) across the gorge, the bridge offers visitors the unique opportunity to walk across a true piece of living Inca engineering.
If you visit during the annual renewal festival in June, you will witness one of the most fascinating cultural traditions in the Andes. Local communities gather to perform ancient rituals, rebuild the bridge using traditional techniques, and celebrate with music, dance, and traditional ceremonies. This incredible event has been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The journey also includes a scenic visit to the beautiful Four Lagoons of the region, offering breathtaking landscapes of high Andean plateaus, wildlife, and traditional villages along the way.
This immersive cultural adventure allows travelers to experience history, tradition, and spectacular landscapes in one unforgettable day outside Cusco.
Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco – Quehue – Qeswachaka Bridge – Four Lagoons – Cusco
04:00 a.m. – Hotel Pickup and Departure from Cusco
Your adventure begins very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From here, we travel south through beautiful Andean landscapes toward the remote province of Canas, enjoying views of traditional villages, mountains, and highland plains along the way.
06:30 a.m. – Breakfast Stop
Along the route, we will stop in a local town to enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast. This short break allows you to relax before continuing the scenic journey deeper into the southern Cusco region.
08:30 a.m. – Arrival in Quehue Community
After approximately three hours of travel, we arrive at the small Andean community of Quehue, located at 3,792 meters (12,441 ft) above sea level. On the way, we will also stop to observe an ancient inactive volcano and admire the dramatic landscapes of the Andean plateau.
09:00 a.m. – Visit to the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge
We then continue to the legendary Qeswachaka Bridge, the last remaining Inca rope bridge still preserved using traditional techniques. The name comes from the Quechua words “Qeswa” (braid) and “Chaka” (bridge).
This remarkable bridge spans approximately 30 meters (98 ft) across the Apurímac River canyon and hangs more than 15 meters above the river. It is entirely made from hand-woven ropes of ichu grass, a native Andean fiber.
Each year, the four surrounding communities come together to rebuild the bridge using ancestral knowledge passed down for centuries. The old bridge is dismantled and a new one is woven by hand during a four-day communal effort.
Visitors will have the opportunity to walk across the bridge, admire the spectacular canyon views, and learn about this incredible living Inca tradition from your guide.
11:30 a.m. – Box Lunch with Andean Views
After exploring the bridge and taking photos, we will enjoy a boxed lunch near the site, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Apurímac Canyon.
12:30 p.m. – Scenic Route through the Four Lagoons
After lunch, we begin the return journey toward Cusco following the scenic Route of the Four Lagoons, an area known for its beautiful high-altitude lakes and tranquil Andean scenery.
During this part of the trip, we will stop to admire the stunning lagoons of:
• Pomacanchi Lagoon
• Acopia Lagoon
• Pampamarca Lagoon
• Ancascocha Lagoon
These lakes are considered important for the surrounding communities as they provide fish and water resources for local agriculture.
03:30 p.m. – Visit to Tungasuca Village
Along the route, we will also pass through the town of Tungasuca, historically known as the place where Túpac Amaru II, the leader of the great Indigenous rebellion during the colonial period, once lived.
04:30 p.m. – Return Journey to Cusco
After visiting the lagoons and enjoying the landscapes of the southern Andes, we begin our return drive to Cusco.
07:30 – 08:00 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco
We expect to arrive back in Cusco in the evening, where we will drop you off near your hotel in the historic center.
What's Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
- Entry ticket to the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge
Professional Tour Guide
- Experienced bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish)
- Guided cultural and historical explanations throughout the entire tour
Safety & Medical Assistance
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle available during the tour
- Guides trained in first aid and emergency response
24/7 Customer Assistance
- 24-hour customer service support before and during your trip
Meals
- Breakfast
- Box lunch
Snacks
- Local fruits
- Cookies, crackers and chocolate
- Bottled water
Sustainable Snack Bag
- Reusable cloth snack bag per person to reduce plastic use
Hygiene Products
- Small towel and soap available before meals for hand cleaning
Transportation
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
Dinner
- Dinner after returning to Cusco
Travel Insurance
- Personal travel insurance is not included but highly recommended
Tips for Staff
- Tipping for guides and drivers is optional but appreciated
Additional Costs Beyond Our Control
- Unexpected situations such as landslides, extreme weather or road closures
- Strikes, political events or changes in government regulations
- Health emergencies or other force majeure situations
- Any additional expenses caused by these events are the responsibility of the traveler
Why Choose Russell Experience Peru?
- Experienced local guides with deep knowledge of Inca history and Andean traditions
- Comfortable tourist transportation from Cusco through the scenic southern Andes
- Visit the legendary Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, a UNESCO cultural heritage tradition
- Explore the beautiful Four Lagoons of Cusco in one unforgettable journey
- Small group experience with personalized attention
Qeswachaca Bridge Tour Full Day Group Service | Prices, Discounts & Availability
| Number of Travelers | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 Travelers | $120 USD |
| 3 or More Travelers | $110 USD |
Cancellation and Change Policies
If a confirmed reservation for the Qeswachaka Bridge Tour is canceled, the refund will be subject to the cancellation policies of the service providers and applicable government regulations.
Cancellations made within 72 hours before the tour date will be subject to a 70% cancellation fee of the total agreed price. Depending on availability, the tour may also be rescheduled for another date.
In case of a no-show on the day of the tour, 100% of the amount paid will be forfeited, with no option for a refund or transfer to another traveler.
All itineraries may be subject to changes due to force majeure circumstances such as strikes, road blockages, extreme weather conditions, or other unforeseen events. These modifications will always be made with the objective of ensuring the safety of travelers and will be coordinated in advance with the passenger whenever possible.
Important Considerations
Travelers should spend at least one or two days acclimatizing in Cusco before taking the Qeswachaka Bridge tour due to the high altitude.
Not recommended for children under 10 years old.
Natural conditions of the landscape may vary depending on weather and natural light conditions.
Not Allowed
- Pets
- Smoking during the visit
- Large luggage or suitcases
Not Recommended For
- People with heart conditions
- People with serious back problems
- People with asthma or high blood pressure
- Wheelchair users
- Pregnant travelers
Note
This service does not include any type of personal travel insurance. We strongly recommend that all participants have travel insurance that covers high-altitude travel and outdoor activities.
The Qeswachaka Bridge tour takes place in high-altitude areas of the Andes, so participants should follow the guide’s instructions at all times to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
For more information about the Qeswachaka Bridge tour, please contact our travel advisors. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or booking details.
Packing list for the Qeswachaca Bridge Tour
Essential
Clothing
Recommended
Equipment
Frequent Asked Questions About Qeswachaca Bridge
Where is the Qeswachaka Bridge located?
The Qeswachaka Bridge is located in the province of Canas, about 3 hours south of Cusco, near the community of Quehue. It spans the Apurímac River and is considered the last remaining Inca rope bridge still preserved using traditional techniques.
Can visitors walk across the Qeswachaka Bridge?
Yes, visitors can walk across the bridge. Crossing the bridge is safe, but it may feel slightly unstable since it is made of woven grass ropes, just as it was during Inca times.
How long does the Qeswachaka Bridge tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 13 to 14 hours, including transportation from Cusco, the visit to the bridge, lunch, and stops at the Four Lagoons.
What is the altitude of the Qeswachaka Bridge?
The bridge is located at about 3,700 meters (12,139 ft) above sea level, while the nearby town of Quehue reaches approximately 3,792 meters (12,441 ft).
Is acclimatization necessary before the tour?
Yes. It is recommended to spend at least one or two days in Cusco before taking the tour to adapt to the altitude.
When is the annual bridge renewal ceremony?
The traditional reconstruction of the bridge takes place every year in June, when local communities rebuild the bridge using ichu grass and celebrate with rituals, music, and traditional dances.
What are the Four Lagoons included in the tour?
During the return journey you will visit the beautiful Andean lagoons of Pomacanchi, Acopia, Pampamarca, and Ancascocha, known for their scenic landscapes and importance for local communities.
Is the tour physically demanding?
This tour is considered easy to moderate. Most of the experience involves transportation, short walks, and sightseeing.
What should I bring for the tour?
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and a camera to capture the landscapes.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is suitable for most travelers; however, it is generally recommended for children over 10 years old due to the long travel time and altitude.
$120 USD
Per person
