Qeswachaka Bridge Tour 1 Day from Cusco | Last Inca Rope Bridge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Qeswachaka Bridge?

The Qeswachaka (or Queswachaka) Bridge is the last surviving Inca rope bridge in the world, spanning 28 metres across the Apurímac River at approximately 3,700m altitude in the Canchis province southeast of Cusco. It is woven entirely by hand from q’oya grass by four local Quechua communities, who demolish and rebuild it completely every year in June — a tradition that has continued uninterrupted for over 500 years. In 2013, UNESCO declared the annual rebuilding ceremony an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Can I cross the bridge?

Yes — crossing the bridge is included in the tour and is one of the highlights. The bridge sways above the Apurímac River gorge and the experience of walking across a hand-woven grass structure at 3,700m is genuinely memorable. The bridge is sturdy and maintained to support visitors, though it naturally moves underfoot. Your guide accompanies you across and explains the construction and significance.

When is the best time to visit Qeswachaka?

The bridge is open and crossable year-round, making it a good tour in any season. The dry season (April to October) offers clearer skies and drier trails around the lagoons. The highlight of the calendar, however, is the annual rebuilding ceremony held every June — usually the second or third week of the month — when hundreds of community members gather to rebuild the bridge over three days. If you can time your trip to coincide with the ceremony, the cultural experience is extraordinary. Contact us to find out the exact dates for the current year.

What are the four lagoons on this tour?

The return route from Qeswachaka to Cusco passes through a chain of four high-altitude Andean lagoons: Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha and Pampamarca (also known as Tungasuca Lagoon). These lagoons are habitats for Andean flamingos (parihuanas), wild ducks, pelicans and other native bird species. The landscape around them — open puna grassland at over 3,500m with the lagoon surfaces reflecting the mountain sky — is one of the most beautiful and least-photographed in the Cusco region.

What is the Gran Amaru boat ride?

The Gran Amaru is a traditional boat on the Urinsaya lagoon. The tour includes a visit to the lagoon shore and the option to take a short boat ride and try artisanal fishing alongside local families. The boat ride costs S/10 soles per person, paid directly to the local community at the lakeside. It is optional but recommended — a calm, scenic activity that contrasts nicely with the dramatic morning at the bridge.

How far is Qeswachaka from Cusco?

The Qeswachaka Bridge is located approximately 120 km southeast of Cusco city in the Canchis province, near the town of Quehue. The drive takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours each way via Yanaoca, which is why the tour requires an early 5:00am departure and returns to Cusco around 7:00pm.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Yes — the difficulty is rated easy. The walking involved is mostly flat or gently sloping, around the bridge and the lagoon shores. There are no steep ascents or demanding terrain. The tour is suitable for children, families and senior travelers. The main consideration is the altitude (up to 3,900m) — travelers who have not acclimatized in Cusco for at least 1–2 days beforehand may feel some breathlessness. If you have heart or respiratory conditions, consult your doctor before booking.

Is this tour related to the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu?

No — the Qeswachaka Bridge Tour is an entirely separate experience with no connection to the Inca Trail or Machu Picchu routes. It goes south from Cusco toward the Canchis province, while Machu Picchu is northwest. It is best understood as a living cultural and natural day tour — the only one of its kind from Cusco — rather than an archaeological or trekking experience.