Qeswachaka 1 Day

OVERVIEW

This stunning Qeswachaka bridge is located on top of the Apurímac River at about (3,700 meters/ 12,139 feet), in Canas province, Cusco. This handwoven grass bridge spans 108 feet, and is rebuilt every one or two years as communal effort by all the local people of the region. In Inca times it was part of the extended network called Qhapaq Ñan or Inca roads, and it is one of the Inca bridges that still maintains its authenticity intact. In the present day this bridge is still useful to transport goods to the different communities in the area. But also, is gaining interest of some travelers. Come with us and discover the most amazing places by unconventional routes to the traditional and live a different experience. You will obtain complete satisfaction after your tour with local experts in private tour service.

The word Q’eswachaka is composed of two Quechua words: ‘q’eswa’ which means ropes of twisted straw and ‘chaka’ meaning bridge.

Itinerary

Day 1: Last Inca Bridge In Q’eswachaka

With this program we will visit the last Inca bridge “Q´ueswachaca”. Everything starts in Cusco, we pick you up early from the hotel to travel by car to the south. During the trip we will observe the Pomacanchi – Urcos and Yanaoca Lagoon, where we will visit the fissure of the same name and a somewhat tiny volcano. This way we will begin our tour to Q’ueswachaka. Arriving at Queswachaca located at 3,600 m.a.s.l. we will have the opportunity to visit its ancestral bridge, which is an iconic example of Inca architecture. The Q´ueswachaca Bridge is built on the majestic Apurimac River, located in the province of Canas; its conservation and traditional reconstruction are executed by the farming communities of Perccaro, Huinchi and Qqewe. The dimension of the bridge is 33 m. long and 1.20 m. wide, the material used is only the braided straw, obtained from the high Puna.

After living this experience, we will return to Cusco in the afternoon, but before that we will visit the impressive caves of Ccarañahui or Q’arañahui (3,900 meters above sea level). This is a fantastic cavern of marine sedimentary material; its chemical composition is calcium hypochlorite, which by the constant dripping resulted in the formation of impressive stalagmites and stalactites, resulting in forms of cougar, condor. So some scholars indicate that the Incas came to this place to communicate with the Gods. The grotto is thousands of years old and in the background we can appreciate a mysterious lagoon. Finally we head to Cusco in our private car.