The suspension bridges were essential for the Incas to establish an extensive road network across the Andes (over 40,000 km of Inca roads). Despite being a remarkable technological advancement created by the Andean people, these bridges were replaced during the colonial era. The reason: they were “woven” with natural materials that would wear out.
Today, only one of these ichu (high-altitude grass) bridges remains in use in the province of Canas. If you want to visit it, admire it, cross it, and learn about the reasons it is still operational across the Apurímac River, book our full-day tour to Q’eswachaka now.
HIGHLIGHTS
Meeting place
The tour begins in Cusco (3400 m a.s.l.) at 4:30 in the morning. At that time, our guide will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in the Historic Centre.
If you’re staying elsewhere in the city, we’ll arrange a convenient meeting point for you.
For more information, please visit the Details and Notes section.
From Cusco to Cusipata by road
Your journey to the last Inca bridge begins with a 2.5-hour drive on a paved road. Cusipata is a district located at 3310 m a.s.l. in the province of Canchis.
Breakfast in Cusipata
Your breakfast is scheduled for 7:30 in the morning in Cusipata, with vegetarian options available.
Stop at the Pabellones Volcano (optional)
On the way to Q’eswachaka, the bus will make a tourist stop at the Pabellones Volcano (30 minutes from Combapata). This inactive volcano stands 7 meters tall, and you’ll have time to “climb” it and enjoy the view from the top.
The volcano is located in the district of Yanaoca, province of Canas, at 4000 m a.s.l.
Visit to the Inca bridge Q’eswachaka
Around noon, you will see and have the option to cross the last remaining Inca bridge. It is made of ichu and chachacomo (a high-altitude grass), and it remains operational thanks to the collective work of the communities in the district of Quehue (province of Canas).
The Q’eswachaka bridge has connected the banks of the powerful Apurímac River for five centuries, enabling contact between the communities of Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Choccayhua, and Ccollana Quehue.
Upon arriving at Q’eswachaka (3700 m a.s.l.), your guide will explain the history and the annual renewal process of this magnificent and unique suspension bridge. It is a living and ancestral cultural expression, carried out during the second week of June.
Viewpoint of the Four Lagoons (optional)
The bus will make a spectacular stop to observe the Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopía, and Pomacanchi lagoons, four lagoons that are part of a tourist circuit in the province of Acomayo.
Please note that the stop at this location will depend on time availability, as some tourists walk quickly, while others take their time.
Lunch in Cusipata
After visiting the suspension bridge, you will return by bus to Cusipata to have lunch at a local restaurant at around 2:30 PM.
Return to Cusco
It’s time to return to Cusco to rest and plan your next adventures with us. The tourist bus is scheduled to arrive in the “Imperial City” at 17:00.
Ending place
After a day of exploring the Andean landscape and visiting the last Inca suspension bridge, you will arrive in Cusco around 17:00. Our transport will drop you off near the main square.
If you booked a private tour, we will take you to your hotel. The ending time remains the same.
PRICE
The prices shown in the table are:
- Per person in US dollars ($).
- Pple. = people.
- Group = group service, shared.
| Pple. | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| 1 | $35 | $220 |
| 2 | $35 | $110 |
| 3 | $35 | $75 |
| 4 | $35 | $65 |
| 5 | $35 | $60 |
DETAILS
| Details | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| Schedule | 04:30 to 17:00 | You decide |
| Days | Every day | Every day |
| Language | es/en simultaneously | en or es |
| Size | 15 to 20 pax. | You and your friends |
| Included | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| Pick up from your hotel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Guide | ✅ | ✅ |
| Driver | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tourist vehicle | ✅ | ✅ |
| Buffet breakfast and lunch | ✅ | ✅ |
| First aid kit | ✅ | ✅ |
| Oxygen tank | ✅ | ✅ |
| Trekking pole (upon request) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Personalized service | ❌ | ✅ |
| Tickets for Q’eswachaka: 10 soles pp | ❌ | ❌ |
| Tickets for Pabellones Volcano: 2 soles pp | ❌ | ❌ |
| Drop off at your hotel | ❌ | ✅ |
Accessibility: This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
What do I bring?
- Sweaters or jackets.
- Anti-slip shoes.
- Raincoats.
- Caps or hats.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- A bottle of water.
- Local currency for your entrance tickets.
WhatsApp:
NOTES
Pick-ups and timings
Group tours:
- All pick-ups and tour ending times are approximate.
- Pick-ups apply only for hotels located in the historic center.
- Your pick-up time will depend on your hotel location.
- If you are out of the historic center, we’ll arrange a meeting point.
- If it’s hard for the vehicle to make it to your hotel, we’ll arrange a meeting point.
- We don’t do pick-ups if there are festivals, strikes and car trafic.
- We’ll arrange all pick-ups and meeting points one day prior your tour.
Private tours:
- Pick-ups are sharp on time.
- Pick-ups apply for all Cusco city.
- We’ll arrange all pick-ups one day prior your tour.
- The tour ending time is still aprox; but, we’ll do our best to finish the tour as scheduled.
Vehicle type and seats
Vehicles:
- Authorized by the Ministry of Transportation of Peru.
- Clean and modern ones.
- Sedan looking auto, 4×4, H1, Van, Renault and Mercedez Benz (it will depend on the group size).
Seats – group tours:
- You reserve a seat in the bus, not a specific number of seat.
- If you get picked-up first, then you can choose some seats (your pick-up time will depend on your hotel location).
- Couples seat together to 95%; however, we can’t warranty this will happen to 100%.
Entrance ticket discounts
Kids, minors, students and Peruvians may have discounts but an official ID is required to show:
- Kids and minors: Bring their official passaports to prove their age.
- Students: Bring your offficial passport and goverment issued ID.
- Peruvians: Bring your oficial ID.
Operability and itinerary
This tour is subject to variation without any prior notice, due to weather conditions, strikes and any other event that doesn’t allow the normal tour operation. See also our terms.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellation of the tour is free as long as you do so at least 48 hours in advance, otherwise we will charge 100% of the tour price. See also our terms.
REVIEWS
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REVIEWS
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