Qeswachaka Inca Bridge 1 Day tour

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$ 45

Cusco, Qeswachaca Inca Rope Bridge, Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, Pampamarca

Physical level

Moderate

Trip style

Hiking

Max altitude

4400 meters

Group size

min 2 persons

Qeswachaka Inca Bridge 1 Day Tour

Let’s break down this epic day trip. You’re cruising in a comfy van through Peru’s wild landscapes, stopping at jaw-dropping spots before and after visiting the star of the show—the legendary Q’eswachaka Bridge 1 Day Tour. Trust me, this isn’t your average sightseeing ride.

Why Everyone’s Obsessed with This Qeswachaka Inca Bridge 1 Day

So, this shaky-looking rope bridge? Yeah, it’s been around for over 600 years. Crazy, right? Every single June, locals from four nearby villages get together to rebuild it from scratch using nothing but twisted grass. No machines, no fancy tools—just teamwork passed down through generations. Oh, and UNESCO loved this tradition so much they gave it a shoutout in 2013. Pretty cool, huh?

Crossing this thing feels wild like stepping straight into an Indiana Jones movie. Back in the Inca days, bridges like this were lifelines, connecting their massive empire across the gnarly Andes mountains. While most vanished, Q’eswachaka’s still here because, well, these communities refuse to let history die. It’s not just a bridge—it’s a time machine.

Sites to Visit: Combapata viewpoint (hellooo, photo op!), the bridge itself, plus lakes like Pomacanchi that’ll make your Instagram pop.
Type of Fun: Mix of culture, nature, and a sprinkle of adrenaline.
Time: One looong day (4:30 AM pickup—coffee’s a must—wrapping up around 4:30 PM).
Difficulty: Chill. If you can walk, you’re golden.
Altitude: You’ll hit 3,800 meters. Take it slow if heights bother ya!
Group Size: Max 20—no crowded chaos here.
Best Time: April-November for clear skies.

Highlights

DAY 1

Full Day Qeswachaka Inca Rope Bridge Tour

The adventure begins with a hotel pickup at 5:00 AM. We will drive to the Acomayo province, where you’ll visit four picturesque lakes: Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca. Enjoy the opportunity to observe the distinct flora and fauna around each lake.

Following the lake visits, we’ll proceed to the Canas province to explore the renowned Qeswachaka Inca Rope Bridge (3,700m/12,139ft). The bridge spans 33 meters in length and 1.20 meters in width. Each June, local communities come together to reconstruct the bridge by hand using traditional ichu grass.

You will have the chance to cross the bridge and capture memorable photos. After the tour, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

What’s Included:

Private transportation (INCA EXPEDITIONS van)
English-speaking guide
Chef to prepare breakfast and lunch
First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank

Not Included:

Entrance fee to Qeswachaka Bridge (10 Soles)

Prices:
The Qeswachaka Inca Rope Bridge Tour is available on any date that suits you, provided we have a minimum of 2 participants.

Group Price:

$45 USD per person

Private Service:

$180 USD per person

A pre-tour briefing will be held the evening before your excursion at our office at 6:00 or 6:30 PM,

What to bring

Travel guide

How to Get There

Most visitors join organized tours departing from Cusco. Tours typically use vans and start early (4:30–5:00 AM) due to the long drive. The route passes through Combapata, Yanaoca, and the Q’ewe district, with stops at viewpoints and lakes. Public transport isn’t reliable here, so a guided tour is the safest option. The total drive time is around 5–6 hours round-trip, with rough roads in sections.

How to Dress Adequately for the Tour

Dress in layers—mornings are cold (near freezing), but midday sun is intense. Wear:

A warm jacket and thermal base layers.
Sturdy hiking shoes (the path to the bridge is steep and rocky).
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for UV protection.
Waterproof gear (rain is possible year-round).

Best Time of Year to Visit

April to November (dry season) is ideal. Skies are clear, roads are safer, and temperatures hover around 10–20°C (50–68°F). June is peak season due to the bridge-renewal festival, but expect crowds. December to March (rainy season) brings muddy roads, fog, and occasional tour cancellations. However, the landscape turns lush green, and fewer tourists visit.

Recommended Tours

Cultural Immersion Tours: Focus on the bridge’s history and local traditions.
Adventure Tours: Combine bridge-crossing with hikes around nearby lagoons.
Photography Tours: Prioritize stops at scenic spots like Pomacanchi Lagoon.
Combined Tours: Pair Q’eswachaka with visits to other Inca sites like Raqchi.

What to Bring

Water bottle: Stay hydrated at high altitudes.
Snacks: Limited food options en route.
Camera: Capture the bridge’s intricate grass weaving.
Cash (small bills): Buy handicrafts from locals.
ID/passport: Required for entry checkpoints.
Reusable bag: Carry out trash—no bins in remote areas.
Altitude medication: Consult a doctor if prone to soroche (altitude sickness).

Government and Cultural Restrictions

Peru’s Ministry of Culture enforces strict rules to protect Q’eswachaka:

No modifications: Visitors cannot touch or alter the bridge’s structure.
Group limits: Max 20 people on the bridge at once.
Permits: Guides must hold permits to lead tours here.
Environmental rules: No littering or removing plants/rocks.

Weather restrictions apply during heavy rains (Jan–Mar), as roads become impassable. The bridge itself closes for 2–3 days during its annual renovation in June. Respect local guidelines—these rules preserve both safety and cultural heritage.

Recommended Age for Travelers

This tour suits ages 12–65 due to physical demands:

The steep hike to the bridge requires balance.
High altitude (3,700+ meters) risks nausea or dizziness, especially for children or seniors.
Elderly travelers with heart/lung conditions should consult a doctor.

About the Local Communities

The villages near Q’eswachaka—Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Choccayhua, and Ccollana—are Quechua-speaking communities. Most families farm potatoes and herd alpacas. Life here is simple, with limited electricity or running water. Locals are reserved but proud to share their traditions. Tourism provides crucial income, so buying handmade textiles or tipping guides supports them directly.

Local Culture and Traditions

The bridge’s annual renewal is the year’s biggest event. For three days in June, men braid ichu grass into ropes, while women cook communal meals. On the fourth day, the old bridge is cut down, and the new one is anchored. Roles are assigned by family lineage, ensuring knowledge transfer.

Beyond the bridge, traditions include:

Pachamama rituals: Offerings to Mother Earth before rebuilding.
Andean festivals: Music, dance, and chicha (corn beer) celebrations.
Textile weaving: Using natural dyes from plants and minerals.

These practices highlight a deep connection to nature and ancestry. However, younger generations are migrating to cities, threatening these traditions. Tourism helps keep them alive.

Aditional information

What our travelers say about us

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ben Tooth 
 
 
 
 Verified "Amazing experience with Incas Expeditions on the Slcante Trek.
From the logistics to the knowledgeable guides, everything was planned out. We were able to fully appreciate the region's rich history and scenic splendor during the walk. Great value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highly recommended for hikers of all skill levels.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   René Lehrer 
 
 
 
 Verified An Unforgettable Journey Through Cusco.
Incas Expeditions went above and above! Transportation, lodging, and guiding were excellent, and their staff made everything run smoothly from the minute we arrived in Cusco. Every ruin was brought to life with stories by our guide, who was quite educated about Inca history. Highlights of my trip included the walk to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley excursion. Throughout the entire process, I felt motivated, informed, and safe. Excellently suggested.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Diego Fernando R 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing Inca Trail Salkantay Trek tour with friends
I booked with my friends the Inca Trail Salkantay Trek tour with a group of friends and it was an experience that changed my way of seeing the Andean tours. The first day we walked around the city of Cusco and started the Inca Trail and camped at night but one of my friends got hurt during the last day in the Salkantay Pass and the guides were ready with their first aid kit and the attention was great! I recommend you to have a good stamina for this kind of multi-day treks. This tourism agency in Cusco is the best for trekking to Machu Picchu, thank you very much Incas Expeditions!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Arianna O 
 
 
 
 Verified The best travel guide
We traveled with our teenage children and chose the short Inca trail with camping because it offered the right balance of adventure and comfort. It was our kids' first time camping and they loved it! The porters and guides were very friendly and always made sure we were ok. The trail itself was breathtaking, especially the views of Wiñay Wayna. At night, we stargazed and shared stories by the tent. I want to thank Incas Expeditions who took care of the logistics and even the food! My family and I will be returning to Cusco in a few months and we are happy to do the tour with you again :)
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Belén Lázaro 
 
 
 
 Verified My experience on the Cusco day tour
I'm going to tell you about my experience with Incas Expeditions. The truth is that they exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived in Cusco, everything was perfectly organized. The guides were not only professional but also incredibly passionate about Peruvian culture and history, which made each tour feel personal and unique. They were also very attentive and helped me arrange some free time to explore on my own, which I truly appreciated. If you're looking for Peru tour packages, Incas Expeditions is, without a doubt, the best option. An incredible experience from start to finish!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Departure58624235970 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu
My partner and I had always dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu, but we wanted to make this experience something unique. From the first contact with Incas Expeditions, everything was perfect. The team was incredibly attentive and helped us create a personalized itinerary that suited our preferences, and the guides explained the history and even taught us a little Quechua. Arriving at Machu Picchu was a dream come true, and having the opportunity to explore it so intimately on our personalized tour was something we will never forget. We definitely recommend Incas Expeditions to any couple who wants to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in a unique and worry-free way.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Russ M 
 
 
 
 Verified This was the best and most amazing tour.
This was the best and most amazing tour. I wonder how I hadn't come across it sooner. Everything they did was perfect, from the accommodation to the hospitality—they did a great job.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Nenuz M 
 
 
 
 Verified We both enjoy this tour together with our kids.
We both enjoy this tour together with our kids. It was an awesome feeling and experience. Guide were friendlily from the beginning to the end and we were took to my place. They're the best.