Tour To The Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge And Four Lagoons
Dificulty
Easy
Duration
1 Day
Group Size
14 a 19 People
Max Altitude
4,200 msnm
Description
Discover the Q’eswachaka Bridge, one of the last living expressions of Incan engineering. Located at (3,700 m / 12,139 ft), this plant fiber (ichu) suspension bridge is rebuilt every year by local Quechua communities, preserving an ancestral tradition with more than 500 years of history.
This tour is ideal for all ages, as the path is smooth and accessible. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will learn about the history of the bridge, its cultural significance, and the fascinating customs of the Quechua people. In addition, you will have the opportunity to cross the bridge and marvel at the panoramic views of the Apurimac River Canyon.
Learn about the fascinating artistic method used by local inhabitants to annually renew the more than 600-year-old bridge, made of woven straw.
Surround yourself with the incredible Andean landscape and the growing Apurimac Canyon as you immerse yourself in the ancient rituals of the Quehue people.
Make a stop to admire the famous 4 Lagoons: Pomacanchi, Asnacocha, Acopia and Pampamarca.
Cusco | Cusipata - Combapata - Quehue - Q’eswachaka Bridge - Four Lagoons
Our team will pick you up from your hotel between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Then, we will head for approximately 3 hours to the province of Canas. Halfway, we will stop in Cusipata for breakfast and continue past the town of Yanaoca until we reach the village of Quehue (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). From this picturesque place, we will take a short trip to Qeswachaka.
Qeswa is a Quechua word meaning “braid,” and Chaka refers to “bridge.” The bridge is 30 meters long and made from hand-woven cords of Peruvian grass (ichu), a type of straw. Every year, the four neighboring communities come together to braid the straw, tear down the old bridge, and build the new one using basic tools and much strength. It’s no easy task, but this tradition has remained alive for hundreds of years.
You will find yourself more than 15 meters above the Apurímac River while crossing the bridge from one end to the other. You will also have excellent views of the canyon, so capture this moment with your camera. If you are there in June, you will be able to see the construction of this engineering marvel and witness the annual ceremony dedicated to Mother Earth, along with a festival of traditional dances from the region.
After a final look at this fascinating site, we will begin our return journey to Cusco via the Four Lagoons route, a scenic trip with stops in Pomacanchi, Ancascocha, Pampamarca, and Acopia. These lagoons, also known as the “sacred lagoons,” are a vital source of fish for the local communities and offer spectacular landscapes.
Before concluding the experience, we will stop in Cusipata to enjoy a buffet lunch with traditional Andean flavors. Finally, we will head back to Cusco, where we will arrive at approximately 5:00 p.m.
📌 Tour Details
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, buffet lunch
🚶♂️ Total Distance on Foot: 3 km / 1.86 miles
⏱ Total Walking Time: 1 hour
🥾 Difficulty Level: Easy
📉 Minimum Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 feet
📈 Maximum Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 feet
Incluye
✓ PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION MEETING
✓ ENTRY TICKET TO QUESWACHAKA BRIDGE
✓ FIELD STAFF
- Professional Guides: Specialized in trekking and selected from accredited universities. Our guides are fluent in English and have 3 to 10 years of experience in various treks around the region. They are experts in managing groups under pressure, as well as first aid and rescue techniques. Most of them come from different Andean communities and bring their cultural heritage with them. Along with the rest of the field team, our guides will ensure your journey is a unique experience.
✓ MEALS
- Meals Provided: 1 breakfast, 1 buffet lunch.
Our chef prepares the best dishes amidst the mountains, offering a unique gastronomic experience. Our team of adventurers and explorers love our food, and we make sure that every meal is both delicious and nutritious. We respect all dietary needs and offer options for vegetarians, vegans, or any special requirements at no additional cost. If you have allergies or food restrictions, please inform us in advance so our guide can take note of it during the information session.
✓ TRANSPORTATION
- Day 1:
Pick-up from your hotel in the morning, and you will travel by private transport with the group to the trek point. - Return transport to Cusco.
✓ EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND REMOTE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
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Radios:
They have a range of 10 km and 8 frequencies for communication among our guides, cooks, and porters. Additionally, radios can be used to communicate with park rangers in case of an emergency. -
First Aid Kit:
We carry alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine tincture, germicidal soap, cotton, gauze, bandages, medical adhesive tape, surgical gloves, pain relievers for muscle and stomach aches, and antipyretics. If you take prescription medications, feel free to bring your own. - Portable Oxygen Tank:
✓ Important:
Please note that only a medical professional can write a prescription. Our guides are not authorized to prescribe treatments for clients during the hike. All medications will be administered with your consent and under your own responsibility. If you have a prescription, it is recommended to bring your own medications.
No Incluye
× DINNER IN CUSCO
× VOLCANO PAVILLONS ENTRANCE (S/ 5.00 OPTIONAL)
× PERSONAL WALKING GEAR AND EQUIPMENT
× TRAVEL INSURANCE:
- This is not a requirement, but we always recommend our clients purchase travel insurance in case of issues with their flights or unexpected health problems. Please note if your travel insurance has altitude restrictions: some policies are void above (4,000 m / 13,123 feet).
× ADDITIONAL COSTS:
- Delays outside of the administration’s control (landscape, bad weather, itinerary modification due to security concerns, illness, changes in government policies, political instability/strikes, etc.).
✓ TIPS FOR YOUR CREW:
- Tipping is a standard practice in tourism and any excursion. Although we pay good salaries to our team, something extra is always appreciated, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group participants collect their tips.
- Original ID or Passport.
- Sun hat and wool hat for different temperatures.
- Warm clothing (jacket, scarf, gloves, hats).
- Short-sleeved T-shirt.
- Trekking shoes or waterproof boots for your comfort, if they are sneakers with rubber or thick soles it is an excellent option.
- Rain gear: A good raincoat, rain pants (only for the rainy season).
- Long pants.
- Sunglasses.
- Small backpack to carry water, snacks, camera, etc.
- 2 liters of water (there are options to buy along the route).
- Snacks such as apple, cereal bar, candy and chocolates.
- Personal medical kit.
- Sunscreen.
- Cash in soles for personal expenses.
✓ Price per Person:
- $45 USD – Adults
✓ Price Guarantee:
- Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, no matter the circumstances. Therefore, please make sure to read all important information about the tour before booking.
✓ How to Book:
- You can reserve your spot online through our website, where our booking platform will guide you step by step. Payment can be made with any credit or debit card, and you can also pay in the currency of your home country for added convenience.
Please note that IZIPAY charges a 5% commission, which we ask the customer to cover as it is a service fee. This tax is applicable only for online deposits.
✓ Canceling Your Reservation:
- Partial Refund: If you cancel within 24 hours, but before 5:00 p.m. the day before, you will receive a 50% refund.
- No Refunds: Cancellations made after 5:00 p.m. the day before the tour are not eligible for a refund.
✓ Recommendations:
- We strongly recommend that you fully understand all booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure your investment is protected and you have a seamless booking experience for your adventure.
✓ Pick-up of Clients:
- All pick-ups take place within the city of Cusco, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center with a good location. Our guide or staff will confirm the pick-up time with you a day before the tour. Due to traffic conditions, the pick-up time may vary by 30 to 45 minutes. Cusco is an ancient city with many narrow, cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without transport access or on long, steep hills, which makes it difficult to transport your luggage. We strongly recommend booking accommodation with easy access.
✓ Lost Items:
- Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and make sure to collect everything once you leave our transport, camps, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your belongings during the tour.
✓ Weather:
- The weather is unpredictable. The dry season in Cusco typically runs from April to October, but this does not prevent rain in June or sun in December, so be prepared, no matter what month you’re trekking. Make sure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget the gloves, but the cold and humidity make walking very unpleasant.
Also, be prepared for all four seasons. Hiking in the Andes involves several microclimates, so you should be ready. Layers are always essential as they are easy to adjust to temperature changes. Make sure to have a warm jacket, as the nights will be cold.
✓ Altitude Sickness (Soroche) and Stomach Issues:
For hikers coming to Cusco directly from sea level, we recommend arriving 2 days before your trek to acclimate. Two common health problems among tourists in Cusco are altitude sickness (Soroche) and stomach discomfort caused by slow digestion.
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Altitude Sickness:
Some symptoms include headache and nausea. Over-the-counter medications like Aspirin, Diamox, Soroichi Pill, or Alti Vital can help minimize these symptoms. If symptoms persist, the next step is oxygen use. In these situations, we have equipment and staff ready to assist our hikers. -
Stomach Discomfort:
It’s recommended to drink 3-4 liters of water daily. Your body will need this to stay hydrated. Hot drinks like coca leaf tea are especially recommended. Soups, vegetables, and carbohydrates (avoid fried or heavy foods) are also good options. Sweets, chocolates, cookies, and fruits are great choices as well. In general, all easily digestible foods are ideal. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
For the excursion, you’ll only need a small, light, and comfortable backpack. Since you won’t be carrying many items, a 20-liter backpack will be sufficient. If you choose to bring a larger one, remember that you will have to carry it throughout the tour.
The main attractions are the visit to the last Inca bridge, “Qeswachaka Bridge,” and the four lagoons: Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca.
Qeswachaka Bridge is an important symbol of the culture and tradition of the Quechua people. Its construction and maintenance showcase Inca engineering and architecture, and its annual renewal is a community event that brings together regional communities.
It is located about 4 hours from Cusco.
It is primarily a bus excursion with several stops to visit and explore different tourist attractions before reaching Qeswachaka Bridge.
Yes, as the bridge is renewed annually, and there is confidence and safety in crossing it without any incidents. Remember, Qeswachaka is the last Inca bridge woven using ancestral techniques, passed down through generations and built collectively by the community.
Yes, as it is still the primary means of connection for four important communities: Qollana Qhewe, Winchiri, Chaypibamba, and Choc´aywa. These four communities are responsible for the annual renewal of the bridge.
The maximum altitude reached is 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level.
The tour is available throughout the year, always subject to weather conditions.
We recommend booking the tour in advance since we operate in two seasons (high and low), which differ in the number of tourists. For this reason, it’s better to reserve ahead of time to avoid any issues with tour availability.
We always recommend wearing lightweight trekking shoes. Shoes that provide ankle support are very useful, especially for inexperienced hikers, as you’ll be climbing and descending many Inca-made stairs.
Any luggage that is not necessary for the trek should be left in Cusco. All hotels in Cusco are accustomed and prepared to store your luggage. If you don’t have a place to store your luggage, you can leave it at our office until your adventure is over. We will make sure your luggage is securely stored—don’t worry!
We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, such as rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and delicious fruits, freshly prepared by our local chef. We also have excellent vegetarian and vegan options. We accommodate specific dietary requests with proper preparation and good communication.
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