Qeswachaka Inca Bridge 1 Day tour

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

Physical Level

Moderate

Trip Style

Hiking

Max Altitude

Group Size

min 2 persons

INQUIRY ABOUT THIS TREK

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.

Trip Details

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.

Trip Summary

Your Day-by-Minute Q’eswachaka Bridge Itinerary

4:30 AM – 4:45 AM: Pick-Up Time (Let’s Get Moving!)

• We’ll grab you from your hotel in Cusco. Heads up: If you’re staying outside the city center, meet us at our office door—easy peasy.

5:00 AM: Hit the Road!

• Everyone’s aboard? Cool. We’re off in a comfy van toward the Andes. Nap, chat, or stare out the window—your call.

5:00 AM – 6:30 AM: Scenic Drive to Breakfast

• 1.5 hours through rolling hills and tiny villages. Pro tip: Snag a window seat for sunrise views.

6:30 AM – 7:00 AM: Breakfast in Cusipata

• Fuel up with a semi-buffet breakfast (think eggs, fresh bread, local cheese, and maybe a cheeky coca tea for altitude).

7:00 AM – 7:25 AM: Quick Drive to Combapata Viewpoint

• 25 minutes later… boom! Combapata’s here. Snap pics where two rivers meet—the Salcca and the sacred Vilcanota. Fun fact: This spot was KEY for the Incas.

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Rollin’ to Yanaoca

• Cruise through Canas Province. Keep eyes peeled for alpacas chilling by the road.

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Deep Dive into Apurimac Canyon

• From Yanaoca, a 1-hour drive to Q’ewe district. First glimpse of the bridge? Chills. It’s dangling over a canyon like something out of a movie.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Bridge Time! (The Big Moment)

• Short hike down to the viewpoint. Photos first—then gear up to cross. Spoiler: It’s wobbly, thrilling, and 100% safe (promise).
• Local bridge keeper shares stories about how they rebuild it yearly.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Lakes, Lakes, Lakes!

• Van hop to four stunning lagoons: Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopía, and Pomacanchi. Look for flamingos! Pro tip: Layer up—it gets breezy.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Back to Cusipata for Lunch

• Refuel with a hearty semi-buffet lunch. Think soups, grilled meats, and quinoa. Vegetarian? No sweat—options available.

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Return to Cusco

• 5-hour drive back. Nap, swap stories, or binge on the day’s photos. We’ll drop you off by 5 PM—just in time for dinner plans.

Itinerary

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.

Inclusions

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)

Why to Choose

Why choose “INCA´S EXPEDITIONS”?

“INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “INCAS EXPEDITIONS” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “INCAS EXPEDITIONS,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

Pricing

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:

$150 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, as specified in your confirmation email. Our office is located at Garcilaso Street 210, Office 207, Casa del Abuelo, Cusco.

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.

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