ONRE DAY TOURS: Q´ESWACHACA AND WAQRAPUKARA
Waqrapukara Tour, is the archaeological monument located in Acos, Acomayo province in Cuzco, which has been declared a National Cultural Heritage by the Vice Minister of Cultural Property. This Inca monument is located on the slopes of Mount Kenter, has a privileged view of the Apurímac River and has two groups of buildings.
The first group is located at the top, in the middle of a rocky dam, where you can see two enclosures separated by a wide central space. The enclosures have halls, ornamental niches and doors with double jambs; its architecture seems to be similar to that of other ceremonial buildings.
The second enclosure is located at the bottom, and has 8 platforms 153 meters long and 1.80 meters high, which correspond to the topography of the terrain.
Some inhabitants of Acos also call it Llamapukara; and although its origins go back to pre-Inca times, its foundations were built by the Q’anchi, and the Inca construction was built during the sovereign period of the Tahuantinsuyo Wayna Qhapaq.
Waqrapukara: Hidden Trips to the Incas
However, the destination is gaining attention as a hidden gem for travelers seeking an alternative hiking and camping adventure.
Located in the Acomayo province, in the Pomacanchi district of Cusco, the name Waqrapukara means "horn-shaped fortress."
Getting there involves a 2½-hour drive from Cusco to the town of Santa Lucía, and then a 2-hour walk.
Similar to Machu Picchu, the Inca ceremonial architecture at Waqrapukara combines the amazing stone masonry and spectacular natural formations.
Nestled sinuously along a rocky outcrop, built around two horn-shaped mountain peaks, the site features eight Inca terraces with retaining walls and stone staircases.
On the second Sunday of June, the Qeswachaka Bridge Reconstruction Festival is held in the town of Quehue.
Thanks to this tradition of Inca origin, the Qeswachaka suspension bridge has been maintained. This cooperative work is carried out by the communities of Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Ccollana, Quehue and Pelcaro.
The renovation of the bridge is repeated year by year. The festival lasts 4 days and involves all the men and women of the towns involved.
informationAt dawn on the first day, the ‘Paqo’ (officiating the ceremony) celebrates the rite in favor of the te Apu tutelary Quinsallallawi ’. On the other hand, the ‘icchu’ (straw) was collected and stacked in advance by members of the 4 communities.The women of the communities who have the function of weaving the first soguilla or ‘qheswa’ actively participate in these activities.In the afternoon, the males divided into 2 groups gather over the sides of the bridges and spread the "queswas" in a straight line on the road.Finally the ropes are braided by the ‘Chakaruwac’ (Inca engineer) to assemble the ‘Qheswasca’ (major braid).Second dayOn the second day, the dismantling of the old ropes that support the bridge is carried out.Then we proceed to tie the new braids that will be thrown from one side of the bridge to the other for its assembly.In total 4 thick ropes are braided which serve as the base and railings for the bridge. The men who carry out this work have extensive experience and are respected by the rest of the community.Third dayThe third day continues with the assembly of the railings and the base of the bridge.Men must complete the work with great effort (and risk). According to Inca tradition, women should not cross or show themselves until the bridge has been installed. This due to the belief that women bring bad luck.After installing the Inca bridge of Qeswachaka, the inauguration proceeds with music, typical dances of the region, delicious typical dishes and alcoholic beverages.Fourth dayOn the fourth day (central day), the chakuruwacs finish weaving the bridge, securing the last fibers. Finally, a scream announces the end of the hard work.The last day there is a festival with typical dances of the region and sale of typical foods of Cusco.The bridge can already be used by tourists who come to the town to live the adventure of crossing the Qeswachaka bridge.
