#queswachaka

Q´eswachaca Bridge

One of the most precious gifts that the Inca has given us is this suspension bridge that lies over the Apurímac River. Made from straw brava or ichu icho, this wonder is renewed year after year through a rite performed by the communities of Winch'iri, Chaupibanda, Ccollana Quehue and Perccaro. Therefore, do not miss the opportunity to cross its 28 meters long which will make you experience adrenaline to the fullest in this beautiful Inca construction.

QUESHUACHACA TOUR INFORMATION:

Four Lagoons

The circuit of the four lagoons is located in the province of Acomayo, 107 km from the city of Cusco. It is made up of Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha and Pampamarca. Among its attractions are the abundance of natural grass and fish.

Small volcano in Pabellones, Yanaoca

This small volcano, approximately 4 meters in diameter, is located in the pavilion area of ​​the Tungasuca district, which attracts attention to visitors and locals due to its unique size as it is considered the smallest in the world.

A tradition that for the peasant communities of Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Choccayhua and Qollana Quehue has subsisted for more than five centuries thanks to the intercession of the divinity. "If we do not build a new bridge every year, we risk provoking the wrath of the Pachamama (Mother Earth in Quechua) and the Apus (tutelary forces of nature)", "Whether we use it or not, we are exposed to natural catastrophes that they can ruin our crops of potatoes, beans, wheat or barley, and even misfortunes such as illness or death, ”says María Quispe, a 60-year-old woman who has participated in such a mission since childhood.

Before making the weaving of the bridge, a payment is made to the land, where the Paqo or Priest, makes a cloth altar with indigenous motifs in which he deposits coca leaves, llama fetuses and food that are offered to the Pachamama, since, like any human being, they are hungry and it is the obligation of their "children" (inhabitants) to satisfy them. The Paqo says that before the renovation of the bridge, the Apus indicate to him each year what his appetite is, since his tastes evolve and we should not always pay him with the same “delicacy”, to which the Apus are also invited to implore their protection and avoid accidents during renovation.

During the time of the Incas there was a great network of roads called “Camino Real” to unite the Inca empire. However, due to its rugged geography many places were joined by suspension bridges made of vegetable fiber.

The Qeshuachaca is the only bridge that has been renovated from generation to generation by the families of Cusco until today. The bridge is located in the department of Cusco, over the Apurimac River at 3,700 m.a.s.l. About a thousand people from different communities, near the bridge, meet for four days to renew it.

Now, we will know the four days of tradition that delays the reconstruction of Queshuachaca: On the first day, the inhabitants of the communities leave in search of a solid straw of vegetable fiber called Ichu in Quechua. Once the necessary amount of Ichu has been collected, the women weave this solid straw to form the ropes of the bridge, and the men are in charge of joining the rope from end to end and then braid it.

The Suspension Bridge in Cusco declared universal heritage, also known as the bridge of the Inca Queswachaca; It is one of the most impressive legacies that can be seen these days, know this suspension bridge in Cusco, where the inhabitants still maintain and renew every year.

Empire of the Incas, fulfilled a very important function of unique cocexion with the other end even until the arrival of the Spaniards where the Queswachaca Bridge had resistance to pass a whole group of Spanish battalions.

More Information: Queswachaka tour

Hanging Bridge Cusco or Q'ueswachaka It comes from the Quechua word means Q'ueswa = Braid, Chaka = Bridge, the bridge is located above the Apurimac river, which is 15 meters high, the Q'ueswachaka bridge belonged to the network vial del (Q'apac Ñan), which is located on the route of the South Valley.

Our staff will be happy to help you complete your visit to this beautiful place, on our tour, we will also visit the 4 lagoons of Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnapcocha, Pampamarca, our guide will make a detailed explanation of the importance of these places.