Puente Q'eswachaka

Tour to the Inca Bridge Q'eswachaka

If you wish to explore this Incan treasure over 600 years old, we invite you to participate in this tour and witness one of Cusco's most authentic cultural wonders. The adventure will take you to the charming town of Quehue, where you can walk across this 30-meter-long suspended bridge that hangs over the imposing Apurímac River. If you travel in June, you can witness the incredible ceremony in which the communities dismantle the old bridge to weave a new one, all accompanied by ancestral rituals and a grand celebration. This event, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, is a true spectacle.

This is the last Inca bridge in existence, kept alive thanks to the efforts of local communities. To complete the experience, you will also visit the picturesque 4 Lagoons, adding a deep connection with nature and Andean culture to your adventure. Book now and join us on this unique adventure to discover the essence of Cusco!

Details of the trip.

Itinerary for the Qeswachaka Bridge Tour:

We will begin this exciting journey around 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM, departing from Cusco. The trip will take approximately three hours to the remote province of Canas. Halfway through the journey, we will take a break to enjoy breakfast. We will continue on to the town of Yanaoca. After taking in the views from the lookout point, we will head to the fascinating Mini Volcano of the Pavilions, and then cross through the district of Yanaoca, located in the province of Canas.

After about an hour of travel, we will arrive at the district of Quehue (3,792 m / 12,441 ft), where the impressive Inca Bridge awaits us. From there, we will descend along a zigzag path until we reach the Apurímac River, surrounded by a majestic canyon. At this point, we will explore the historical site and its spectacular views before heading to Mosoq Llaqta, where the home of the famous revolutionary leader Túpac Amaru II is located.

Next, we will visit the stunning four Andean lagoons: Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi. After enjoying these natural wonders, we will return to Cusipata for a delicious lunch, just a 15-minute drive away. Finally, we will make our way back to Cusco in our private transportation, enjoying the panoramic views of the Andean landscape, arriving in the city around 4:00 PM.

Tour to Q'eswachaka Bridge includes:

Pickup from your hotel (historic center) Return to the historic center.
Professional guide in English and Spanish.
Breakfast and lunch.
Entrance ticket to Qeswachaka Bridge.
Oxygen supply.
Trekking poles.

Tour to Q'eswachaka Bridge does not include:

Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary.
Travel insurance.
Breakfast and drinks.

To fully enjoy the complete journey to the Q'eswachaka Inca Bridge from Cusco, it is essential to have all the right elements. Below, I detail what you should bring with you to make the most of it:
- Proper walking shoes: It’s crucial to wear comfortable shoes for hiking, as the terrain can be rough and slippery.
- Hat or cap: Early mornings can be cool, so bring something to cover your head.
- Gloves: You can bring specific hiking gloves or buy them at local stores in Cusco.
- Warm and lightweight clothing: Mornings can be chilly, so make sure to bring a warm but lightweight jacket.
- Rain gear: Don’t forget to bring a waterproof jacket and poncho, as the weather can be variable, and umbrellas are impractical due to the wind.
- Sunscreen: The sun’s rays can be intense, so protect your skin with a good sunscreen.
- Water: It’s recommended to carry at least 2 liters to stay hydrated during the hike. It’s preferable to have containers that keep your drink at the right temperature.
- Snacks: Bring energy bars, nuts, candies, or chocolates to keep your energy up during the journey.
- Lightweight backpack: Choose a comfortable and lightweight backpack with enough space for your belongings.
- Walking poles: While they are provided on the tour, if you have your own, feel free to bring them.
- Basic first aid kit: Include band-aids, disinfecting wipes, and medications for motion sickness and pain relief.
- Camera or mobile phone: Make sure to capture memorable moments by bringing a camera or ensuring your phone is charged with extra chargers.
- Binoculars: If you enjoy observing nature up close, don’t forget to bring binoculars to enjoy closer views during the hike.
It’s important to remember that the weather in the Andes can vary considerably and be quite changeable. Therefore, it’s advisable to be well-equipped to face different weather conditions.

How many days do I need to acclimatize before the hike?

It is very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude before exerting yourself on a hike. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before your hike begins to help you acclimatize and avoid potential altitude sickness during the trek. If you’ve already been in another high-altitude area in Peru before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend having a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and enjoy the sights.

Travel to Cusco.

Cusco’s airport currently only operates domestic flights. All international passengers arriving by plane must disembark in Lima and pass through customs. It’s important to note that due to Cusco's high altitude, flights can experience delays or cancellations. Additionally, weather changes can disrupt air traffic. If you prefer a ground alternative, buses are a viable option, though the journey can be long, especially from Lima. Buses from Lima can take approximately 20 hours to arrive.

Considerations.

What does it mean if the tour is shared?

A shared tour means you’ll enjoy the experience alongside other travelers of different ages and nationalities, both from Ausangate Adventure and other operators, with a group of up to 16 people. It’s a great opportunity to connect with people from all over the world while enjoying the adventure. This type of tour can be organized by Ausangate Adventure or by collaborating partners who meet our high standards of quality. If you prefer a more personalized and exclusive experience, you can opt for a private tour.
In the shared option, you will be informed of the pick-up and return times the day before the tour. It’s essential to be punctual to avoid delays that could affect the rest of the group. Times may vary depending on the pace of the participants or local traffic, so we provide an approximate schedule. We appreciate your understanding regarding these factors that are beyond our control.
Due to environmental, weather, or other unforeseen factors beyond our control, the itinerary may be modified. Should this occur, you will be duly informed.

Client Pick-Up.

Ausangate Adventure can pick you up from your hotel, provided it is located in the Historic Center of Cusco. Pick-up time is between 4:00 am and 5:00 am, but please note that the waiting time may vary. Cusco has narrow, cobblestone streets that can make it difficult to access your hotel; in this case, the guide will indicate the meeting point.

Weather at the Inca Bridge Q’eswachaka.

The weather at Q’eswachaka Bridge, located in the Cusco region at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters above sea level, is quite variable and can change quickly due to the altitude and Andean geography.

During the dry season, from May to October, the days are usually sunny with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C, while the nights can be cold, dropping to 0°C or lower. In the rainy season, from November to April, there is more frequent precipitation, and the weather is more unpredictable, with heavy rains and winds, which can affect access and terrain conditions.

First Aid.

Each Ausangate Adventure guide is knowledgeable in first aid, and we also provide oxygen for the hike. If you need oxygen, you can request it directly from the guide.

Lost Items

Please take special care of your belongings and make sure to collect everything that belongs to you when leaving our vehicles or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your personal items during the tour.

Shared Service Tour.

Price: $45 USD per person.

This shared or group service means that you will be taking the tour with other people. This standard service is conducted with a group of 10 to 16 people. We have confirmed departures for every day, so if you are just one or two people, don't worry, you can join one of our groups.

Private Service Tour.

This private and exclusive service is a way to take this trip where the service is much more personalized. Prices vary according to the number of travelers: one, two, three, four, or more travelers. Please, if you want private service, request information at info@ausangateadventure.com or through our WhatsApp at +51 914201334.