From Cusco: Qeswachaka Inca Bridge Tour

The "From Cusco: Qeswachaka Inca Bridge Tour" offers travelers a chance to explore the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Peru. Featuring a 12-hour adventure that includes transportation, visits to picturesque lagoons, and the chance to marvel at the engineering marvel of the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, this tour promises a seamless exploration of the Inca civilization. With a bilingual guide providing insights and both breakfast and lunch included, this tour provides a comprehensive experience. However, the true highlight may just be witnessing the bridge itself – a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Inca people.

Key Points

• A 12-hour tour from Cusco that takes visitors to the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, a renowned engineering marvel made of woven grass and vegetable fibers.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a bilingual guide, meals, and necessary equipment, allowing participants to explore the site without logistical concerns.
• Participants will also visit four scenic high-altitude lagoons and a small volcano, providing a comprehensive cultural and natural experience.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with certain health conditions, and specific guidelines and prohibitions are in place to ensure participant safety.
• Entrance fees for the Qeswachaka Bridge are additional and must be paid on-site, contributing to the maintenance and preservation of this Inca heritage site.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

For those interested in experiencing the unique Inca engineering marvel of the Qeswachaka Bridge, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration.

Priced from $45 per person, the 12-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from Cusco, a bilingual guide, meals, and all necessary equipment.

Participants will visit four scenic lagoons, a small volcano, and the iconic Qeswachaka Bridge itself, which is meticulously maintained annually by local communities through a ceremonial offering to Pachamama.

The tour also includes a stop at the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe before returning to Cusco in the evening.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a well-rounded experience for those eager to discover this remarkable piece of Inca history.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.

You’ll then drive approximately 2 hours south to visit four picturesque lagoons. Along the way, you’ll stop to see the small volcano of Pabellones near Yanaoca.

The main attraction is the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, made of vegetable fiber (Ichu) over the Apurimac River. You’ll learn about the annual maintenance and offering to Pachamama performed by local communities.

On the return, you’ll visit the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe before arriving back in Cusco around 5:00 p.m.

Inclusions

The Qeswachaka Inca Bridge Tour includes hotel pickup in the historic center of Cusco, tourist transport, a bilingual tour guide, breakfast and lunch, and a first aid kit and oxygen bottle.

This ensures a comfortable and knowledgeable experience during the 12-hour excursion. The tour covers four lagoons, a small volcano, and the iconic Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, allowing participants to enjoy the region’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

With the inclusions provided, guests can focus on exploring and learning without having to worry about logistics or safety concerns.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees to the Qeswachaka Bridge are required for both national and foreign visitors. Nationals must pay 10 soles to enter, while foreigners are charged 20 soles.

These fees aren’t included in the tour price and must be paid on-site. The tour organizers state that these entrance fees go towards the maintenance and preservation of the historic Inca bridge.

Visitors should ensure they’ve the appropriate local currency on hand to pay the required fees. While the tour package covers various other costs, these entrance fees are an additional expense you will need to budget for to fully enjoy the Qeswachaka Bridge experience.

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Participant Information

Not everyone may be suited for the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge Tour. The tour has several important restrictions to keep in mind. Individuals with heart problems, fear of heights, vertigo, or epilepsy are advised not to participate. Participants must bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes and clothing, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, electric wheelchairs, and explosive substances are strictly prohibited in the vehicle.

Not Allowed	What to Bring	Restrictions
Smoking	Passport/ID	Heart problems
Alcohol	Comfortable clothes	Fear of heights
Drugs	Sunglasses/hat	Vertigo
Electric wheelchairs	Sunscreen	Epilepsy
Explosive substances

Important Notes

Participants can purchase entrance to the Qeswachaka Bridge on-site. The entrance fee is 10 soles for Peruvian nationals and 20 soles for foreigners.

It’s important to wear appropriate clothing for the tour, which involves walking on the bridge and other outdoor activities. The tour guide will contact participants approximately 15 minutes before pickup time, so travelers should wait in their hotel lobby for about 10 minutes to ensure they don’t miss the transport.

The tour prohibits smoking, alcohol, drugs, electric wheelchairs, and explosive substances in the vehicle. Participants should also keep in mind that the tour may not be suitable for those with heart problems, fear of heights, vertigo, or epilepsy.

Tour Highlights

The tour offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Inca civilization, highlighted by the remarkable Qeswachaka Inca Bridge.

This iconic structure, made entirely of woven grass and vegetable fibers, spans the Apurimac River and is maintained annually by local communities through a ceremonial offering to Pachamama.

Guests will also visit:

• Four serene high-altitude lagoons
• A small volcano at Pabellones
• The colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe
• Enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch during the 12-hour excursion
• Travel comfortably with a bilingual guide and hotel pickup in Cusco.

About Qeswachaka Bridge

The Qeswachaka Bridge stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and enduring traditions of the Inca civilization.

This iconic suspension bridge, constructed entirely from vegetable fibers known as ichu, spans the Apurimac River, offering a captivating glimpse into the engineering prowess of the Incas.

Each year, the local communities come together to meticulously maintain the bridge through an ancient ritual, demonstrating their unwavering connection to their cultural heritage.

The bridge not only serves as a crucial crossing point but also represents the resilience and adaptability of the Inca people, who continue to honor their ancestors by preserving this impressive engineering marvel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour itinerary includes breakfast and lunch, but allowing personal provisions gives travelers more flexibility during the lengthy day trip.

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally not suitable for young children, as it involves hiking on an Inca bridge with potential risks. However, older children who are physically fit and comfortable with heights may be able to participate with close adult supervision.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Tour Route?

There are no restroom facilities specifically mentioned along the tour route. However, the tour provides breakfast and lunch, suggesting there may be stops at locations with restrooms during the day’s activities.

Can I Purchase Additional Activities or Upgrades During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase additional activities or upgrades during the tour. The tour operator offers optional activities like visiting the colonial Inca bridge of Checacupe, which can be booked on-site. However, any extra expenses are not included in the tour price.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour typically has a small group size, usually ranging from 8 to 12 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience and easier interaction with the tour guide during the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge excursion.

Recap

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Peru’s rich Inca heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can marvel at the engineering marvel of the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge, admire picturesque lagoons, and hike the small Pabellones volcano. With round-trip transportation, bilingual guides, and meals provided, this tour ensures a seamless and immersive experience into the heart of the Inca civilization.

You can check if your dates are available here: