Q´eswachaca and four lagoons

About

Itinerary:

Description

Discover one of the most extraordinary living traditions of the Andes with a visit to Q’eswachaca, the last remaining Inca suspension bridge still preserved through ancestral techniques. Handwoven from Ichu grass, a native highland plant traditionally used as fodder for Andean camelids, this remarkable bridge is reconstructed every year by local communities during a centuries-old ceremony recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This fascinating excursion also showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Cusco, including four stunning high-altitude lagoons—Pomacanchi, Acopía, Asnacocha, and Pampamarca—surrounded by rolling mountains, traditional villages, and diverse Andean wildlife.

Itinerary

The adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we travel south following the course of the Vilcanota River toward the town of Cusipata, where a delicious breakfast awaits before continuing the journey.

As we travel through the Andean countryside, you will enjoy breathtaking scenery featuring gentle mountain ranges, agricultural fields, and picturesque rural communities that preserve traditional lifestyles. Along the route, we visit the beautiful lagoons of Pomacanchi, Acopía, Asnacocha, and Pampamarca, each offering unique landscapes and serving as important habitats for native wildlife and a variety of migratory and endemic bird species.

After approximately two hours of travel, we arrive in the district of Quehue, home to the legendary Q’eswachaca Bridge. Suspended above the dramatic Apurímac River Canyon, this impressive structure stretches 28 meters (92 feet) in length and represents one of the most remarkable examples of surviving Inca engineering and community tradition.

Your guide will explain the history, construction techniques, and cultural significance of the bridge, highlighting the annual renewal ceremony that has kept this tradition alive for generations. Following the visit, you will enjoy lunch while taking in spectacular views of the Apurímac Canyon and its surrounding natural beauty.

Recommended

To fully appreciate the cultural importance, history, and ancestral traditions behind Q’eswachaca, we highly recommend visiting with a professional guide.

Includes: