During the reign of the Incas, a massive network of roads, and one in particular, called Qhapaq Ñan, united every part of the Inca empire. To cross the rugged geography of the Andes, many hanging bridges made out of vegetal fibers were erected. This complex technology has been transmitted from generation to generation in order that there is still today one remaining bridge. Indeed Q’eswachaka Inca bridge has been renovated annually for more than 500 years, connecting the past with the present. Suspended above the Apurimac River at 3,700 meters (12,139 ft) above sea level, Q’eswachaka bridge is restored each June by over a thousand of people from four communities. This ancient ritual was recognized in 2013 by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Crossing it is like going back in time.

The tour begins with the pick-up from your accommodation between 4:30 and 4:45 am. around 5:00 am, we will start our journey in our private transportation.

We will then have a two hours hour van journey to the town of Combapata, where we will have our local breakfast (made of local cereals like quinoa, quiwicha, maca). After this will continue drive for 15 minutes until we will get the Combapata viewpoint, from which we will enjoy the beautiful landscapes and see where the Salcca River meets the Vilcanota, the Sacred River of the Incas.

Then, we will continue our journey to Yanaoca, one of the eight districts in the Canas province of Cusco. From Yanaoca, we will drive thirty minutes more to the Q’ewe district. From there, you will have your first glimpse of the ancient bridge suspended between the steep rock cliffs, as we drive down the Apurimac canyon.

We will then leave the car and descend a steep path to a viewpoint to take photos, before carefully crossing the bridge together! Get ready for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you make your way across the swaying bridge, and try not to look too closely at the river several meters below! On the other side, the bridge attendant will greet us and give a brief demonstration of the bridge’s history and construction.

After visiting the bridge, we will drive to the region’s where the four famous lakes are: Pampamarca, Asnacqoccha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi. Set like jewels among the gold-green hills, they shine in the warm, afternoon sun as native flamingos and other birds fly and feed around their edges. We will stop in one of the lake shores to set our picnic blanket and enjoy our picnic.

Finally, we will explore Rumi Punku before returning to Cusco arriving around 4:30 pm. Minima 3 Persons

/This excursion can only be booked in a package tour