Each June, for 600 years, 1,000 peasants from southern Peru meet for three days to work on the renovation of the last Inca bridge: Q'eswachaka, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. This traditional practice is the fundamental element of the cultural identity of the Quehue population and represents the link established with nature and history. It is an example of the wealth of the intangible heritage of the country.
For the peasants of the four communities that work in the construction of the bridge, the Q'eswachaka has a sacred character, which asks for a permit of "Apus" (divinities) and the "Pachamama" (mother earth) through a Ceremony ritual, where the priest prays in Quechua and offers coca leaves, a fetus of llamas, colored corn, cotton, sugar, wine, cigars, and bells.
During this date, making use of Inca knowledge, the villagers collect the new material, dismantle the old bridge and begin to assemble the replacement. On the third day, the inhabitants begin the assembly of the railing and the surface of the bridge. After having finished the work, a great celebration begins where the inhabitants perform a festival of native dances in party mode. Finally, after having finished the bridge replacement, all inaugurate it crossing it.
The Q'eswachaka measures 28 meters long and 1.20 meters wide, being built to this day with ichu. This bridge served as part of the road system of the Qhapaq Ñan, having approximately more than 500 years. Tradition and customs are still present, accompanied by rituals for their realization. The Q'eswachaka is the last bridge that has survived modernity and continues to pass its ritual from generation to generation.
From the Quechua language, "Q'eswachaka", gets its name from the words "Q'eswa", which can mean either rope or cord, and "Chaka", which signifies a bridge. Together, the word is understood as “rope bridge” or “hanging bridge”.
This bridge is a great example of Inca engineering, since it is one of the few traditional hanging bridges that still exist. Because local communities have continuously rebuilt it over the centuries with traditional skills and natural materials, its importance as a symbol of Inca cultural heritage is deeply rooted and amplified.
Every second Sunday of June, four communities (Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Choccayhua and Ccollana Quehue) work together to rebuild the Qeswachaka bridge. These small towns, located near the bridge, used it regularly until a modern structure appeared in the area. Despite this, they continue to meet every year to keep this old tradition alive, which not only has a deep social meaning but also represents a tribute to the building knowledge of their ancestors.
The process involves taking down the old bridge and replacing it completely, using the same techniques passed down from ancient times. It is hard work that requires the joint participation of hundreds of people, who strive to ensure that the resulting structure is safe and strong.
During these four days, besides the physical and technical work, the bonds between the members of the community are strengthened, and a very important cultural tradition is kept alive.
The festival where the Q'eswachaka is renewed takes place during the second week of June. This year, the festival will take place from the 11th - to the 13th of June.
Like many other Inca bridges, Q'eswachaka was destroyed to stop Pizarro on his march to Cusco. The bridge was later rebuilt, since then every year in June around 700 people from the communities of Hunchiri, Chaupibanda, Choccayhua and Ccollana Quehue come together for three days to rebuild the bridge, because the grass fibers last only one season. The bridge will then be inaugurated with a big celebration. The construction is accompanied by shamanic ceremonies and sacrificial rituals to ward off misfortunes.
The trip starts in the city of Cusco with the pick-up from your hotel at 7 a.m. approximately in the southwest direction. After almost two hours of travel, we will visit the four lagoons: Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and the Pampamarca or Tungasuca lagoon. After enjoying a quiet moment near the lagoons, the next place we will visit is the small volcano of pavilions that is located near the town of Yanaoca. Finally, we will reach the Apurímac river and the impressive Inca bridge. This hanging Inca bridge is made of vegetable fiber (Ichu) and is located on the Apurímac River in the district of Quehue.
The existence of this bridge dates from the Inca period, the renovation and maintenance are done once a year by the local people of the four communities that are around. Before starting with the renewal of the bridge an offering is given as a sign of respect and gratitude to the Pachamama. We will have the opportunity to cross the Inca bridge on two occasions, of course, if you dare to do so, it may seem easy. But without a doubt, you will feel great excitement to cross this bridge so much that you will feel like a Chaski (Inca courier). On the way back to Combapata our delicious lunch awaits us in this town where we will later make the last visit, the colonial Inca bridge of Combapata where you can see the differences between both bridges. This interesting trip ends in the city of Cusco at approximately 5:00 pm.
During your visit to Q'eswachaka, you can choose between a variety of tours. These range from a full-day excursion to Inca Trail tours through the Sacred Valley. The multi-day tours can be combined with climbing the Huayna Picchu mountain or walking along the Urubamba Riverside, following in the footsteps of the classic Inca Trail 4 days on their original paths, visiting other archaeological sites such as Llactapata, Sacsaymarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna. Also, you can combine them with the Rainbow mountain tour. A trek through the Andes villages with living traditions.
If you are looking for adventure, the best hiking option is the Short Inca Trail or alternative treks to Machu Picchu. These trails are the best hiking alternatives to the lost city of the Incas.
If you’re visiting Peru in June, be sure to include a trip to the Qeswachaka Bridge Festival in your plans. Witness a celebration passed down through generations, embodying the living Inca culture of the Andes. This is the kind of unique experience that culturally savvy travelers dream of!
On the day trips, travel by train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Enjoyed the beautiful scenic trail during the trip.
