Qeswachaka Last Incan Bridge 1 Days

Qeswachaka Last Incan Bridge

Qeswachaka is one of the attractions near Cusco that is rapidly gaining popularity among travellers. This last rope bridge built by the Incas is well preserved and maintained by the community here.

The bridge has an elevation of 15 meters and links the community on both sides of Apurimac River.

Qeswachaka bridge was built using solid straw of vegetable fibre which gave the name Qeswachaka. “Q’eswa” means braid and “Chaka” means bridge in Quechua, the native language.

Every year, in June, locals from the village participate in a four days festival where they gather to refurbish the bridge.

On the first day, the men from the community wander around to gather enough straw of Vegetable fibre or Ichu as it is known in Quechua. Women from the community gather later that day to weave them. It is the responsibility of men to join and braid them.
On the second day, men disarm the existing bridge.

Day three, they assemble the new bridge and the community cross over it to mark the completion of refurbishing the renowned, Qeswchaka bridge.

On the fourth day, they gather to celebrate the completion. Where they dance to Andean Folkoric tunes.
Qeswachaka