Transportation
Private modern Van
Group Size
Up to 10 people
Duration
Full Day
Difficulty
Moderate
We’ll begin our journey early in the morning from the Historic Center of the City of Cusco. Heading south toward Cusipata, we’ll enjoy breathtaking Andean views, farmlands, and traditional villages. Along the way, we’ll stop at the serene Pomacanchi Lagoon for photos and birdwatching.
Our route continues to the Ccolca Community, a place where ancient customs are still alive. From there, we’ll drive to the impressive Qeswachaka Bridge. This Inca rope bridge stretches 28 meters across the Apurímac River and sits at 3,700 meters of altitude. Local communities rebuild it every year using Ichu grass, a tradition passed down for generations through community work.
At the bridge, we’ll learn about its cultural significance and traditional construction techniques. We’ll also have time to walk across the bridge, take incredible photos, and admire the deep canyon and river below.
After the visit, we’ll return to the Ccolca community for a traditional Andean lunch. On the return drive, we’ll see the Pabellones Volcano from a scenic viewpoint.
From your hotel or the Plaza de Armas in Cusco
5:00 AM
We’ll begin at 5:00 AM with hotel pick-up in the Cusco Historic Center. We’ll leave the city and drive 109 kilometers south to Cusipata. The road winds through valleys, farms, and small Andean towns.
The first stop will be in Cusipata for a buffet breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll continue toward the Ccolca Community. This small Andean village preserves many ancient traditions and customs.
We’ll take a relaxing break by the Pomacanchi Lagoon, a hidden place among the region’s four lagoons. Its mirror-like waters reflect the sky, and we might spot fishermen or native birds gliding by. On the way back, we’ll catch a distant view of the Pabellones Volcano, rising on the horizon.
We plan to continue for one more hour toward the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge. The bridge stands at 3,700 meters above sea level. Locals build it from a grass called Ichu, and it spans 28 meters across the Apurímac River. Local communities rebuild the bridge every year, preserving a tradition that has lasted for centuries.
Where we’ll enjoy a full guided tour at the site. The guide will explain how locals build the bridge and why UNESCO recognizes the Qeswachaka Bridge as Intangible Cultural Heritage for its living Inca tradition and annual reconstruction.
We may also choose an optional short boat ride in the Apurímac River. This experience will show the bridge from below and offer a different perspective. The natural scenery around the bridge is rugged and beautiful. We will return on foot to the Ccolca Community.
Once back in Ccolca, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch. We’ll have time to relax and chat with community members. The meal will reflect the flavors of the Andes.
After lunch, we’ll drive back to Cusco. The return trip takes around three hours. So we’ll arrive at Plaza Regocijo around 6:30 PM.
Great for travelers looking for something authentic and less touristy.
The bridge is amazing and full of history. The tour was well-paced, and the group size was perfect. Worth everything!
