Four Lakes Circuit and Q’eswachaka Bridge
Travel the route of the four high Andean lakes of Canas and discover the Q'eswachaka bridge, the last Inca bridge made of plant fiber, renewed every year by local communities through ancestral rituals.
A bridge connecting the Inca past with the present
Summary
This excursion takes you to the province of Canas, in southern Cusco, to discover one of the most extraordinary living traditions of the Andes. The Q’eswachaka bridge is the last Inca bridge made of plant fiber still in use, spanning the Apurímac River and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Every year, local communities renew the bridge using techniques passed down since Inca times. Meanwhile, they braid ichu, a high-altitude grass, in a ceremony accompanied by rituals and offerings to the earth.
Along the way, you also travel the circuit of the four lakes, Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha and Pampamarca, surrounded by traditional villages and high Andean landscapes. If you enjoy remote landscapes in southern Cusco, Pallay Poncho and the South Valley are also excellent options.
Highlights
Itinerary
05:00 - 05:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in the historic center of Cusco before sunrise.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the drive south of Cusco by tourist transportation.
05:30 - 08:00
Transfer and breakfast
Drive south of Cusco, then a breakfast stop.
We drive south of Cusco and stop on the way for breakfast before starting the lakes circuit.
08:00 - 10:30
Four Lakes Circuit
Tour of Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha and Pampamarca.
Then we travel the route of the four lakes, stopping at viewpoints to admire their waters, the villages around them and the traditional activities of local communities.
10:30 - 12:30
Q'eswachaka Bridge
Visit to the last Inca bridge made of plant fiber.
Later, we reach the Q’eswachaka bridge over the Apurímac River. Meanwhile, your guide explains its history, the ichu weaving technique and the annual renewal ceremony. Also, if the bridge’s condition allows, you can cross it.
12:30 - 13:30
Lunch
Lunch at a local restaurant before the drive back.
Then we enjoy a lunch with local products at a restaurant before starting the return journey.
13:30 - 17:00
Return to Cusco
Return by tourist transportation to Cusco during the afternoon.
Finally, we return to Cusco, where the tour ends at the Main Square or near your hotel in the historic center.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Breakfast and lunch
- Entrance to the Q'eswachaka bridge
- First aid kit
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Drinks and snacks
- Handicraft purchases
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
Warm layered clothing
Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
Comfortable shoes with good grip
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water and snacks
Cash for personal expenses
Passport or identification document
Weather
The province of Canas is a high Andean area with sunny days and cold mornings. Also, afternoon rain is common from November to March.
Best season
The tour operates all year. However, the bridge is renewed every year in June, so it is a special time to witness the ceremony.
Recommendations
Crossing the bridge depends on its condition and the community’s instructions. Therefore, cross calmly, one person at a time and always following your guide’s instructions.
Gallery
FAQ
What is Q'eswachaka?
The Q’eswachaka bridge is the last Inca bridge made of plant fiber still in use, built with braided ichu grass over the Apurímac River. It was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
When is the bridge renewed?
The communities renew it every year, usually in June, in a ceremony lasting several days that includes rituals and offerings to the earth.
Can I cross the bridge?
Yes, when its condition allows and always while following the instructions of the community and the guide.
How demanding is the tour?
It is an easy tour. The walks are short, although the descent to the Q’eswachaka bridge has slopes and steps.
How long is the drive from Cusco?
The road journey takes about three hours each way, including stops at the lakes.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, as well as with flexible schedules.
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