Of all the great architectural and cultural accomplishments of the Incas, it is their system of roads which remains perhaps the most impressive. This highway system spanned the entire length of the empire and was frequently used by the special runners known as chasquis in order to deliver messages throughout the empire. In order to allow these roads to cross the many gorges and canyons of the Andes mountains, the Incas devised a system of rope suspension bridges which spanned the gaps. Incredibly, one last Inca rope bridge known as Q’eswachaka remains today and is still being maintained and used in the Cusco region. A visit to the Q’eswachaka rope bridge is one of Cusco’s many great off-the-beaten-track excursions, and a truly authentic way to experience the past through the living traditions of local people.
Inca Rope Bridges
One of the reasons that Inca rope bridges were so impressive is that they were true feats of engineering. They’re constructed entirely out of grass and other vegetation, yet somehow they’re sturdy enough for groups of people or even cattle to cross safely. Because of the perishable materials used, each cable of these bridges needed to be replace once a year. Villages that were home to a bridge completed its annual construction as part of their mit’a, a type of tribute exacted by the Incas in the form of communal labor. Historians estimate that 200 or more of these suspension bridges may have existed at one point in time. Most of these fell out of usage as modern construction techniques gained prominence, including the 148-footer that famously inspired Thornton Wilder’s classic The Bridge of San Luis Rey, which only made it to the 19th century. For the most part, the once-widespread art of building rope bridges has faded into obscurity.
Q’eswachaka Bridge
The last of its kind in Peru, the Q’eswachaka Bridge in the southern Cusco region is the only place in the country where the ancestral tradition of building rope bridges lives on. Despite the existence of a modern steel bridge nearby, residents of the local community gather every year to rebuild the Inca rope bridge according to the old traditions as a way to honor their ancestors and the Pachamama (Earth Mother). The techniques used to create the bridge have been passed down from generation to generation since the time of the Incas, changing little since then. In the past, there likely would have been specific community members in charge of the bridge’s daily upkeep and defense, but nowadays the care of the bridge is undertaken once a year by the village as a whole.
The Q’eswachaka Bridge, the name of which comes from the Quechua words “q’iswa” (rope) and “chaka” (bridge), crosses a gorge above the Apurímac River near Huinchiri in the Quehue District of Cusco’s Canas Province. Every June, the local people gather together to renew the bridge, with individual groups responsible for specific tasks. The bridge is built using long blades of grass, which are then woven into suspension cables and secured using the trunks of eucalyptus trees. You will be absolutely amazed by the way the builders can turn common vegetation into such a functional piece of architecture.
The rebuilding process takes place as part of a four-day festival, culminating with joyous celebrations and traditional folk dancing on the final day after the bridge’s completion. This festival draws many people from neighboring communities and even a handful of outside tourists who want to see the ancient rite for themselves. The date of the Q’eswachaka festival changes slightly by year, with the main day of celebration always falling on the second Sunday of June. If you are planning a trip to Cusco around this time, do consider attending this special event. If you’re visiting in another season, it’s definitely worth the trip to Q’eswachaka just to walk the bridge and see if for yourself, even without the festival.
Visiting the Last Inca Rope Bridge
Located about 100 kilometers south of the city of Cusco, the last Inca rope bridge of Q’eswachaka is a little bit off the standard tourist route, but its unique character makes it worth the extra effort. There are also a number of other worthwhile attractions located in this part of Cusco. The mountaintop Inca fortress of Waqrapukara and the stunning rainbow-colored hills of Palccoyo are both located nearby. Closer to the city of Cusco, there is also an established southern tourist route that includes the town of Andahuaylillas (home to the so-called “Andean sistine chapel”), the Inca ruins of Tipón, and the Wari city of Pikillaqta. All of these could easily be combined into a longer trip through the area south of Cusco, including a visit to Q’eswachaka.
A visit to the Inca rope bridge of Q’eswachaka is a truly authentic way to experience the culture of the Andes. You will gain insights into both the Inca past and the contemporary lifestyles of the people of this region. Make the trip to this last Inca rope bridge and you will discover one of Cusco’s most unique and interesting attractions!
Header Image: National Geographic
