The Inca Bridge Q’eswachaka and the 4 Lagoons

Overview

Embark on a full-day adventure from Cusco to explore one of the last remaining examples of living Inca engineering — the Q’eswachaka Bridge, handwoven entirely from plant fibers and suspended over the Apurímac River. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Andean towns, enjoy breathtaking natural viewpoints, and witness the meeting point of sacred rivers.

After crossing the bridge and learning about its cultural significance, the tour continues with a relaxing visit to the Circuit of the Four Lagoons — Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi — where you’ll admire stunning landscapes, spot local flora and fauna, and connect with the Andean highland culture.

The tour includes transportation, guided visits, lunch in a local community, and plenty of opportunities for photography and cultural immersion.

Highlights:

Cross the last living Inca bridge: Walk across the Q’eswachaka Bridge, handwoven from natural fibers and rebuilt annually by local communities using ancestral techniques.
Enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes: Travel through highland valleys, rivers, and mountains with panoramic views throughout the day.
Visit scenic viewpoints: Stop at the Combapata Viewpoint to see the stunning confluence of the Salcca and Vilcanota Rivers — the sacred river of the Incas.
Discover authentic Andean culture: Explore traditional districts like Yanaoca and Q’ewe, far from the typical tourist path.
Explore the 4 Lagoons Circuit: Experience the natural beauty of Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi, rich in local wildlife and peaceful surroundings.
Enjoy a traditional local lunch: Taste regional flavors in a quiet Andean town after your morning adventure.
Comfortable round-trip transport: Sit back and relax with hotel pickup, experienced guides, and safe, scenic travel.

Details for: Half Day City Tour

Price per person

$ 157.00 USD

Private Transport
Hotel pick up
Not Included
Duration: 1 Day
Altitude 3,399 m
Spanish, English
Included

Not Included
Avarage
Trip Style: Walking
Groups size: 2 and up
Trip Starts in cusco
Total distance –
First Aid Kit

Contact

The most requested tour to Machu Picchu

Travel Information

Tour Duration: Full-day tour (5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Approximately).
Departure & Return: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
Group Size: 2 and up.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate.
Altitude: The tour takes place at high elevation (4,000m / 13,123ft); allow time for acclimatization..
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though the dry season (April–October) offers clearer skies.

Itinerary

Day 1: The Inca Bridge Q’eswachaka and the 4 Lagoons

We will pick you up early from the hotel around 5:00 a.m., we will begin the journey in our tourist transport, traveling through some districts of Cusco city heading south.

Our first stop will be Rumi Punku, which was one of the main entry points to Cusco during the Inca era for Rumi Punku travelers coming from the Qollasuyo region.

After an hour of travel, we will stop at the Combapata viewpoint. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes Combapata viewpoint and, above all, see the confluence of the Salcca River with the Vilcanota River and the famous sacred river of the Incas.

We will continue our journey to Yanaoca. The district of Yanaoca is one of the eight districts in the province of Yanaoca. Canas, Cusco department.

Next, we will continue our tour for another 30 minutes and reach the Q’iwe District, where the last Inca bridge, “Q’eswachaka”, is located, built with plant fibers and 28.67 meters long.

After getting the first views of the Inca Bridge, we will begin to descend the steps before reaching the bridge itself. There, we will have time to explore and cross the Q’eswachaka Inca bridge. After feeling the adrenaline and crossing the bridge, our guide will begin explaining the construction and maintenance process.

After the visit, we will return to Yanaoca where we will enjoy our lunch. After lunch, we will continue our tour and visit the Circuit of the 4 Lagoons: Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi. Here we can enjoy a lot of regional flora and fauna while experiencing rich Andean culture along the way.

After the brief visit to each lagoon, we will return to Cusco city in our tourist transport, which will take about 2 hours, arriving in Cusco approximately at 5:00 p.m.

What’s Included:

Breakfast, Lunch
Private Transport
Private Guide
Tickets for Queswacha + 4 lagoons tour
First Aid Kit
Amenities

What’s not Included:

Dinner

Recommendations:

Wear Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers, as temperatures can change throughout the day. A light jacket is recommended.
Use Comfortable Footwear: Expect some walking on cobblestone streets and uneven terrain at archaeological sites.
Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes.
Protect Yourself from the Sun: Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as Cusco has strong sun exposure due to its altitude.
Carry Local Currency: Some small vendors may not accept credit cards, so having some Peruvian Soles is recommended.
Respect the Sites: Follow the guide’s instructions and avoid touching historical artifacts or climbing on ruins.
Bring a Camera: Capture the stunning architecture, historical sites, and vibrant local culture.

Packing List

Small Backpack: To carry essentials comfortably.(optional)
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Suitable for walking on streets and uneven surfaces.
Light Jacket or Sweater: Cusco’s weather can change quickly, so layering is recommended.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect from the strong Andean sun.
Camera or Smartphone: Capture the beautiful architecture and historic sites.
Personal Identification: Always carry a copy of your passport or ID.
Rain Poncho (Optional): If visiting during the rainy season (November to March).

Location for: Cusco City Tour

Frecuendly asked questions

FAQs

1. What is the total duration of the tour and what time do we return to Cusco?
This is a full-day tour. The hotel pickup is at 5:00 a.m. and the return to Cusco is scheduled for approximately 5:00 p.m., making it a trip of about 12 hours in total.
2. What is the difficulty level of this tour? Is it suitable for people with a fear of heights?
The tour has a low difficulty level as most of the time is spent traveling by transport. However, crossing the Q’eswachaka bridge can be challenging for people with vertigo or a fear of heights. The bridge is narrow and sways slightly, creating an adrenaline-filled experience. Those who do not wish to cross it can admire it from the observation platform.
3. What kind of clothing and footwear should I wear for this tour?
Layered clothing is recommended, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. We suggest wearing comfortable pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a warm sweater or jacket, and a waterproof or windproof jacket. For footwear, comfortable, closed shoes like trekking or sports sneakers are ideal, as there will be short walks. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
4. Is lunch included in the tour?
Yes, lunch is included. After visiting the Q’eswachaka bridge, the tour returns to Yanaoca, where lunch will be served to recharge your energy before continuing the tour to the lagoons.
5. What will we see on the Circuit of the 4 Lagoons?
On the Circuit of the 4 Lagoons (Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi), you will enjoy stunning Andean landscapes. You’ll have the opportunity to observe local flora and fauna, such as aquatic birds and other wildlife, while immersing yourself in the tranquility of these beautiful natural settings and experiencing the region’s rich Andean culture.
6. How safe is the Q’eswachaka bridge?
The Q’eswachaka bridge is completely safe. It is a suspension bridge built with vegetable fibers, and every year a communal renewal ceremony takes place where the fibers are replaced. This ancestral ritual ensures that the bridge is maintained in excellent condition and is safe for people to cross. The guides will give you the necessary instructions to cross it safely.