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Imagine walking across a bridge that has been renewed every year for over 500 years, using only natural materials and the hands of local communities. The Qeswachaka Bridge, located in the Cusco region, is not just a structure to cross the ApurÃmac River but a living symbol of the tradition, culture, and ingenuity of the ancient Incas. As we explore the history and significance of this rope bridge, you’ll be amazed at how Andean culture has kept this incredible tradition alive to this day.
The Qeswachaka or Queshuachaca Bridge, known as the last Inca suspension bridge, is a rope bridge located in the district of Quehue, in the province of Canas, in the Cusco region. This bridge spans the ApurÃmac River at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters above sea level. It stretches 28 meters long and is 1.20 meters wide. It is anchored to large stone bases that rise at each end of the gorge.
It is the last handmade Inca rope bridge still in use today. What makes this bridge unique is that it is entirely made from plant fibers, mainly ichu, a type of straw that grows in the highlands of the Andes.
Each year, local communities come together to renew the bridge using the same techniques the Incas once used. This ritual is not only an act of maintenance but also a way to preserve the culture and ancestral heritage that has been passed down through generations.
The Qeswachaka Bridge is part of the extensive network of Inca roads known as the Qhapaq Ñan, a system of routes that connected the entire Inca Empire. During the Inca period, these suspension rope bridges were essential for transportation and communication in the mountainous regions of the empire. It is estimated that there were hundreds of bridges like Qeswachaka across the Inca Empire, but most have disappeared over time. However, Qeswachaka has endured, thanks to the dedication of local communities that renew it annually.
The name “Qeswachaka” comes from the Quechua words “qeswa,” meaning braided rope, and “chaka,” meaning bridge. The annual renewal of the bridge is an event that involves four local communities: Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Ccollana Quehue, and Choccayhua. This process has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, highlighting its significance not only as a physical structure but also as a cultural treasure.
Each year, on the first Thursday of June, a community ceremony is held to renew the bridge. This process follows ancient Inca traditions, using the mink’a or minga system, a form of collective labor aimed at benefiting the community, demonstrating impressive collaboration and manual skill.
An ancestral ritual is performed to honor the local deities, led by a shaman known as a “paq’o,” who conducts a ceremony to “Pachamama” (Mother Earth) at a ritual altar. The main offerings on the altar include coca leaves, corn cobs and grains, wine served in a traditional wooden cup or “qero,” cigarettes, a llama fetus, and several chicken eggs.
On this day, residents from the four communities that make up the district prepare large ropes from the “q’eswas” or smaller ropes made from plant fibers. Once these ropes are ready, they will serve as the base of the bridge and as handrails.
Each family from the mentioned communities is responsible for making a rope called “q’eswa” that is 40 “fathoms” long (around 70 meters), made from a plant fiber called “q’oya” (Festuca dolichophylla), a grass from the ichu family.
In the early morning, the paqo prepares the offering table once again. After receiving permission from Pachamama and the Apus, the villagers install the “duros” and “makis,” large ropes that serve as the bridge’s floor and handrails, which were made the previous day.
The “chakaruwaq,” or bridge weavers, Victoriano Arizapana and Eleuterio Callo, gather early at the ritual table. After receiving permission from Pachamama and the Apus through the paqo, they begin the delicate and risky task of weaving the bridge deck. Once the rope structure laid the previous day is confirmed to be strong, they sit on the base of the bridge and start weaving. This tough job usually takes all day.
Once the bridge has been renewed, a grand celebration takes place where all community members from the four villages participate, celebrating the bridge’s renewal with traditional music, dances, and local foods.
This celebration not only marks the successful renewal of the bridge but also strengthens community bonds and pride in their cultural heritage.
The Qeswachaka Bridge is not just an ancient engineering marvel; it is a symbol of cultural resilience. Over the centuries, local communities have kept this tradition alive despite social, political, and technological changes. In a world where many ancestral traditions are being lost, Qeswachaka stands as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of preserving our roots.
In 2011, UNESCO declared the renewal of the Qeswachaka Bridge as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural value and the importance of the ancient techniques that are still practiced today. This recognition not only protects the tradition but also boosts cultural tourism, helping local communities continue this practice.
If you are interested in visiting the Qeswachaka Bridge, prepare for an unforgettable experience. The journey to the bridge offers a unique opportunity to connect with Peru’s living history. Here are some tips on how to get there and what to expect from your visit.
The Qeswachaka Bridge is located about 100 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco, in the Canas province. To reach the bridge, you can opt for an excursion from Cusco, which typically takes around three hours by car. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning Andean landscapes, including lakes, mountains, and small rural communities.
Upon arriving at the Qeswachaka Bridge, you will be struck by the magnitude of the structure and the natural surroundings. You can cross the bridge, although it’s important to note that, due to its rope construction, it may feel unstable. However, it is completely safe, as it is renewed each year following strict ancient techniques.
If you plan to visit the Qeswachaka Bridge, here are some helpful tips:
The Qeswachaka Bridge is much more than just a structure to cross a river. It is a living testimony to the skill, collaboration, and cultural heritage of the Andean communities. Its history, tradition, and annual renewal serve as a reminder of the ingenuity of the ancient Incas and the power of community in preserving cultural identity. By visiting this bridge, you’re not just crossing an ancient engineering marvel but also connecting with centuries of history and living tradition in the heart of the Andes.
Dive into the city’s vibrant energy during the day and return to the calm and comfort of our hotel as night falls. Your home away from home awaits you with open arms.
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