Inca architecture reached such a level of development that it amazes the entire world. The area of Cuzco is an example of this ingenuity. Three hours from the city, in the province of Cañas, in the district of Queue, is the Q’eswachaka bridge, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, which spans the Apurimac River.
The material used for this suspension bridge is ichu, a grass from the highest regions of the Andes. The inhabitants of the rural municipalities of Perccaro, Huinchiri, Ccollana, and Qqewe gather every year to restore the bridge’s structure, given its age. The bridge’s restoration is associated with a ritual and feast lasting about four days, which begins with the payment of the apu Quinsallallawi in a traditional ceremony.
During this time, the villagers, with the help of Inca knowledge, gather new material, dismantle the old bridge, and assemble the new one. On the third Day, the villagers make the railings and the bridge’s surface. Once the work is finished, a big party begins with the villagers performing native dances to celebrate the Day. When the bridge is completed, everyone opens it and crosses it on foot.
The Q’eswachaka is 28 meters long and 1.20 meters wide and was built from ichu to the Present Day. This bridge was part of the Qhapaq Ñan road system and is about 500 years old. The traditions and customs remain, as do the rituals that fulfill them. The Q’eswachaka is the last surviving bridge that has withstood the test of modernity and has been passed down from generation to generation.
Location Q’eswachaka
Q’eswachaka is located in the district of Quehue, province of Canas, department of Cusco.
Altitude of Q’eswachaka
- The Q’eswachaka bridge is situated at an elevation of 3,700 meters above sea level.
- The average temperature in Q’eswachaka
- Max.: 16° C.
- Min: -2° C.
Q’eswachaka festival
First Day of the Q’eswachaka Festival
This begins with an offering to the tutelary apu Quinsallallawi. Previously, the people of the four communities had already collected the primary input for elaborating the bridge, known as the “Qoya Ichu.” Andean women actively participate in collecting this material and are responsible for weaving the first Soguilla or Qeswa. In the afternoon, the men form two groups, gather on both sides of the bridge, and extend the Soguillas or Queswas from end to end, which is braided by the Chakaruhac (Inca engineer) to assemble the Qeswaska or larger braid.
Second Day of the Q’eswachaka festival
This begins by untying the old ropes tied to some stone nails, to which the new braids will be connected again. Once finished, they will start to throw the ropes from one end to the other. The braiding of the strings takes time, as does the tying of the cables. Finally, the four thick ropes that serve as a base and the two handrails are in place.
Third Day of the Q’eswachaka festivity
This Day concludes with the assembly of the handrails and the surface of the bridge, which will be used for crossing. Once finished, the bridge’s inauguration begins with the sound of music and typical dances of the area.
Fourth Day of the Q’eswachaka festivity
It is the date of the celebration. On this Day, a beautiful festival of native dances is performed by the inhabitants of the four Quechua communities.
Essential facts about the Q’eswachaka festival
The festivity where the Q’eswachaka is renewed takes place during the second week of June.
During the colonial period, suspension bridges were preferred over stone bridges because they were more resilient to earthquakes.
The braiding of the ichu for the new bridge is done only by women, supervised by a ‘Chakaruwak’ or specialist.
From September 14 to 21, the festivity of the “Señor de la Exaltación,” patron saint of the area, is held.
How to get to Q’eswachaka?
From Cusco, the journey takes 3 hours. Using public transportation (bus) from Cusco to Combapata, then to Yanaoca, and finally to Quehue in this district, a private vehicle will be waiting for you to take you to Q’eswachaka. You will arrive in approximately 15 minutes.
What to see in the surroundings of the Q’eswachaka Bridge?
This is a beautiful idea if you want to take advantage of your trip to Q’eswachaka to visit other regional tourist attractions!
On the way from Cusco to Q’eswachaka, you will find four beautiful lagoons: Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca. The landscape that surrounds them and the fish that can be seen in them are another of the wonders of Cusco’s nature.
In addition, just after the last lagoon (Pampamarca), there is the Pabellones volcano, which is only four meters high and is considered the smallest volcano in the world.
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