Qeswachaka Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Q’eswachaka – Cusco

Early pick up from your hotel in Cusco, and travel south on the road that leads to the province of Canas. During the journey we will pass a circuit of lagoons, including: the enigmatic lagoon of Urcos, where myths exist that claim the last Inca ordered to take all the gold of the Empire so that it wasn’t looted by the Spanish; also the Lagunas of Pomacanchis, Acopia, Asnaqocha and Pampamarca.

After a 3.5 hour trip we will arrive at “Quehue”, located at 3,600 masl. This traditional community is where the “Q’eswachaka bridge is located. The magnificent work is the result of the knowledge of the Incas and which is still practiced by the inhabitants of the area. “Queswachaca” is built over the majestic Apurimac River, located in the province of Canas.

The material from which this bridge is made is ichu (strong Andean straw) and due to the climate of the Andes, it deteriorates, so it must be rebuilt annually. The reconstruction is managed directly by the communities of Perccaro, Huinchi and Qqewe. The dimension of the bridge is 33 meters long and 1.20 meters wide, and the only material used is straw (Ichu).

The women are in charge of braiding the straw and the men of laying the bridge. In the afternoon we will return to Cusco, but not without a stop to the community of Hampatura where there are impressive caves of Ccarañahui or Q’arañahui, located at 3,900 meters above sea level.

This is a fantastic cavern of sedimentary marine material, its chemical composition is calcium hypochlorite, which due to the constant dripping results in the formation of impressive stalagmites and stalactites, which curiously acquired the shapes of pumas and condors.

The cave is thousands of years old and in the background we will see a mysterious lagoon. Legend has it that the Incas came to the cave to communicate spiritually with their Gods.

Finally we will return to Cusco

Included

• Professional tour guided
• Bus transportation
• Box Lunch

No Included

• Meals where not otherwise stated
• Tips

What you need to take

• Walking boots.
• Waterproof jacket/rain poncho (depends on weather conditions).
• Wind breaker (depends on weather conditions).
• Sun hat, sun block, sun glasses.
• Water and snacks.
• Camera with extra batteries