Write a comment
Traditional rebuilding of the Q’eswachaka Bridge

Traditional rebuilding of the Q’eswachaka Bridge

The last Inca rope bridge is reconstructed every year in June by hand

Photographs by Jordi Busqué

In the first half of June members of four Quechua communities high in the Peruvian Andes about 180 km (110 miles) from Cusco come together to ceremonially cut the ropes of the Q’eswachaka bridge, the last remaining traditional Inca rope bridge, let it fall into the Apurimac river below and then rebuilt it by hand in a 3-day ceremony just like their Incan ancestors did over 600 years ago.

During Inca times rope bridges were an essential part of the extensive Andean road system, the Qhapaq Ñan, spanning over rivers, canyons and abysses. The simple suspension bridges were built by hand using a local grass called ichu that was braided or woven into strong ropes called q’oya.

In an elaborate process the ropes were skillfully connected, reinforced with wood and attached on each side of a canyon to stone anchors to build quite strong bridges that allowed pedestrians and livestock to cross. They even withstood the weight of the conquering Spaniards on their horses.

To ensure the strength and safety of these rope bridges, they were maintained once a year by local villagers replacing the natural ropes and repairing damages to the wood. This old Inca tradition still lives on, even though just in one place in Peru and at one specific date each year.

Every June members of four Quechua communities - Huinchiri, Choccayhua, Chaupibanda, and Ccollana Quehue - come together to rebuild the Q’eswachaka bridge located near Huinchiri in the Canas province about 180 km (110 miles) south of Cusco. For them the Q’eswachaka bridge is a beloved and respected structure that links the past and the future. It’s the soul and spirit of their Incan ancestors and represents life and power.

Like their forefathers, they cut the ropes of the old bridge, let it fall into the Apurimac river below, prepare the ropes and then rebuilt the rope bridge in a communal effort.

And as hundreds of years ago the whole rebuilding process is accompanied by ancient ceremonies and offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apu Q’eswachaka (mountain spirits). Once the bridge is finished, participants celebrate with local food, chicha (a fermented corn beverage), Andean music and traditional dancing.

The bridge can be visited year-round as part of a booked tour or independently. But if you would like to be part of this amazing tradition, you can either book a special 1 to 3-day tour with one of the many tour operators or just turn up at the site at the rebuilding date and immerse yourself in the astonishing ways of Inca society and engineering.

Map

Swap Start/End
Say something here...
characters left
or post as a guest
All comments MUST be in English and will be moderated before publishing.
They will appear below within 24 hours.
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.

Be the first to comment.

Peru Newsflash

Peru Event Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Latest Content...

Latest Video

Maria Reiche - Memories

Maria Reiche - Memories

Submitted by: Tintin
05 December 2021

Long Reads...

  • Peruvian Archaeology

    The Mystery of the Nazca Lines in Peru

    In the 1920s, when people first flew across southern Peru, they made an astonishing discovery. Stretching below them,…
  • Peruvian Personalities & Founders

    Francisco Pizarro González (1474-1541)

    Francisco Pizarro, a peasant from Spain, was one of the least well-equipped conquerors in history. However, in the name…
  • Peruvian Archaeology

    The colorful Fabrics and Textiles of Peru

    Europe’s first knowledge of Peruvian textiles was acquired following the Spanish invasion of Peru in 1532, when the…
  • Peruvian Legends, Myths & Tales

    The Jeweled Frog and the Condor

    By a quiet pond, at the side of a cloud-topped mountain in Peru, lived a small green frog and his large green family.…
  • Peru Info

    Peruvian Economy

    The Peruvian economy is an emerging, social market economy highly dependent on foreign trade and classified as an upper…