Private Trip, Last Inca Bridge

Set out from Cusco on a private 11-hour day trip through rural Peru, stopping by four local lagoons before continuing to the Apurimac River. The route leads to Q'eswachaka, the last Inca bridge.

Overview

This private day trip from Cusco heads out to Q'eswachaka, the hand-woven hanging bridge made of ichu grass that spans 118 feet across the Apurimac River canyon. The bridge hangs roughly 60 feet above the water, and crossing it is optional for those who want the adrenaline. Because it is a private tour, only your own group travels together, with a professional bilingual guide.

The route runs through rural Peru with a stop at four local lagoons before continuing to the river. On the way back to Cusco the group pauses at the ruins of Rumicolqa. Breakfast and lunch are provided, along with hotel pickup and all transport. The entrance to the bridge site is not covered, so budget for that separately.

The full experience runs about 11 hours, and one reviewer who made the trip described it as a long ride there and back, worth it for anyone with a real interest in history and architecture but something to weigh if your days in Cusco are short. Travellers who enjoy the story behind a place tend to get the most out of it. The bridge is rebuilt each year by the surrounding communities, a tradition one reviewer noted exists nowhere else.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in CuscoThe day starts with pickup from your hotel, then transport out of the city through rural Peru.
2. Four local lagoonsThe route includes a stop by four local lagoons along the way.
3. Q'eswachaka bridgeThe main stop is the hand-woven hanging bridge of ichu grass, spanning 118 feet across the Apurimac River canyon. Crossing is optional, and the bridge hangs about 60 feet above the river. The stop lasts around 4 hours, and the entrance fee of 25 Soles per person is not included in the tour price.
4. Rumicolqa ruinsOn the return leg the group stops at the ruins of Rumicolqa before continuing back to Cusco.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this trip fits your plans and your legs.

• Long drive, big payoff. One reviewer measured the round trip at about 12 hours, and the listing itself puts the tour at 11 hours. That reviewer flagged the long ride as the main trade-off, so plan the day around it and skip it if your schedule is tight.
• Crossing is optional. The bridge hangs about 60 feet above the river. You can walk across if you want the thrill, or stay on solid ground and still see the whole structure. One reviewer said the guide and driver made everyone feel safe and comfortable along the way.
• Food is covered. Breakfast and lunch are both included, along with transport and hotel pickup. The only extra cost is the entrance, which is 25 Soles per person and not included in the tour price.
• Private group. Only your group participates, per the listing. The tour comes with a professional bilingual guide, and reviewers praised the depth of explanation on history and culture.
• Bring for a full day. With roughly 11 hours on the road, pack for a full day out. Sturdy shoes make sense if you plan to cross the bridge or explore the stops on foot.
• Best for history lovers. One reviewer with a strong interest in history and architecture said the trip was worth the distance. If your focus is scenery or short excursions, the long transit time may weigh against it.

Common issues. The honest downside is the length: one reviewer called it a long ride despite the operator's efforts to keep the journey interesting, and estimated the round trip at about 12 hours. The entrance fee of 25 Soles per person is not included. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, per the listing. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

Common Questions