Q’swachaka is the last Inca suspension bridge. Speaking a little history, during the Inca era, there was a large network of roads that covered more than 30,000 kilometers of road, among these countries would be:
- Peru,
- Colombia,
- Argentina,
- Ecuador,
- Chile,
- Bolivia
- cover much of the Andes mountain range.
With this network of roads, various bridges were also executed, made up of stones, wood, floating, vegetable fiber, especially the last mentioned, are currently attracting a lot of attention from travelers; it is there the Inca Bridge of Q’swachaka that is recognized as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, since 2013.
Location of the Inca Bridge of Q ́eswachaka
We can locate it in the district of Quehue, Province of Canas, on the Apurimac River, with an altitude of approximately 3700, having long footage of 29 meters and 1.20 meters wide, this wonder can be observed just three and a half hours from the city of Cusco.
Meaning of Q’swachaka
It can be said that the meaning is Braided Bridge. Therefore, it comes from the Quechua language, by which “Q’eswa” meaning is Braid and “Chaka” means Bridge.
Ritual of elaboration of the Inca Bridge of Q’swachaka
The ritual is given in the renovation of the bridge, in which the collection of the Ichu or q’oya straw is made, in which previously the families of the communities are in charge of carrying out approximately 40 meters this process is carried out with days before in which it is hit with a stone, for better handling, then proceed to soak.
It is then that, in the middle of the second week of June, families wear their braids to perform the ritual of the ceremony that lasts 4 days. Now, understanding a little what they do each day:
- First Day: Meeting of families and the realization of the great ropes.
- Second Day: Installation of the basic structure of the new bridge.
- Third-Day: The Chakarumaq weave the bridge, cross the first people (authorities)
- Fourth Day: It is celebrated, thanks to the Pachamama
A very beautiful tradition that we can live with Andean Explorer’s Cusco, that is why we are pleased to be one of the best travel agencies to be present in your trips, we are very happy because despite the health crisis we live we continue to provide the best services for safe travel, healthy and enjoying the wonders of nature that the Inca city gives us.
Just take reasons to travel, you are your fan of achieving traveling experiences.
🇵🇪See you soon! 🇵🇪
