Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour

Overview:

Sadly, the Q’eswachaka Inca bridge is the only one that still exists. It is located approximately three hours from Cusco by car, in the province of Canas. People who love adventure and culture should visit this place, appreciating the fact that this is the last of a tradition performed annually over the past 600 years, it is living history. People who have the courage have the opportunity to cross the bridge that measures 28 meters and is made of coya (bunch grass) and sticks and is attached to the original Inca bridge foundations. This is the experience of a lifetime.  As part of this memorable trip into history we include visits to the Yanaoca “baby” volcano and the Ccarañahui Caves.

• Type of Tour: Adventure, ecological, landscapes and cultural
• Departures: Daily departures
• Season: All years
• Tour Duration: 1 Day
• Group Size: 2-8 guests
• Altitude: 3,800m
• Difficulty: Easy

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Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge – Cusco.

We leave Cusco early at 5:30 am and head through Cusco’s South Valley and through some small traditional towns including Urcos and Yanaoca, where our first stop will be to visit the “baby” volcano and Yanaoca Pass. Later approaching Q’eswachaka (3.600 meters), we’ll descend a series of switchbacks taking us down into the Apurimac River Valley with the ancestral bridge slowly coming into view.  We’ll have plenty of time for crossing the Q’eswachaka and taking photos of the bridge and the narrow Apurimac River Canyon; it’s also a great place for modeling and taking photos in the traditional poncho and chullo cap that you’ve purchased in Cusco. In the afternoon, we’ll depart Q’eswachaka and head to the final stop on our trip, the Ccarañahui Caves. This is an ancient marine cave system with several formations that include stalactites, stalagmites, condors and pumas formed by the constant drip of water containing sedimentary material, its chemical composition is calcium hypochlorite.  Along with the cave we’ll take some time to see a mysterious nearby lagoon. Our day concludes with a scenic drive back to Cusco where we’ll arrive right around 5:00 pm.

Annual Reconstruction of the Q’eswachaka.

The annual reconstruction of the Inca bridge takes place starting Thursday before the second Sunday of June and the continues for four days culminating with a folk festival featuring traditional dances.  This is an excellent time to come and join the party observing the local community and their traditions.

End our Service

What Is Included:

• Pick up from your Hotel
• Private round trip transportation
• English speaking tour guide
• A healthy snack
• Tourist ticket to the Inca bridge
• Assistant Guide (for more than eight passengers)
• First aid kit

What is Not Included:

• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Drinks
• Voluntary tips for guides and drivers

What do you need Bring:

• Small daypack
• Light, comfortable clothing
• Warm jacket
• Water (we recommend at least 1 liter)
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Rain Gear
• Cash (in small denominations of Peruvian nuevo soles)
• Personal medications
• Toilet Paper
• Camera
• Snacks (granola bars, dried fruits, chocolate, etc.)

Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a Shared group. Prices are valid from March 2020 through January 2021. All prices quoted are $USD

• 2 people : US $130 per person
• 3 people : US $100 per person
• 4 people : US $90 per person
• 5 people : US $80 per person
• 6 to 8 people: US $70 per person

* We need a minimum of 2 people to run the tour in group service. We guarantee that your tour will be limited to a maximum of 8 people.

1.- Can I cross the bridge?

Yes! All visitors are welcome and encouraged to cross the bridge. However, it is not recommended for visitors with vertigo.

2.- What is the length of the Q’eswachaka Bridge?

The bridge is approximately 28 meters (99 feet) long and 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide.

3.- Where is Q’eswachaka?

Q’eswachaka is located four hours from Cusco by car, on the edge of Apurimac canyon, in the Quehue district of Canas province.

4.- When does the tour start and finish?

Since the location is four hours away, we will have an early start at 4:30 a.m. The tour finishes at 4:00 p.m.

5.- What does the tour consist of? Is this a walking tour?

This is mostly a bus tour, with various stops at points of interest before and after the visit to the Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge.

6.- Are lunch and breakfast included?

Yes, we will have a local breakfast in the town of Combapata and you will receive a boxed lunch later.

7.- Is there a toilet on the bus?

No, however we can stop for toilet breaks. We although recommend that you bring paper toilet and a little bit of money for the toilet stops.

8.- What is the maximum altitude?

The maximum altitude we will reach is 3,800m/12,468ft.

9.- What will I do if I suffer from altitude sickness?

We will treat you accordingly. We carry oxygen cylinders and altitude tablets.

10.- Should I tip the guides? How much is appropriate?

A tip is customary, but the amount is at your discretion. Whatever you feel is appropriate based on the service you have received is fine; please remember to always be courteous and respectful with our guides.

By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking:

1. Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
2. You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
3. You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
4. The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.

Cancellations:

1. Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:

ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.

Inca Trail Tours:

1. Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
2. In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
3. Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

Medical Information:

1. You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
2. You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
3. Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
4. Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
5. It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.

Tours and Treks:

1. All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
   You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
2. All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
3. If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
4. Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
5. Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
6. Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
7. Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
8. All tours are done in English.

Delays:

1. Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.

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