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Photo of Q'eswachaka Rope bridge
Pin Q'eswachaka Rope bridgeQ'eswachaka Rope bridge
PeruCountry
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Q'eswachaka Rope Bridge, also known as Keshwa Chaca, is a traditional Incan suspension bridge located in Peru. It spans across the Apurimac River, which is about 3,700 meters above sea level and about 120 kilometers from Cusco. The bridge is made entirely out of grass and is considered to be the last remaining Incan rope bridge in the world.

The bridge has been in existence for over 500 years, and it is rebuilt every year during the second week of June by the local communities. The bridge was initially constructed by the Incas to connect the different communities and allowed them to move freely between the different regions. The bridge is made using techniques that have been passed down for generations, and it takes about three days to construct.

The bridge measures approximately 28 meters long and 1.2 meters wide, and it hangs 30 meters above the river. The bridge is made using the Ichu plant, a type of grass that grows in the Andean highlands. The grass is first braided into thick ropes, which are then woven together to form the bridge. The bridge is then anchored to the sides of the canyon using ropes made from the same material.

The reconstruction of the bridge is a significant cultural event for the local communities, and it involves a four-day ceremony known as "Q’eswachaka". During the ceremony, the community comes together to rebuild the bridge using traditional techniques, and it is also an opportunity for the locals to celebrate their Incan heritage.

The bridge has become a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can cross the bridge for a small fee during the reconstruction period.