Short itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Four Lagoons – Q’eswachaka
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 AM and start heading southwest.
- Visit the four beautiful lagoons: Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca (or Tungasuca).
- Stop at the small volcanic formations near the village of Yanaoca.
- Arrive at the Apurímac River to see the impressive Q’eswachaka Inca bridge, made of ichu (native grass).
- Opportunity to cross the hanging Inca bridge (if you’re brave enough, you can do it twice!).
- Enjoy lunch in the town of Combapata.
- Visit the colonial Inca bridge of Combapata to compare its architecture.
- Return to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 PM.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Four Lagoons – Q’eswachaka – Cusco
We start this exciting day by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 AM. We will travel southwest for about two hours to reach our first stops: the four scenic lagoons of Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca (also known as Tungasuca). You’ll have time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take photos of these beautiful highland landscapes.
We then continue to a small volcanic area near the village of Yanaoca, a unique natural attraction along the route. From there, we travel onward to our main destination: the Apurímac River and the famous Q’eswachaka bridge. This remarkable hanging Inca bridge is constructed entirely of ichu (a native grass), following the same techniques and materials used since the 15th century. Each year, around 1,000 villagers from the communities of Winchiri, Ccolana, Quehue, Chaupibanda, and Choccayhua come together to rebuild it in a traditional festival that pays tribute to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Here you’ll have the chance to cross the bridge—if you’re courageous enough, you might even want to do it twice! It may look simple, but the sensation of walking across this swaying bridge high above the river is unforgettable and will make you feel like a true Inca chaski (messenger).
Afterward, we head to the town of Combapata, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. Before returning to Cusco, we make one last stop at the colonial Inca bridge of Combapata to appreciate the differences in architecture and construction methods. We arrive back in Cusco at approximately 5:00 PM, concluding this fascinating cultural adventure.
Included
- Private transport Cusco – Q’eswachaka – Cusco
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish/English)
- Lunch
- Entrance ticket
Not included
- Breakfast
- Tips
Recommendations
- Wear light clothing for the day, bring a jacket for cooler temperatures or wind.
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, and insect repellent.
- Carry your valid passport or ID (required for ticket checks).
- Bring a small backpack with water, snacks, and personal items.
- Be prepared for the thrill of crossing a traditional Inca bridge and follow your guide’s safety instructions at all times.
