Q'eswachaka Bridge & Rainbow Mountain

Overview

A long, unusual day: two places that would each justify the trip on their own.

The Q'eswachaka bridge hangs over the Apurímac River on hand-braided rope. Every year four communities rebuild it in four days using the same technique the Incas used, without a single nail. It is the last bridge of its kind still in use.

Afterwards we continue to Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain, above 5,000 m, where mineral bands paint the slope in red, turquoise and ochre.

We leave very early and return at dusk. It is a demanding day because of the altitude and the hours on the road, but it is done at your own pace, with private transport and a guide dedicated only to your group.

Day by day itinerary

1. 01

   Departure from Cusco

   Private pickup from your hotel between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., to reach the province of Canas early.

2. 02 3,700 m

   Q'eswachaka bridge

   We visit the hanging rope bridge over the Apurímac River, rebuilt every year by the neighbouring communities using Inca techniques. Time for photos and for walking around the canyon viewpoints.

3. 03

   Breakfast in Pitumarca

   We take the road towards Rainbow Mountain and stop for breakfast in Pitumarca.

4. 04 5,020 m

   Rainbow Mountain

   Hike up to the Vinicunca viewpoint, above 5,000 m, looking over the mineral bands and the Vilcanota range.

5. 05

   Lunch and return

   We descend, have lunch at a local restaurant and drive back to Cusco, arriving at around 6:00 p.m.

Elevation profile

How the route climbs and descends. Each point marks a place along the way and its altitude.

What to bring

• Warm layered clothing (it is very cold in the early morning)
• Trekking shoes
• Windbreaker or waterproof jacket
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Water and snacks
• Camera or phone
• Passport or ID

Prices by group size

This is a private trip: the more people travel, the less it costs per person.