Puya Raimondi Forest & Queswachaka Bridge

Tour Itinerary

This tour can be completed two ways, either beginning and ending in Cusco, or beginning in Cusco and ending in Puno. Please let us know which you would prefer at the time of booking.

• CUSCO - INCA BRIDGE QUESWACHAKA

  We´ll have an early start, leaving Cusco at 5:30 am via private transport.

  After a 3 hour journey, we´ll arrive at the trailhead from which there we will be a gentle 45 minutes trek to the Queswachaka (Q’eswachaca) Bridge.

  Sustaining ancient traditions over centuries is no small feat, but it is managed spectacularly by local Quechue communities in the Cusco region. Four Quechue communities unite themselves every year in order to rebuild the bridge completely from scratch. The secrets of this design and construction process are handed down from generation to generation and their aim is to maintain exactly the same style and materials that were used more than 500 years ago by Inca engineers.

  Thanks to this tradition and the strong will of the 1,000 people who participate in the bridge´s annual reconstruction, we can step away from the history books and enjoy an interactive experience of Inca culture. Come and experience Inca engineering at work in the 21st century and take a walk across the Queswachaka (Q’eswachaca) Bridge!

  After walking back to our transport (45 minutes trek) well drive for another 2 hours to reach Tinajani Canyon home to the forest of Puya Raymondii.
  

• FOREST OF PUYAS RAYMONDII AND TINAJANI CANYON

  Puya raimondii is the largest plant of the bromeliad species, reaching up to several meters high. It grows exclusively at high altitudes between 3200m (10500ft) to 4800m (15750ft) above sea level, and is only found in the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes. In a time where our planet is at risk of deforestation, global warming and environmental damage, it is truly awesome to behold such rare and beautiful plants in their natural habitat!

  To reach these magnificant trees we´ll have a short trek through the Tinajani Canyon, we´ll pass along the Qhapaq Nañ trails. From there, we ll have á fantastic view of the surrounding landscapes!

• RETURN TO CUSCO

  Our private transport will be waiting to meet us at around 5pm.

  We will be reaching Cusco at 9pm, giving you time to enjoy the city´s famous nightlife and food scene!

For those short on time, we advise you to do this trip en route from Puno to Cusco or Cusco to Puno. This will save you a few hours of driving which can be spent exploring more of Peru! Please contact us for details.