Q’eswachaka, the last remaining traditional Incan rope bridge, is a remarkable feat of engineering that spans the Apurímac River in southern Peru. This suspension bridge, made entirely of grass, has been built and rebuilt by local communities every year for over 500 years, preserving ancient techniques passed down through generations. The bridge is constructed using grass fibers, woven tightly into long ropes, which are then tied to sturdy wooden platforms on either side of the river. The Q’eswachaka bridge serves not only as a physical connection between communities but also as a symbol of Inca culture and resilience, representing the ingenuity of the Inca people in their ability to adapt to the challenging Andean landscape.

The Q’eswachaka bridge is part of a broader network of Incan rope bridges that once spanned the extensive empire, allowing for easier communication, trade, and military movement. Each year, local communities from the surrounding areas gather to reconstruct the bridge during the Q’eswachaka Festival, a celebration that honors Inca traditions and the vital role the bridge continues to play in connecting isolated communities. Although the bridge is only about 28 meters (92 feet) long and 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide, crossing it can be a thrilling and somewhat daunting experience, as it sways with the wind and river currents below. Visitors who undertake the crossing are not only participating in a historic tradition but also witnessing the living legacy of Incan engineering.