Tours Tradicionales Cusco

Qeswachaca Bridge Tour and Four Lagoons Adventure from Cusco – Cultural and Natural Highlights

Discover Qeswachaca Bridge and Four Lagoons on a Cusco tour. Enjoy stunning landscapes, culture, and unique Andean experiences.

From

US$ 40.00

per person

4.9 +120
Qeswachaca Bridge Tour and Four Lagoons Adventure from Cusco – Cultural and Natural Highlights

4 Lagoons and Qeswachaka Inca Bridge Tour

  • Duration: Approximately 12 hours (Full Day)
  • Tour start: Around 4:00 a.m. from Cusco
  • Maximum altitude: 3,700 m a.s.l.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Guide language: Spanish / English

Description

This tour takes you to discover one of the last living vestiges of Inca engineering: the Qeswachaka Bridge, a suspension structure built entirely from plant fiber (qoya ichu) that stretches over the deep waters of the Apurímac River. Every year, the local Quechua communities gather for several days to braid, tighten, and renew the bridge in an ancestral ritual declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The day begins around 4:00 a.m. with pick-up from your accommodation in Cusco and the drive towards the southern part of the region, passing through agricultural valleys, small communities, and high-Andean landscapes. On the way we will stop for breakfast and to progressively acclimatize to the altitude, while the guide shares historical and cultural information about the area and the bridge-weaving tradition.

Along the route we will visit the Four Lagoons: Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqcocha, and Pampamarca. Each offers a different landscape: mirrors of water surrounded by hills, wetlands where Andean birds live (such as Andean gulls, wild ducks, and Andean geese), as well as grazing areas for alpacas, llamas, and sheep. These lagoons are ideal for taking panoramic photos, enjoying short walks along the shore, and connecting with the tranquility of the environment.

After visiting the lagoons, we will continue to the district of Quehue, where the Qeswachaka Bridge is located. Here you will be able to observe up close its construction based on ichu ropes, carefully walk across the bridge (if conditions allow), and appreciate the depth of the Apurímac River canyon from its ends. The guide will explain the spiritual and communal meaning of this bridge for the families who take part each year in its renovation.

Finally, we will begin the return to Cusco, making strategic stops at natural viewpoints to observe the Andean landscape and take the last photos of the day. The tour usually ends in the city between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., depending on traffic and road conditions.

Highlights of the tour

  • Qeswachaka Inca Bridge: Ancestral suspension structure made of ichu over the Apurímac River, renewed annually through a community ritual that preserves Inca weaving techniques and collaboration.
  • Quehue District: Community that keeps Quechua traditions alive, where you can observe rural lifestyle, traditional clothing, and community organization around the bridge.
  • Pomacanchi Lagoon: The largest of the circuit, surrounded by areas of artisanal fishing and wetlands that host various species of high-Andean birds.
  • Acopia Lagoon: Known for its calm waters and agricultural landscapes around it, where traditional fields and grazing livestock can be seen.
  • Asnaqcocha Lagoon: A quieter, less-visited environment, ideal for enjoying clear views of high-Andean hills and meadows.
  • Pampamarca Lagoon: Surrounded by hills and small farming communities, it stands out for the reflections of the sky on its waters and the presence of migratory birds depending on the season.
  • Natural viewpoints: Elevated points along the route from which you get panoramic views of the Apurímac Valley, the lagoons, and the mountainous relief of the region.

Why choose this experience?

  • You will witness a living Inca tradition that remains to this day thanks to the joint work of the Quechua communities.
  • You will enjoy a full day of cultural, natural, and spiritual connection, combining living history, high-Andean lagoon landscapes, and the imposing Apurímac canyon.
  • It is an ideal tour for lovers of history, ancestral culture, photography, and those seeking experiences off the most crowded tourist routes.
  • You will be able to observe high-Andean fauna up close (aquatic birds, South American camelids, and local livestock) in their natural environment.
  • You will have a specialized guide who will explain the meaning of the Qeswachaka Bridge, the annual reconstruction process, and the cultural value of the Quehue communities.
  • It includes multiple stops at viewpoints and lagoon shores to capture spectacular photographs at different times of the day.

Tour Description

FOUR LAGOONS TOUR – Q´ESWACHACA The Four Lagoons Tour in Acomayo, 107 km from Cusco, offers views of Pomacanchi, Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca, with flora, fauna, and activities such as fishing and boat rides. Located at 3700 meters above sea level, they have a cold climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 0°C. Their natural beauty has made them an unmissable tourist attraction.

Things you should know about this tour

Cuatro Lagunas and Q’eswachaka Route from Cusco

Explore the Q'eswachaka bridge and Andean lagoons in a single day.

  • TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Layered Clothing: Thermal clothing, fleece and windbreaker/waterproof. Temperatures are cold throughout the day, especially in the morning.
  • Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots or sports shoes with good grip and support. The terrain can be wet and rocky.
  • Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, cap or hat with visor. Solar radiation is intense at altitude.
  • Cash: Bring soles for entrance to hot springs (approx. S/10), voluntary tips and personal purchases.
  • Hydration: 2-liter water bottle. Staying hydrated is crucial during the high-altitude hike.
  • Backpack: 20-30 liter backpack to carry water, snacks, camera, extra clothing and personal items for the full day.
  • Camera or Cell Phone: Essential to capture the 7 colored lagoons, Ausangate snow-capped mountain, Andean fauna and high mountain landscapes. Bring extra battery.
  • Medications: Altitude sickness pills (Sorojchi pills) are highly recommended. Also bring personal medications.
  • Weather: Cold temperatures (0-10°C) during the morning and tour. It can be sunny at noon. Bring warm jacket and windbreaker.
  • Documents: Original ID or Passport (mandatory) and cash in soles.
  • Acclimatization: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the tour. Drink coca tea and avoid excessive efforts the previous days.
  • Physical Condition: Acceptable physical condition required. The hike is moderate but prolonged at altitude. Prior preparation recommended.
  • Rainy Season: If traveling between November and March, bring a poncho or waterproof jacket. Trails may be muddy.
  • Snacks: Bring energy snacks (chocolates, dried fruits, cereal bars) to complement the box lunch during the hike.
  • Swimsuit: If you plan to enter the Pacchanta hot springs at the end, bring swimsuit and towel.
  • Trekking Poles: Optional but recommended for greater stability on uneven terrain and descents.
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • Is previous high-altitude hiking experience necessary? It is not mandatory, but this tour has a moderate difficulty level due to the altitude (up to 4,500 m.a.s.l.) and the duration of the hike. It is recommended to have an acceptable physical condition and be well acclimatized to the altitude to fully enjoy the experience.
  • What does this tour include? It includes tourist transport to/from your hotel in Cusco, certified multilingual professional guide (Spanish, English, Portuguese), typical Andean breakfast in the Pacchanta community, box lunch during the hike, first aid kit, and oxygen cylinder.
  • What services are NOT included? Entrance to the Pacchanta hot springs (approximately S/10), voluntary tips for guide and driver, extra drinks (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages), dinner, and additional personal expenses are not included.
  • How long does the tour last and what is the maximum altitude? The tour lasts a full day, approximately 10 to 12 hours. The maximum altitude is 4,500 m.a.s.l. during the tour of the lagoons. Pick-up is between 04:00 and 04:30 a.m. and return to Cusco is around 06:00 p.m.
  • How many days do I need to be in Cusco before the tour? It is recommended to be in Cusco at least 2 days before the tour to properly acclimatize to the altitude. The maximum altitude of the tour is 4,500 m.a.s.l., so good acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.
  • What places will we visit during the tour? You will visit the 7 lagoons of Ausangate: Pucacocha (chocolate lagoon), Patacocha (snow-capped mountain views), Alqacocha (mountain range peaks), Qomercocha (turquoise waters), Orco and China Otorongo (twin lagoons), and Azul Cocha (deep tones). At the end, you can relax in the hot springs of Pacchanta with views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. During the hike you will observe alpacas, llamas, vicuñas and possibly condors.
  • IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BOOKING
  • Total duration: Full day (approximately 10 to 12 hours).
  • Departure: Between 04:00 a.m. and 04:30 a.m. with hotel pick-up in Cusco.
  • Maximum altitude: 4,500 m.a.s.l. (tour of the 7 lagoons of Ausangate).
  • Difficulty level: Moderate (several hours of hiking at altitude).
  • Documentation: It is mandatory to carry original ID or Passport.
  • Acclimatization: Recommended to stay at least 2 days in Cusco to adapt to the altitude.
  • Guide language: Multilingual (Spanish, English and Portuguese subject to availability).
  • Type of service: Group or private with comfortable tourist transport.
  • Meals: Typical Andean breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch (box lunch) included.
  • Entrance fees: Entrance to Pacchanta hot springs (approx. S/10) NOT included; paid on site.
  • Restrictions: Acceptable physical condition required. Not recommended for people with severe cardiac or respiratory problems.
  • Weather: Cold temperatures in the morning and during the tour; bring warm and waterproof clothing.
  • Clothing: Comfortable clothing in layers; trekking boots or sports shoes with good grip recommended.
  • End: Return to Cusco approximately at 06:00 p.m.

Explore the Q'eswachaka bridge and Andean lagoons in a single day.

Vive una aventura única visitando las Cuatro Lagunas y el ancestral puente Q’eswachaka en un solo día. Disfruta paisajes impresionantes, cultura viva y naturaleza desde Cusco.

Map of the Cuatro Lagunas and Q’eswachaka Route

Tour rates and options

extreme adventure

This tour is offered in shared and private service depending on the size of your group.

"Check 24 hours before to confirm availability and avoid setbacks".

Shared Service
Price Book
Shared Service Price per traveler
$40.00 USD
Private service
Price Book
Group of 2 - 3 people Price per traveler
$100.00 USD
Group of 4 - 7 people Price per traveler
$85.00 USD
Group of 8+ people Price per traveler
$75.00 USD

Schedule office appointment

Urb. Dolorespata, Jr. Paititi F 3ª 270, Santiago-Cusco

1 WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE?

  • Breathtaking panoramic view of the Sacred Valley
  • No prior experience required
  • Safe activity: favorable topography and certified equipment
  • An exciting and different experience
  • Perfect for adventure, nature and unforgettable memories in Cusco
  • Horseback or trekking options
  • Daily departures all year round
  • Oxygen support and first-aid kit

2 WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

  • We are tour operators in Cusco
  • Professional and responsible work
  • 100% tourist vehicles
  • Safety for our visitors
  • Your trip will be the best experience
  • 100% responsible
  • Care for the environment
  • Commitment to service quality