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Do you have the courage to set foot on a bridge entirely made of grass? The Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge stands as the first and only bridge in the world constructed 100% from grass. Using delicate, frail strands of grass, the Quechua community in Peru achieved something extraordinary: hand-weaving grass to form a suspension bridge. Let’s explore this truly unique bridge together with Mytour through the following article!
Introduction to Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge
The Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge is the world's first bridge constructed entirely from grass. It also stands as the sole surviving grass bridge from the time of the Inca empire. Spanning approximately 36.6 meters across the Apurimac River, the bridge is situated about 100 km from Cuzco. For centuries, the bridge has served as the sole connecting thread between villages along the banks of the Apurimac River in the Canas region of Peru.
Building suspension bridges is an annual tradition of the Quechua community (Image Source: Collected)
The Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge spans approximately 36.6 meters in length, crossing the Apurimac River at a height of 67 meters. The bridge's width is extremely narrow, just enough for one person to pass through. Additionally, those crossing the bridge are closely monitored to ensure absolute safety. To this day, the bridge continues to play a vital role in connecting Quechua communities. These communities speak indigenous languages including Huinchiri, Ccollana, Chaupai Banda, and Choccayhua.
Construction Process of Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge
Despite the existence of a nearby modern bridge, locals here uphold the tradition of demolishing and rebuilding the grass bridge every June. This practice is a ritual of the Quechua community to honor their ancestors and Mother Earth. After reconstructing the bridge, the locals conduct a solemn ceremony.
Every second week of June each year, approximately 1,000 men and women from various communities gather at the Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge. They then prepare for the reconstruction ceremony of the traditional bridge.
Over 1,000 individuals from the Quechua community collaborate to build the hanging bridge every June (Image Source: Collected)
During the festival period, members of the Quechua community gather strands of grass to begin weaving the bridge. These strands are intricately woven together to form a 35-meter-long bridge spanning the mystical Apurimac River. Thus, this new grass bridge replaces the one woven the previous year.
Construction Process of Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge
To construct the giant grass bridge, locals use ichu grass to make ropes. Women play a crucial role in twisting the grass into small strands first. Each strand must be secure and safe. Then, men use these twisted strands to weave larger, sturdier ropes.
Finally, skilled artisans use these ropes to create a bridge spanning treacherous mountain passes and swift-flowing rivers. This seemingly fragile bridge can withstand a cavalry running across it simultaneously without faltering.
Women are tasked with twisting grass into small strands before passing them on to the men (Image Source: Collected)
In the early days of the festival, the area around the Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge is relatively quiet. By midday, hundreds of Quechua community members descend from the mountains carrying pre-made bundles of ropes. Men often wear white hats, while women don traditional colorful melkkhay dresses. Scattered along the mountainside are mothers carrying children on their backs, also participating in the festival.
In no time, the area around the hanging bridge is surrounded by hundreds of people gathering into large groups. They laugh and chat cheerfully as they prepare additional weaving ropes. The weaving process continues until enough ropes are woven to form a complete suspension bridge. Once the new bridge is completed, the Quechua people hold celebratory feasts and prayer ceremonies.
Skilled artisans fearlessly weave the bridge at heights of tens of meters (Image Source: Collected)
Peruvians believe that reconstructing the ancient Q’eswachaka hanging bridge is an expression of reverence from the people to their Inca ancestors. Moreover, it helps preserve the beautiful traditional cultures passed down by their forefathers.
Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge Becomes an Attractive Tourist Destination
Today, the Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge is gradually becoming a landmark attracting numerous tourists to admire and experience the thrill. However, as the number of visitors increases, the local community decides to increase the frequency of building a new bridge every year. Instead of the previous practice of building a new bridge once every 3 years.
Many tourists enjoy experiencing the adrenaline rush of walking on the fragile grass bridge (Image Source: Collected)
Many tourists seek to experience the adrenaline rush of walking on the fragile grass bridge. Below lies a deep abyss, rushing river currents, sheer cliffs, as terrifying as scenes from action movies.
In 2013, UNESCO recognized the Q’eswachaka Hanging Bridge as a Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Q’eswachaka suspension bridge not only serves as a captivating tourist attraction but also embodies a profound message of gratitude to the Inca ancestors. With the insights provided, you'll gain valuable knowledge. Should you seek affordable tour bookings, feel free to reach out to the Mytour hotline provided by Mytour! Our dedicated team stands ready to offer complimentary advice on itineraries, tour prices, and numerous enticing deals.
