A great impetus to start this blog was the knowledge that I would be studying abroad in the land of the Incas. While I lived in Cusco, Peru I learned so much about Incan culture and history through my coursework, but I learned even more every weekend when we would venture into the Incan Ruins. We saw Korichancha, Saqsayhuman, Qenko, Pucapucara, Tambomachay, Pikillacta, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Salinas de Maras, Moray, and so much more. I highly recommend checking them all out if you're in Peru. They are absolutely stunning. All of these Inca remnants are awe-inspiring, but one that inspired me most was the last standing Inca bridge.
For some context, the Incas developed massive communities connected by roads and bridges spanning over the Andean mountains. Chasquis were incredible messengers who would run long distances along these paths in a sort of relay race to deliver messages across communities and from the Sapa Inca. I found walking along the Inca trail difficult, so running must have been quite a feat.
Of all the bridges built by the Incas, only one remains: Q'eswachaka. The bridge crosses the Apurimac Canyon and is daunting to look at. You can cross it after signing a log book, but if you look down, you might have to think twice.
Let's start with the view. The canyon is deep, wide, and colored with dark grey stone, green mountains, crisp blue, rushing water, and the yellow bridge. The bridge is yellow because it is made of sticks and woven vegetable fibers. Yes, you read that correctly. The bridge is made of nothing more than sticks and vegetable fibers.
Well how has it lasted for centuries you might ask. In the Apurimac region, each year there is a celebration where the community re-weaves the bridge in honor of their Incan ancestors. They do such a good job of it, that if you're daring enough, you can walk across the swaying bridge that moves with the wind high above a rushing, rocky river. I recommend you take a deep breath, and then take that first step.
The rush is better than any amusement park and the nature surrounding me was so nourishing in its beauty and grandeur. While it takes a few (about 3 and half) hours to get from Cusco to Q'eswachaka, the ride is more than worth it. Do yourself a favor, and get your head out of the books about Inca's and go outside to experience the way they actually lived. That's the only way to Cusco, Peru.
Till next time,
XX Didi
P.S. If you have questions about any of the sites mentioned in this post, I'd be happy to talk with you about them! :)
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