Review: Qeswachaka Bridge & 4 Lagoons Day Trip – Is It Worth It?
You see, if you are heading to Cusco, Peru, and want an escape from the usual tourist hotspots, then the Qeswachaka Bridge and Four Lagoons day trip might just be a surprising, refreshing adventure. It’s a fascinating blend of culture, history, and stunning scenery, that’s almost guaranteed to give you a different taste of the Andes. But you see, is this less travelled excursion seriously worth your time and money? Well, let’s take a closer look.
What To Expect on the Qeswachaka Bridge and 4 Lagoons Tour
Okay, so typically the tour kicks off bright and early in Cusco, often around 6:30 AM. Very soon you’ll be settling into a comfortable minivan for around a 3-hour drive that actually takes you through the captivating Andean countryside. So you see, this is absolutely not just a means to an end. Rather, it is that scenic ride gives you amazing glimpses into local life, farmlands, and maybe even some snow-capped peaks in the distance – weather allowing of course! So, I mean keep your camera ready.
A highlight that is usually the first lagoon you come across is called Pomacanchi. That means that you get the opportunity to stretch your legs, take in the reflections on the calm waters, and soak up the pure, fresh mountain air. Seriously that’s just a total welcome break from the city’s hustle and bustle. Then, honestly throughout the day, you will visit three more lagoons: Acopia, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca or Tungasuca. Each has its own unique charm, whether it’s the wildlife, the color of the water, or some astonishing surrounding landscapes.
Around lunchtime, too it’s almost, usually you will stop at a local restaurant for a hearty meal. This, I want to emphasize, provides a lovely chance to try some authentic Peruvian cuisine. Keep in mind, don’t expect fancy Michelin-star cooking; that’s right, think seriously honest, home-style food that gives you a fantastic taste of regional flavors.
But hey, then of course there’s the main event. Of course, that’s the Qeswachaka Bridge. Made completely of braided grass, this spectacular bridge has been rebuilt annually for literally over 500 years as well as representing an unbelievable feat of Incan engineering. You see, crossing it is not only a pretty unique experience, but seriously also a tangible link to the amazing past. The local communities continue this tradition and yet maintain this amazing piece of their history. You might even get lucky enough to witness the renewal ceremony, depending on when your visit occurs.
What Makes Qeswachaka Bridge Seriously Special
Seriously, the Qeswachaka Bridge really isn’t your everyday landmark. And in reality it’s a symbolic, vibrant representation of Incan ingenuity coupled with a lasting cultural heritage. Just thinking about it, made entirely out of woven grass fibers – local “qoya” grass – every single year – makes you realize, this is a living bridge in that the local communities take an immense amount of pride in maintaining these old traditions. Seriously, the act of renewing the bridge is a vibrant communal event involving numerous villages. All work together according to ancestral knowledge plus customs. These methods passed down literally through generations.
When you’re there, is that it is incredibly easy to notice, so much more is going on that the making of a way to cross a river. That’s right. That communal effort displays unity as well as respect for nature plus their ancestors. In some respects, for me, the bridge became like a symbol of connection. Like one that connected the past with the present, and people to people, and people to the earth.
The Four Lagoons: Natural Beauty that is Absolutely Awaits
Apart from the cultural intrigue of the bridge, that the Four Lagoons themselves definitely provide breathtaking scenery which, let’s face it, absolutely becomes part of what is an amazing experience. You see, Laguna Pomacanchi’s reflective, calm surfaces almost mirror the sky, creating what is, often a surreal, serene atmosphere. Because, then Asnaqocha Lagoon really teems with local bird life and seriously is obviously an ideal spot, actually, for any bird enthusiasts looking to get their fill of watching, not to mention photographing different avian species within the serene location.
Okay, so Pampamarca Lagoon might really impress with its unbelievably remote setting, basically allowing some uninterrupted views plus what is more or less a sense of solitude. So that, too it’s almost, Acopia Lagoon usually provides equally astonishing landscapes, surrounded by rolling hills and basically maybe even some grazing livestock. So, each lagoon, more or less, provides that individual vibe as well as unique photo opportunities. I mean the lagoons seriously just add layers of the earth’s raw gorgeousness within the general excursion.
What To Think About seriously Before Going
Altitude Sickness. Look, Cusco sits at an altitude of around 11,000 feet (roughly 3,400 meters), actually so it is easy to understand that you could seriously encounter some altitude sickness. Even before that bridge tour. Those lagoons are even higher. Take it seriously easy as well as acclimatize for at least a couple of days in Cusco before going on such a physically involved tour. Always remember; be sure you drink a lot of water, and think about that coca tea could easily assist you greatly, but definitely ask your doctor before seriously depending upon any natural treatments or drugs.
Weather is somewhat unpredictable throughout the Andes. Okay, layering your clothing is seriously your closest and most helpful acquaintance! Pack what amounts to waterproof or what is even just water resistant coats and clothing; be prepared that the sun might show itself – do take sunblock, sunglasses plus headgear.
Physical Condition: You know, most of these tours don’t need some intense hiking. It may still require some level of fitness in order to move around easily for an entire day while at the altitude described here. Then give that you have pre existing medical problem think it through properly and speak to a medical expert regarding taking that tour, honestly if you really should think about even going whatsoever.
Is the Qeswachaka Bridge and 4 Lagoons Day Trip Seriously Worth It?
Okay, so when you think about the expense to be expected of about US$80-US$120 for that tour you may think hard regarding its viability. Especially while remembering other tours which provide different destinations within the Peruvian area. I honestly suggest taking such trip just in cases that some truly distinct social as well as cultural knowing as well magnificent vistas appear more important versus some simply normal vacation excursion.
For people which genuinely cherish photographic amazing things because the experience will often unveil stunning photographic chances. And on one hand cultural aficionado types will probably seriously value discovering exactly old local practices, as it all renders amazing travel memories totally amazing when recalling Peruvian getaways following your flight residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height of Qeswachaka Bridge?
The Qeswachaka Bridge extends roughly 118 feet (36 meters) across the Apurimac River, suspended about 90 feet (27 meters) above the water. This design highlights Incan engineering skills, merging practicality with respect for their environment.
Can you swim in any of the Four Lagoons?
Swimming might not be typically encouraged due to community regulations aiming at protecting wildlife, water clarity. Instead people often admire panoramas coupled along with learning as far how ecosystems throughout all lakes flourish. You see it seriously creates unforgettable visit encounters all throughout tour.
Is Qeswachaka Bridge a UNESCO Site?
Actually, since 2013 UNESCO does acknowledge Qeswachaka like cultural icon inside listing concerning intangible assets. Seriously it demonstrates lasting practices alongside past architectural splendor as well providing additional cultural richness once traveling anyplace inside areas close Qeswachaka itself.
Exactly How Difficult is literally Tour concerning bodily activity aspects?
While being without intense hikes to attempt during any such directed sightseeing plans keep focused mainly over individuals spending what would amount towards most amount associated along wandering over rather elevated terrain along potentially high altitudes coupled also walking upon something akin close pebble layered ways or other terrain sorts located outside once investigating a several sightseeing place choices. Seriously getting what would likely be moderate wellness stage must assist in having improved visit all the instance exploring many choices.
Is that said that to round up; one whole singular single-day sightseeing campaign over Qeswachaka’s linking arrangement paired towards nearby quadruple-loch journeys brings anyone magnificent journey deep nestled well from conventional visiting options. Honestly anticipate witnessing impressive societal customs right near stunning earthly scenes. Only watch towards altitude variants even layer clothing effectively; doing so makes most sightseeing become amazing especially upon doing something far aside those familiar ways that travelers tend consider upon first planning visit inside marvelous Peruvian destinations.
