Inca Bridge, Archaeological bridge near Quehue, Peru
Inca Bridge is an ancient crossing woven entirely from grass fibers, spanning 28 meters across the Apurimac River at an elevation of 3,900 meters. The structure is reconstructed annually from natural materials and can support the combined weight of one person and fifteen llamas at once.
Built around 600 years ago, this crossing was part of the Qhapaq Ñan road system connecting the provinces of Canas and Chumbivilcas during Inca times. Despite being constructed from perishable materials, it has survived through continuous rebuilding by the communities who maintain it.
The bridge holds deep meaning for the surrounding communities, who view it as a sacred connection between earthly and spiritual worlds. Visitors can sense how locals treat the crossing as part of their daily spiritual practice, not just a physical passageway.
The site is accessible only on foot and requires hiking through mountain terrain to reach it. Visitors should prepare for high altitude and remote conditions, with the dry season offering the most favorable access.
This is the only grass-fiber bridge system remaining in the Andes and undergoes a complete annual rebuild between June and March. Around 800 families participate in this rebuilding process, each contributing hand-woven ropes to restore the fragile structure.
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