Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge and Rainbow Mountain 2D/1N

Places visited on the first day: Combapata Overlook, Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge, Pampamarca, Asnacqocha, Acopía and Pomacanchi Lagoons.

Places visited on the second day: Qeschuyno, Vinincunca Pass and Rainbow Mountain

Category: Adventure, culture, trekking, and ecology

Duration: 2 days

Languages: English, Spanish.

Seasons Available: Year-round, April through November especially recommended

Itinerary of the Q’eswachaca and Rainbow Mountain 2D/1N:

Day 1: Cusco – Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge – Four Lagoons – Cusco

The tour begins with the pick-up from your accommodation between 4:30 and 4:45 am. If your hotel or hostel is not located in the city center, we will pick you up from the doorway of our office building. Once the whole group is gathered, around 5:00 am, we will start our journey in our tourist transportation.

We will then have a one and half hours of van journey to the town of Cusipata, where we will have our Semi Buffet breakfast. After this will continue drive for 25 minutes until we will get the Combapata viewpoint, from which we will enjoy the beautiful landscapes and see where the Salcca River meets the Vilcanota, the Sacred River of the Incas.

Then, we will continue our journey to Yanaoca, one of the eight districts in the Canas province of Cusco. From Yanaoca, we will drive for one more hour to the Q’ewe district. From there, you will have your first glimpse of the ancient bridge suspended between the steep rock cliffs, as we drive down the Apurimac canyon.

We will then leave the van and descend a steep path to a viewpoint to take photos, before carefully crossing the bridge together! Get ready for the adrenaline rush of a lifetime as you make your way across the suspension bridge, and try not to look too closely at the river several meters below! On the other side, the bridge attendant will greet us and give a brief demonstration of the bridge’s history and construction.

After visiting the bridge, we will drive to the region’s where the four famous lakes are: Pampamarca, Asnacqoccha, Acopia, and Pomacanchi. Set like jewels among the gold-green hills, they shine in the warm, afternoon sun as native flamingos and other birds fly and feed around their edges. We will then continue driving to Cusipata where will have our Semi buffet Lunch, after lunch, we will continue our return trip to Cusco City, arriving approximately 5:00 pm.

• Tour Start Time: 4:30 am to 5:00 am
• Tour End Time: Approximately 4:30 pm
• Difficulty: Easy
• Weather: Warm and sunny, breezy by the lagoons
• Minimum Group Size: At least 6 people are required for this tour
• Maximum Altitude: 3,800 meters (12,467 ft)

Day 2: Cusco – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

Your day will begin with another early pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, between 4:30 and 5:00 am. Our private transportation will take you from the south of Cusco to the town of Cusipata. The transfer lasts an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Cusipata, we will have breakfast and find hygienic services. After breakfast, we will continue our trip to the Rainbow Mountain for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. On the way there, you will have the chance to enjoy beautiful landscapes and to see the wildlife.

• Tour Start Time: Between 4:30 and 5:00 am
• Tour End Time: Between 6:00 and 6:30 pm
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Total Walking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Weather: Cold and windy
• Maximum Group Size: 20 people
• Maximum Altitude: 5,200 meters (17,060 ft)

Price of the Q’eswachaka and Rainbow Mountain 2D/1N:

240.00 soles per person for a group service

We also offer  Qeswachaka Tours and Rainbow Mountain in private service and the cost is based on your group size.

2 to 6 participants: $260.00 total per tour
7 to 13 participants: $360.00 total per tour
14 or more: Will be arranged and priced by your tour representative.

NOTE: We sometimes offer to combine private tours (with your permission) into smaller groups with a discount. Let us know if you would be open to others joining you.

Included in the Q’eswachaka and Rainbow Mountain:

• Pick-up from your accommodation and drop-off near the main square
• Round trip transportation between Cusco and Q’eswachaka, and between Cusco
• English/Spanish-speaking professional guide
• Breakfast and lunch during the Q’eswachaka tour
• Breakfast and lunch during the Rainbow Mountain hike
• Vegetarian food available on request with no extra charge
• First aid equipment

Not Included in the Q’eswachaka and Rainbow Mountain:

• Dinner on either day
• Entrance fees to Q’eswachaka Bridge (20 soles per person for foreigner tourist)
• Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain (30 soles per person for foreigner tourist)
• One night in a Cusco hotel or hostel
• Snacks
• Tips for the guide and driver

What to Bring  to the Q’eswachaka inca Bridge and Rainbow Mountain 2D/1N:

• Small daypack or backpack (approximately 20L)
• Comfortable, lightweight trekking clothes or activewear (layers recommended)
• Comfortable sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support and traction
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Warm coat
• Hat and gloves
• Hand sanitizer
• Sun hat or cap
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Water (at least 1L)
• Personal medications
• Muscle relaxers
• Painkillers or anti inflammatories
• Bandaids (especially those designed for blisters)
• Toilet paper
• Camera
• Cash (in small denominations of Peruvian nuevos soles)

Faq of the Q’eswachaca and Rainbow Mountain 2D/1N:

Health and Safety: All of our participants are required to inform us of any illness or injury which could affect them or the group during the tour. Although our guides carry first aid kits, we strongly recommended that you bring any personal medications you may need. We also suggest that you consult your doctor before reserving your tour.

Where to Store Your Things: Anything you do not want to bring with you on the tour can be safely left in your accommodation. Most hotels and hostels have safes to protect your belongings. However, if you do not feel comfortable leaving your things there, you may also bring them to our office for safekeeping during the tour.

Are all activities on the tour mandatory? How flexible are itineraries?

At Inka Trail Backpacker, we are committed to providing your ideal experience in Peru. Therefore, if there are any adjustments you would like to make to reflect your fitness level, lifestyle, or personal interests, we are happy to help! Our itineraries are reasonably flexible, and activities can be removed or substituted as necessary.

Can I cross the bridge?

Yes! All visitors are welcome and encouraged to cross the bridge; however, this is not recommended for visitors with vertigo.

What is the length of the Q’eswachaka Bridge?

The bridge is approximately 28 meters (99 feet) long and 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide.

Should I bring extra water?

Water is provided at meals. However, you should also carry a refillable water bottle with you to prevent dehydration.

How far in advance should I book my tour?

We recommend that you book your trek approximately one to two weeks in advance. This allows us to arrange for you to have the best possible transportation, guides, and meals during your tour.

How much time will I need to acclimate to the altitude before my tour? 

We recommend at least two days in Cusco to sufficiently acclimate before the tour begins.

Is there a vegetarian option for the included meals?

Yes, vegetarian options are available; however, vegan options are not.

Should I tip the guides? How much is appropriate?

A tip is customary, but the amount is at your discretion. Whatever you feel is appropriate based on the service you have received is fine; please remember to always be courteous and respectful with our guides.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

All of our guides are bilingual and speak both Spanish and English.

What is the highest point on this tour?

The highest elevation on the Rainbow Mountain hike is 5,200 meters (17,020 ft) above sea level.

The highest elevation on the Qeswachaka Tours  is 3,800 meters (12,467 ft)