Queshuachaca Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Queshuachaca
Queshuachaca bridge
Carries	Pedestrians
Crosses	Apurímac River
Locale	Quehue District, Peru
Other name(s)	Keshwa Chaca, Q'iswa Chaca, Keswachaka, Q'eshwachaka, Qeswachaka, Q'eswachaca, Q'eswachaka, Queshuachaca, or Queswachaka
Characteristics
Design	Inca rope bridge
Material	Ichu grass
Total length	28 metres (92 ft)
Width	1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in)

Knowledge, skills and rituals related to the annual renewal of the Q'eswachaka bridge
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Q'eswachaka bridge
Country	Peru
Reference	00
Region	Latin America and the Caribbean
Inscription history
Inscription	2013 (8th session)
List	Representative

The Queshuachaca bridge is an amazing ancient structure. It is the very last Inca rope bridge still in use today. This special bridge is made from ropes woven from ichu grass. It stretches across the Apurímac River in Quehue District, Peru.

Even though there is a modern bridge nearby, local people keep this old tradition alive. They rebuild the bridge every year in June. Several families from nearby communities work together. They prepare grass ropes and mats for the bridge's floor. Rebuilding the bridge is a big community effort.

Long ago, this work was like a tax called Mit'a. People had to help rebuild the bridge. Today, the builders say they do it to honor their ancestors. They also do it to show respect for the Pachamama, or Earth Mother.

The Queshuachaca bridge has become a small tourist spot. Some TV shows, like Nova and the BBC, have featured it. There is even a documentary called The Last Bridge Master. In 2009, the Peruvian government recognized the bridge. It is now part of Peru's cultural heritage. The main bridge engineer was Victoriano Arizapana.

In March 2021, the bridge sadly collapsed. This happened because it wasn't maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic. But don't worry, the community quickly rebuilt it in the weeks that followed!

How the Queshuachaca Bridge is Rebuilt

The rebuilding of the Queshuachaca bridge is a fascinating event. It shows how ancient skills are passed down. The whole community works together to create a strong new bridge. This tradition keeps their history and culture alive.

The old bridge sags before renewal.
The newly finished bridge.
Builders gather for the renewal ceremony.
Preparing the side ropes.
Main cables and hand-ropes are put in place.
Lashing the hand-ropes to the main side cables.
Mat rolls are used to form the bridge deck.
The new bridge is complete and ready to use.
The bridge in use during the rainy season.

Queshuachaca facts for kids

How the Queshuachaca Bridge is Rebuilt

See also