Inca architecture and engineering is known for its mortarless interlocking stone structures, like the famous Machu Picchu. However, a variety of construction materials and techniques have traditionally been used in the Andes mountains, and one of the more unique is woven grass rope bridges. Historically, hundreds of these rope bridges existed as part of the vast Inca road network, Qhapaq Ñan. Only one of these bridges remains today and it has become a popular tourist destination: the Q’eswachaka rope bridge over the Apurimac River in Peru. As the grass ropes do deteriorate quickly, the bridge needs to be rebuilt every year. But rebuilding is not a problem when the whole community participates and the whole process takes only three days, with the event doubling as annual festival.
Construction of Q’eswachaka rope bridge
The annual three-day rebuilding of Q’eswachaka rope bridge takes place in June after the rainy season when water levels are low. Four nearby communities participate in the construction and each family is required to collect and dry enough hay for 70 meters of rope. The first day of assembly is when most people are needed to weave all the ropes, with more than 1000 men and women participating in the communal effort. Thin ropes are weaved first and 48 of these are then woven together to make the main structural ropes.
On the second day the main ropes are pulled over the river which requires nearly 300 men to manage the heavy work. The bridge spans 28 meters and there are four main ropes below the floor and two at the top. The structure of the previous year’s bridge can be used to bring the ropes over, but if there is no old bridge then the ropes are thrown over the river tied to a rock. The main ropes are then tied to a permanent stone structure on each side of the river.
On the third day of construction, only about 15 craftsmen remain to tie ropes for the side railing and to make the floor. The floor is built with branches that are tied to the main structural ropes. Sometimes the floor needs to be changed or strengthened during the year with extra branches or ropes. Sometimes other materials are also used, and I saw some parts of the floor tied with llama skin instead of grass ropes.
Tourism keeping traditional knowledge alive
Once the bridge is complete, inauguration takes place. This special occasion is an annual festival for the community. Despite the fact that a modern road bridge was built close to Q’eswachaka rope bridge 25 year ago, locals still use the rope bridge for pedestrian traffic.
What is really keeping the bridge and the technique alive today is tourism. A clear sign of this is that the bridge was not rebuilt for two years during the Covid-19 pandemic when there were little or no tourists. Visiting tourists pay entrance fees that support the community, and visitors provide an opportunity to showcase the traditional technique. Visiting tourists are given a tour and demonstration by a local man who identifies himself as the last Inca engineer, and who has even built the rope bridge as a demonstration abroad, showing the skill and technique are special enough to be worth conserving.
