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Peru
Keshwa Chaca
Where is it?
Keshwa Chaca is a traditional Incan bridge located in the Cusco region of Peru. Specifically, it spans the Apurímac River near the town of Quehue, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the city of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. The bridge is located in a remote, mountainous area, making it a unique and challenging destination for visitors seeking adventure in the Peruvian Andes.
What is it?
Keshwa Chaca is a hanging bridge made from natural fibers, most notably grass, specifically the ichu grass, which is abundant in the Andean highlands. The bridge is believed to have been built and maintained by the Quechua people, descendants of the Inca, who have continued the tradition of weaving and maintaining this structure for over 500 years.
Key features of the Keshwa Chaca include:
Traditional Construction: The bridge is handwoven from ichu grass, using ancient techniques passed down through generations. The construction process involves braiding and weaving the grass into long, strong strands, which are then tied together to form the bridge. The process of building the bridge typically takes several weeks.
Cultural Heritage: The bridge is not just an engineering marvel but also a symbol of the Quechua people's cultural heritage. It has been maintained by the local community, who rebuild and repair it annually to ensure its continued existence.
Hanging Structure: The bridge spans the Apurímac River and is suspended high above the water, offering a thrilling experience for those who cross it. It is about 28 meters (92 feet) long and 1.2 meters (4 feet) wide, with a swaying motion that adds to the challenge.
Annual Rebuilding Ceremony: Every year, in June, the Quechua community holds a special reconstruction ceremony to rebuild the bridge. This event is a communal activity where local villagers come together to weave and construct the bridge, ensuring that the tradition remains alive.
Symbol of Incan Engineering: Keshwa Chaca is one of the last remaining examples of this kind of Incan bridge, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Inca civilization in utilizing local materials for infrastructure.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (April to October): The best time to visit Keshwa Chaca is during the dry season in the Andes, which runs from April to October. During this period, the weather is more favorable for trekking and outdoor activities, and the river levels are lower, making crossing safer.
Avoid Rainy Season (November to March): The rainy season in the Andes can make the terrain slippery and difficult for trekking, and the Apurímac River may be swollen, making the bridge more hazardous to cross.
Tips for the Trip
Accessing the Bridge: To reach Keshwa Chaca, you’ll need to travel from Cusco to the Quehue area, which takes about 2 to 3 hours by car. From there, the bridge is accessible via a short hike down to the river valley.
Trekking: The path to the bridge involves a steep descent, so be prepared for some uphill hiking. Sturdy footwear and proper hiking gear are essential for the journey.
Respect for Local Traditions: As Keshwa Chaca is a living cultural tradition, it’s important to show respect for the local community and their practices. If you visit during the annual rebuilding ceremony, you may be able to observe or even participate in the process.
Safety Considerations: While crossing the bridge, take extra caution due to its swaying nature. It is advisable to cross one person at a time, especially if you’re not accustomed to heights.
Guided Tours: Hiring a local guide is recommended, not only for safety reasons but also to gain insight into the history and significance of the bridge and the local customs.
Nazca Lines
Where are they?
The Nazca Lines are located in the Nazca Desert, in the southern coastal region of Peru, between the towns of Nazca and Palpa. The lines are situated in a vast arid plateau, which lies about 400 kilometers (250 miles) south of Lima, the capital of Peru. The most famous and recognizable Nazca Lines can be found near the town of Nazca.
What are they?
The Nazca Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs—large-scale drawings etched into the desert floor. These lines and figures range from simple geometric shapes to complex depictions of animals, plants, and human figures. The Nazca culture, who lived in the region from around 500 BCE to 500 CE, is credited with creating these mysterious geoglyphs.
Key features of the Nazca Lines include:
Geoglyphs: The Nazca Lines cover an area of over 50 square kilometers (19 square miles) and include around 300 individual figures, ranging from straight lines and geometric shapes to stylized representations of animals like monkeys, birds, spiders, fish, and even a human figure known as the "Astronaut".
Size and Scale: Some of the lines stretch for several kilometers across the desert, with certain figures measuring hundreds of meters in length. The largest geoglyphs can be up to 1,200 feet (370 meters) long, making them visible only from the air or from higher vantage points.
Mysterious Purpose: The exact purpose of the Nazca Lines remains a subject of debate among archaeologists and historians. Some theories suggest that they were created for astronomical or religious purposes, possibly linked to the Nazca people's agricultural practices, while others propose that they may have been part of ritualistic offerings to the gods.
Construction: The geoglyphs were made by removing the reddish-brown rocks from the desert surface to reveal the lighter-colored earth underneath. This process exposed the underlying layer of stones and created a contrast that remains visible for thousands of years due to the desert’s dry climate.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1994, the Nazca Lines were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical and cultural significance. They are considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (April to October): The best time to visit the Nazca Lines is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is more stable and the skies are generally clear, providing optimal visibility for aerial views.
Avoid Rainy Season (November to March): The rainy season, which runs from November to March, can make travel to the Nazca region more challenging due to heavy rains and the potential for floods, though this period usually does not affect the lines themselves directly.
Tips for the Trip
Aerial Tours: The best way to view the Nazca Lines is by taking an aerial tour in a small plane. Several local companies offer flights from Nazca or Ica, where you can fly over the lines and get a bird’s-eye view of the figures. Flight times typically last around 30 minutes.
Observatories and Viewpoints: While aerial tours provide the best perspective, there are also viewing towers and observation points located near the lines, such as the Nazca Lines Viewing Tower. These allow visitors to see some of the smaller geoglyphs, but the larger figures are best appreciated from the air.
Guided Tours: Hiring a local guide is recommended for a more enriching experience. Guides can provide insights into the history, theories, and ongoing research surrounding the Nazca Lines, as well as practical information about the region.
Safety: Flights over the Nazca Lines are relatively safe but can be bumpy due to air currents in the desert. If you have motion sickness or other health concerns, inform your pilot beforehand.
Take Precautions for the Sun: The Nazca Desert can be extremely hot and sunny, especially during the midday hours. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun during your visit.