In the district of Checacupe you can find from Inca remains, colonial constructions and even architecture dating from the beginning of the Republican era. It also has the presence of natural wonders such as snow-capped mountains, lagoons and the geomorphological formation of canyons. In this opportunity we will know the peculiarity of three bridges that serve as a main attraction. Likewise, we will detail the location, prices and what other attractions this district has to offer.

• Why is Checacupe famous for its bridges?
• Where is Checacupe?
• What is the altitude of Checacupe?
• How to get there from Cusco city?
• History of the Checacupe bridges
• How much does it cost to visit the bridges of Checacupe?
• What else to see near Checacupe?
• Photo gallery of Checacupe
• Questions and answers about the trip to Checacupe and its bridges

The bridges of Checacupe

Why is Checacupe famous for its bridges?

• In this district, which is also close to the Vilcanota riverbed, a space-time particularity can be appreciated.
• A few minutes from its Main Square, there are three bridges from different periods of Peruvian history.
• These three bridges provide a spectacular view of the generational change of different cultures and forms of construction.
• This space-time conjunction has not been found anywhere else.

Where is Checacupe?

• Checacupe is within the territorial zone of the province of Canchis, it is located 2 hours and 30 minutes from the Imperial City of the Incas.
• Checacupe is located between the districts of Cusipata and Checacupe.

What is the altitude of Checacupe?

• Checacupe is located at 3,450 meters above sea level. (3450 masl.), so its climate is cold and dry.

How to get there from Cusco city?

• A viable way to get to Checacupe from Cusco is by purchasing a bus ticket on the route from Cusco to Sicuani.
• By private vehicle. The road is paved and in a state that allows a trip without complications.
• Take a tour through an agency.

History of the Checacupe bridges

As we mentioned, Checacupe has the peculiarity of housing three bridges from different periods; so their differences become evident and exciting when contrasting them.
If we start chronologically, we will get the following order:

• 1) Inca Bridge:
  • This construction was elaborated, in order to unify the network of Inca Roads or known as Qhapac Ñan.
  • The foundation that supports the straw fabrics has been maintained since 1448, however, the suspension bridge is made of straw
  • Every so often it is replaced by a new one, this work is done by the same inhabitants of the area.
  • It is said that the order to build this bridge came from the visionary Inca governor, Wiracocha.

• 2) The colonial bridge:
  • This bridge is robust compared to the previous one, its construction is based on ashlar stone, which was carved and joined by lime and stone.
  • The perfect cohesion of these stones makes this bridge look like an arch, easily comparable to Roman arches.
  • It has different decorations of small and polished stones. It is said that it was built by order of the King of Spain, Carlos III, between 1759 and 1799.
  • However, apparently this robust bridge was not enough for the new needs that were appearing over time.

• 3) The republican bridge:
  • Its structure is based on metal
  • With this bridge it is already possible to transport heavy loads or new bodies.
  • This construction was promoted by orders of the then President of the Republic Ramón Castilla in 1895.
  • It arose from the need to transport larger machines, powered by steam and coal.

Five minutes from the three bridges you can walk to a theme park about the Andean worldview or “Munaypata”. The sculptures are made with reused old tires. The artist in charge of carrying out these works is Francisco Quispe Choque, a native of Checacupe.

How much does it cost to visit the bridges of Checacupe?

• The cost of traveling to Checacupe can vary from 10 to 15 soles, in the transportation companies from Cusco to Sicuani.
• Another option is to access a tourist agency service, the prices of this will vary depending on the route and the itinerary to choose.
• The entrance to the Inca Bridge is approximately 2 soles.

Buses from Cusco to Sicuani are located at the bus terminal “Los Rapidos” Huayruropata Avenue 1620.

What else to see near Checacupe?

Near the three bridges and in the same district, we can find: The temple of the Immaculate Virgin of Checacupe, La Casona Checacupe, a theme park on Andean mythology.

• The temple of the Immaculate Virgin of Checacupe, this colonial temple is considered one of the most beautiful and showy in the region, due to its ornamentation in gold leaf, for the variety of sculptures and paintings that decorate it.
• Among the streets of this district, you can reach La Casona Checacupe which is another space where you can take a look at the way of life of the past.
• Another option, perhaps more contemporary, is to visit the Andean mythology theme park. What is special about these sculptures is that they are made from recycled tires.
• Likewise, Checacupe can represent the starting point towards the Nevado del Ausangate, the Vinicunca Mountain and even travel the Pitumarca Valley.

Photo gallery of Checacupe

Questions and answers about the trip to Checacupe and its bridges

• 1. What is the town of Checacupe in Cusco famous for?

  Checacupe is a special district due to the presence of its three bridges that preserve and reflect the passing of time. These three constructions date from different historical periods.
  In addition, it can be the starting point for other destinations such as the snowy Ausangate, the mountain Vinicunca (the mountain of the seven colors) and the valley of Pitumarca.

• 2. How is the Inca bridge of Checacupe?

  The Inca bridge in Checacupe is made of straw, although the main foundation is made of stones. This foundation has been maintained since 1448.
  However, the suspension bridge is woven and changed from time to time. This activity is carried out by the residents of the district.

• 3. How is the colonial bridge of Checacupe?

  This bridge located in Checacupe is a robust bridge due to its main component, which is ashlar stone.
  In addition, it shows small details that manifest its excellent architecture and beauty. Not for nothing is it comparable to the famous Roman arches.

• 4. What other Inca bridges can you see near Checacupe?

  Other Inca bridges near the Checacupe district are: The Q’eswachaka bridge and the bridge located in Chakapata, Combapata.

  • The Q’eswachaka bridge, which, like the Checacupe bridge, is made of straw or ichu. This bridge is located in the district of Quehue, about an hour and a half from Checacupe.
  • Another bridge is that of Combapata, which at the beginning of 2022, invited visitors to visit the Chakapata esplanade, where they will build and lay out a new Inca bridge.

• 5. What other colonial bridges can you see near Checacupe?

  Colonial bridges near the Checacupe district are in the districts of Combapata, Quiquijana and Tinta.

  • One of the closest bridges to this district is located in Combapata, this bridge was recently restored and is quite splendid.
  • In the district of Quiquijana you can also find the remains of a colonial bridge, currently the population demands a recovery of this construction.
  • Finally, near the district of Checacupe, you can reach the colonial bridge Saqra Chaka, in the district of Tinta, however, only ruins remain of the latter.

• 6. How much does the entrance to the Inca bridge of Checacupe cost?

  The price of the Inca bridge in Checacupe has the symbolic price of two soles for its conservation.

• 7. Are there restaurants near Checacupe?

  Yes, there are several tourist restaurants, in the area you can enjoy dishes based on guinea pigs and trout, among others.

• 8. How is the weather in Checacupe?

  Checacupe is located at 3,450 meters above sea level. (3450 masl.), so it has a cold and dry climate, especially during the months of March to August.

• 9. What should I bring to my visit to Checacupe?

  It is advisable to wear a light jacket or windbreaker. It would not hurt to wear a cap or hat along with sunscreen. But something essential is a camera.

• 10. What public transport bus takes me to Checacupe from Cusco?

  To travel to Checacupe from Cusco, the main option is the bus terminal that handles the Cusco – Sicuani route. It has buses from 10 soles. This company is located at 1620 Huayruropata Avenue.

• 11. What are the visiting hours of the Inca bridge of Checacupe?

  The Inca bridge in Checacupe is open every day of the week from 8 am to 6 pm

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024