The Inca Bridge is one of the best examples of the ingenious Inca architecture in Machu Picchu. It is located to the west of the Inca city, which is reached after an easy walk of approximately 20 minutes. The Incas used this wooden bridge as one of the limits of the citadel. Today it is one of the least known tourist attractions by visitors. However, visiting and appreciating this building is worth it. It is for this reason that even has its own entrance ticket. Learn more about this enigmatic place to take a tour of the upper platform of Machu Picchu. Also, we explain how to get the classic postcard photo.

• The Inca bridge of Machu Picchu
• Map to get to the Inca Bridge
• Characteristics
• The Incas and the bridges
• The visit to the Inca bridge of Machu Picchu
• More information
• Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist on the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu

What is the Qhapac Ñam or Inca Trail?
It is important to mention the Qhapac Ñam or Inca Trail, the route that leads to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu, follows precisely those paths. The Inca Trail was the network of roads that crossed much of today’s Peru, but could also connect today’s northern Chile and Argentina with the northern Peruvian countries of Ecuador and Colombia. The estimated more than 60 kilometers connected not only Inca cities but also sacred places, small tambos, ceremonial sites and more destinations that to date are unknown. So visiting the Inca Bridge, has one of the great benefits, which allows to know a little of this enigmatic network of roads.

The Inca bridge of Machu Picchu

• The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu is made of thick wooden logs supported by two stone walls on the edge of a steep mountain.
• If these timbers or logs were removed, the passage would be inaccessible because the geography does not allow it. For this reason, it is believed that in addition to serving as a means of communication, the bridge functioned as a defense tool. By removing the bridge, the Incas prevented the advance of any possible enemy.
• The path that leads from Machu Picchu to the bridge follows an original Inca pavement.
• To visit this bridge, you must walk for almost 1 kilometer from the La Casa del Guardián sector (about 20 minutes on the road). During the walk you will cross different trails, some very narrow.
• When entering the Inca Bridge sector it is necessary to register the entry and exit of visitors. This for security reasons. It should be noted that the roads are stuck to fearsome cliffs. Still no one has slipped or fallen. The path is safe.
• The Inca Bridge demarcated one of the limits of Machu Picchu. Because it is located at one end of the citadel, it is not very visited.

Map to get to the Inca Bridge

It is important to mention that you can only make the trip to the Inca Bridge with the Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge ticket. Reservations can be made on the official Machu Picchu websites and authorized travel agencies like ours.

• The Inca Bridge is less than 1 kilometer away if we start the hike from the upper platform.
• However, the hike will start from the access area. The hike to the upper platform is less than 30 minutes.
• In this sense the total of the walk that is used is of 1 hour and 30 minutes, reason why the time allowed to make the journey is of 3 hours.
• The walk does not have many complications. However, it is recommended to do the tour with due care.
• It is recommended that the ascent to the entrance area is done in the ecological buses.
• Only with the Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge ticket, you will be able to make the journey through the sections detailed on the map.

Map of the route to the Inca Bridge in Machu Picchu

Characteristics

• Log bridges were the simplest of all the bridges built by the Incas. They were designed resting on rocks. First they spread the logs horizontally. Then they crossed them with other sticks that were tied with straw or leather wool ropes. Branches were placed on top and it was ready for use.
• The bridge is made of logs approximately 5 meters long. Below there is a cliff of 20 meters. Currently, due to the deterioration of the construction, it is prohibited to cross the bridge.
• The construction of bridges in the mountains was very necessary due to the geography of the place. The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu was built in a strategic place adapting it to the topography of the place.

The Incas and the bridges

• The Inca bridges were part of the Qhapac ñan, an immense road network that communicated the most important points of the Tahuantinsuyo empire.
• According to engineering professor Alberto Regal, the bridges were of various types and could be classified into: log and stick bridges, stone bridges, huaros, oroyas or tarabitas bridges, floating bridges and hanging bridges.
• The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu is part of the constructions of logs and sticks. These were the most common in the Andes Mountains.
• Currently most of the Inca bridges are destroyed. However, it is still possible to appreciate some. For example, in Cusco they survive: the Checacupe bridge, the Machu Picchu bridge, the Yunkapunku bridge (near Piquillacta) and the Queswachaka bridge.
• The latter is made of ropes. It is the most famous and best preserved today.
• It should be mentioned that today, in various regions of Peru and South America, Inca technology such as suspension bridges, floating bridges, logs and more are still used.

Machu Picchu Inca Bridge

The visit to the Inca bridge of Machu Picchu

• One of the most important issues to visit Machu Picchu is that you must respect the entrance times.
• It is important to decide well the entrance hours to have a better experience and not to have problems.
• So how to choose the tickets to enter the Inca Bridge?
  • Group 1 (8:00 to 8:45): Choose this schedule if for some reason you spent the night in Aguas Calientes or Machu Pichu Pueblo. You will have an easy ascent to do. It can also be an incredible option in case you want to complement the tour. Remember that this tour can take you 3 hours in total.
  • Group 2 (9:00 to 9:45): The second schedule will allow you to have a quiet trip from Cusco. In addition, it can also be an excellent option if you plan to do the tour of the citadel or also known as Machu Picchu Circuit 2.
  • Group 3 (10:00 to 10:45): In case you have purchased this ticket as the only option, you will have beautiful views of Machu Picchu. But you can also take an early tour of Circuit 2.
  • Group 4 (11:00 to 11:45): Like the previous option, this schedule will allow you to make a previous tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Exactly doing Circuit 2. In case you want to do a previous tour. You will have to spend the night in Aguas Calientes to have a better night and therefore more energy.
• It is important to know that the entrance hours of Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu start at 6:00 in the morning.
• The travel time is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• The schedules are continuous and begin every hour until the tenth schedule that begins at 15:00 hours.
• It is recommended to make the reservation of the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit ticket 2 or 3 months in advance.
• If you are looking to make the trip to the Inca Bridge and also the Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu, follow these recommendations.

(*) It is important to arrive at 10:00 a.m. in order to finish before 1:00 p.m. and have lunch. It is recommended to have lunch at the Tinkuy restaurant.

(**) It is important to enter at the established time in order to leave and have lunch, and then return to Circuit 2. We also recommend the Tinkuy restaurant.

More information

• The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu offers a short hiking route of approximately 30 minutes. The other adventurous option is to follow the route through the Intipunku (Puerta del Sol). The walk there takes 2 hours (round trip). The entrance to both sites is with any entrance to Machu Picchu.
• The route through the Inca Bridge is safe. It is still advisable to take the necessary precautions: do not walk near the cliffs or risk taking close photos of the cliffs.
• The most famous Inca bridge in Cusco is the Queswachaka. It is located about 156 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. This suspension bridge has been preserved thanks to the renovation ceremony organized by the neighboring communities. These ceremonies have their origins in Inca times.
• Although the itinerary may seem short, always carry a bottle of water.
• It is important to make your reservation in advance, especially if you want to do a combined tour or tickets to Machu Picchu.
• Even if it is not the rainy season, it is recommended that you always carry a waterproof poncho.
• Advance booking time will ensure that you can select the times you want to combine.
• Make sure you have comfortable footwear and, above all, good grip. This, in order to avoid accidents.
• It is also important to take the ecological buses. These buses only take 30 minutes to make the trip.
• If you want to make the ascent from Machu Picchu Pueblo to the archaeological site on foot. Remember that the route is complicated and by stairs. The time of the ascent on foot is approximately 2 hours and at a good pace.

Hike to Machu Picchu Inca Bridge

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) When does Machu Picchu’s high season start?

  The high season officially begins on June 1st. This season will officially last until October 15. Not to be confused with the rainy season. During the official high season there are more entrance tickets.

• 2) Are there restrooms in Machu Picchu?

  Yes, the restrooms are located right near the bus station and the access area to Machu Picchu. They have a referential use cost. So bring some cash with you.

• 3) Will I need my identity document?

  Yes, when you enter the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, you will be asked for your entrance ticket or reservation as well as your identity document. You can also bring your passport. Remember that your passport must be valid.

• 4) Is the tour recommended for older adults?

  Yes, the activities begin with the ascent to the archaeological site in the buses. From there the tour is not so demanding and there is also enough time to rest or take pictures.

• 5) Can I make a reservation all year round?

  Yes, although this ticket can only be made during the high season. Reservations can be made well before the start of the high season. Just be sure to check availability and make your reservation at an authorized agency.

Advice from people who have been there

Puente Inca

By: Rafa Kunt

“Incredible hike“

“Although the route is short, you can understand the small details of the Inca trails. In addition, the views of Machu Picchu and nature are unparalleled. It was beautiful because it does not require great efforts and you enjoy all the activity.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 12, 2024