Gravity-defying: revamping an Inca rope suspension bridge

[Judi Lynn]

Cusco (Peru) (AFP) – Dangling over a vertiginous gorge, the Apurimac River flowing around 10 stories below, Indigenous Peruvians show no fear as they repair a centuries-old Inca rope suspension bridge -- the world's last.

Issued on: 20/06/2023 - 08:52
Modified: 20/06/2023 - 09:01

3 min



The bridge was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage 10 years ago © Christian SIERRA / AFP

Every June, members of the Quechua Indigenous group come together to braid thick ropes made from a type of Andean straw, then brave the chasm without harnesses to replace worn parts of the Q'eswachaka bridge.

It is a ritual that connects communities to one another but also to their ancestors, according to Quechua belief.

"It is a matter of pride for us to (renovate) this bridge," Braulio Huilca, a 34-year-old student told AFP of his role in the annual rite.

Inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage 10 years ago, the bridge has become a key tourist attraction and source of income in the Peruvian region of Cusco -- also home to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.



The hanging bridge has several thick ropes that serve as a platform, with two more for holding on on either side © Christian SIERRA / AFP

More:
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230620-gravity-defying-revamping-an-inca-rope-suspension-bridge

[The Unmitigated Gall]

1. I saw a documentary on this years ago.

The Inca had an amazing road system and runners stationed at regular intervals. Bridges like this one spanned the many deep gorges, so that messengers on foot could travel length and breadth of the land in just days. Fascinating what skilled hands can do with just grass.

[Judi Lynn]

2. It's beyond understanding how so much was accomplished. A powerful bridge from mere grasses.

Breathtaking.

The courage needed, too, for such an undertaking had to be nearly other-worldly! Not only at the beginning, but every time the bridges are regularly replaced. It's probably still a very dangerous undertaking. So very far above the surface of the earth below, too.

Hope the documentary you saw is still in the loop. They are so useful. Looking forward to all the good ones floating around now, and due to be produced in the years to come.