Inca Bridge
A narrow, ancient bridge built into a cliffside at Machu Picchu, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Inca defensive strategies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Inca Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A narrow, ancient bridge built into a cliffside at Machu Picchu, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Inca defensive strategies.
"The trail is narrow, but it offers breathtaking views of the mountains, the Urubamba River, and the Inca Bridge!"
🎟️ Specific Ticket Needed
Ensure you purchase the 'Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge' ticket for access.
⚠️ Caution on Cliffs
The trail is narrow with sheer drops; be extremely careful, especially with children.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Inca Bridge
Machu Picchu Site
A narrow, ancient rope bridge built into a cliffside, offering a glimpse into Inca engineering and defensive strategies.
Cliffside Trail Views
Trail to the Inca Bridge
Breathtaking vistas of the Urubamba River, surrounding mountains, and the backside of Machu Picchu.
Q'eswachaka Bridge
Near Cusco
The last remaining traditional Inca rope bridge, rebuilt annually by local communities using ancient techniques.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Inca Bridge
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Specific Ticket Needed
Ensure you purchase the 'Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge' ticket for access.
⚠️ Caution on Cliffs
The trail is narrow with sheer drops; be extremely careful, especially with children.
🚶♀️ Quiet Detour
Enjoy this peaceful trail away from the main tourist routes.
📸 No Selfies Here!
The terrain is too dangerous for selfies; prioritize safety over photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Specific Ticket Needed
Ensure you purchase the 'Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge' ticket for access.
⚠️ Caution on Cliffs
The trail is narrow with sheer drops; be extremely careful, especially with children.
🚶♀️ Quiet Detour
Enjoy this peaceful trail away from the main tourist routes.
📸 No Selfies Here!
The terrain is too dangerous for selfies; prioritize safety over photos.
⏳ Limited Access
Numbers are limited, so book your Machu Picchu tickets well in advance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Inca Bridge trail for its stunning, less-crowded views of Machu Picchu's backside and the Urubamba River. However, the trail's narrowness and sheer drops require extreme caution, with many advising against it for those with a fear of heights or young children. Access is limited, and walking on the bridge itself is prohibited.
"Peru has opened more areas in Machu Picchu in recent years, including the architectural marvel, the Inca Bridge. During Incan times, in the event of threats, this narrow bridge could be removed, making it impossible to pass. The trail is narrow, but it offers breathtaking views of the mountains, the Urubamba River, and the Inca Bridge!
💡Tips: Purchase the “Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge” ticket for access to the Inca Bridge. The round-trip hike is easy and takes about 30-40 minutes. Visitors need to stop like 100m before the Inca Bridge and are not allowed to walk on it currently. The entrance to Inca Bridge is located after the Upper Platform & before the Lower Platform in the Circuit 1 or 2 trail."
Y.C. Wu
"It's a beautiful quiet trail you can take (at no additional cost!) from the main route no. 2 at Machu Picchu. But numbers are limited. It's a little part of quiet before joining back the main touristy route."
Chin Zhi Hui
"Stunning views of the backside of Machu Picchu where few visitors venture. This trail leads to one of the original entrances to Machu Picchu, a short foot bridge built into the side of a cliff. The trial leads to a gate where you can see the footbridge from a distance. This trail is not very difficult physically, but keep in mind there are sheer cliffs along the way with no railing at all. If you are afraid of heights or have children, you need to be very careful as one slip could be tragic. Save the selfies for another place, it’s too dangerous to take chances here on this trail."
Jason Curtis (curt1600)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Inca Bridge is located within the Machu Picchu citadel. You'll need to purchase a specific ticket that includes access to this area. The trail to the bridge is a detour from the main circuits.
Yes, the Inca Bridge is a part of the Machu Picchu archaeological site, accessible via a dedicated trail.
Most visitors reach Machu Picchu via train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, then a bus up to the citadel. From there, follow the signs for the Inca Bridge trail. +1
While you can visit the Inca Bridge as part of your independent Machu Picchu exploration, you must have the correct ticket that grants access to this specific circuit.
The hike to the Inca Bridge checkpoint is a decent climb from the bus drop-off, but the trail itself from the checkpoint is mostly flat. The round-trip hike to see the bridge from a distance takes about 30-40 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need to purchase the 'Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge' ticket to access this area. Numbers are limited, so booking in advance is crucial.
Yes, visitors are not allowed to walk on the bridge itself and must stop at a designated viewpoint about 100 meters before it. Access is also limited due to the narrow and exposed trail.
The Inca Bridge is accessed via specific Machu Picchu circuits. The cost is part of your overall Machu Picchu entrance fee, which varies depending on the circuit chosen.
It is highly recommended to book your Machu Picchu tickets, including those for the Inca Bridge circuit, well in advance as they sell out quickly.
The Inca Bridge trail follows the general opening hours of Machu Picchu. It's best to check the official Machu Picchu website for the most current hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is a narrow path carved into the side of a cliff, offering stunning views but with sheer drops and no railings. It's a beautiful, quiet detour from the main tourist routes.
The hike to the bridge viewpoint is not physically demanding, but the exposed nature of the trail requires extreme caution due to the sheer cliffs.
While children can visit, extreme caution is advised due to the dangerous cliffs and lack of railings. Parents should supervise children very closely.
The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Urubamba River, the surrounding Andes mountains, and the backside of Machu Picchu.
No, visitors are not allowed to walk on the Inca Bridge itself. You can view it from a designated point about 100 meters away.
📸 📸 Photography
The trail itself offers incredible vantage points for photos of the bridge and the surrounding landscape. However, prioritize safety and avoid risky selfie attempts.
It is not recommended to take selfies or risky photos on the Inca Bridge trail due to the sheer cliffs and lack of safety barriers. Focus on capturing the views safely.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. The key is to capture the dramatic landscape and the unique engineering of the bridge.
Drone usage is generally prohibited within Machu Picchu and its surrounding areas. Always check the latest regulations before your visit.
Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Late afternoons can also offer beautiful golden hour light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a safer experience with younger children, you might opt to skip the Inca Bridge trail and focus on other accessible areas of Machu Picchu. If you do decide to proceed, ensure you have the correct ticket and are prepared for a slow, attentive walk. The Inca Bridge is best appreciated by older children or teens who can understand and respect the safety protocols.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers
If you're looking for a more immersive Inca bridge experience, consider a day trip to the Q'eswachaka bridge near Cusco. This is the last traditional Inca rope bridge, rebuilt annually by local communities. Participating in or witnessing this event offers a truly adventurous and culturally rich encounter with ancient Inca traditions.
+2📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For a more hands-on photographic experience with Inca bridges, consider visiting Q'eswachaka. The annual rebuilding ceremony offers incredible opportunities to capture vibrant cultural traditions, community spirit, and the raw beauty of these living historical artifacts.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of the Inca Bridge
+1While you can no longer cross the actual bridge, the trail leading to its viewpoint offers a tangible connection to this historical marvel. The experience of walking along the cliffside, imagining the original purpose of this structure, provides a unique perspective on Inca military and architectural strategies. It's a reminder of how the Incas utilized their environment to their advantage, creating both functional and awe-inspiring structures.
Experiencing the Q'eswachaka: The Last Inca Rope Bridge
+3Visiting Q'eswachaka offers a profound immersion into living Inca culture. Travelers can witness or even participate in the bridge's renewal, experiencing firsthand the communal effort and spiritual significance attached to this ancient practice. The bridge itself, suspended over a dramatic gorge, is an engineering feat that continues to connect communities and preserve a vital piece of Inca history. It's a powerful symbol of resilience, tradition, and the enduring legacy of the Inca Empire.
+1Safety and Accessibility on the Inca Bridge Trail
While the trail itself is not physically strenuous in terms of elevation gain from the checkpoint, the exposure and lack of safety barriers are the primary concerns. It's crucial to heed all warnings and prioritize safety above all else. The Inca Bridge is a historical marvel, but its accessibility comes with inherent risks that must be managed carefully by every visitor.
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