The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu
The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu is one of the least-known tourist attractions in the Inca citadel. To get there you must take a short hiking route, a little less than 1 kilometer. Once there you have a beautiful view of one of the limits of the archaeological site. The bridge is made of a large wooden trunk and was removed in case of invasions. To visit this place you must buy the ticket ‘Machupicchu + Inca Bridge’. Learn more!
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The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu
The Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu is one of the least known constructions in the Inca citadel. However, due to the trekking route there, and the history behind the construction, it is one of the best tourist attractions in the Wonder of the World.
The Inca Bridge, as its name suggests, served as a means of communication from the eastern boundary of Machu Picchu with the network of Inca roads leading to the Antisuyo (the kingdoms of the jungle). This network of Inca roads could also communicate with important Inca citadels, such as Choquequirao or Vilcabamba.
The Inca Bridge is made of a wooden trunk supported by stone walls. It was one of the most common types of Inca bridges along with stone bridges, suspension bridges, floating bridges, and oroyas (cable tied from one point to another that served as pillars).
The Inca Bridge, in case of invasions, was withdrawn to prevent the enemy from advancing. From there, there are also panoramic views of the eastern sector of the Inca citadel. The walk up there is short because it lasts only 25 minutes approximately.
The best way to visit this tourist attraction is with the ticket ‘Machupicchu + Inca Bridge’. Currently, it is not allowed to cross the bridge, only to appreciate it from a viewpoint. On the route, there are signs and safety ropes, so it is a safe tourist attraction.
The hike to the Inca Bridge
The hike to the Inca Bridge is a short route of almost 1 kilometer through flat trails, without steep slopes and surrounded by abundant vegetation.
Although the route is safe, it is recommended that you pay attention to all your senses during the hike. This is because there are some frightening ravines, but they do not represent danger if you walk attentively to each step.
An average tourist can complete the hike in 30 minutes or less. Older adults or visitors in poor physical condition can complete it in 40 minutes. However, all visitors can complete the route. It is an easy and enjoyable hike.
Upon entering Machu Picchu, the first thing to do is to visit the area of the Guardian’s House. Then, taking a signposted detour, you go up a few stone steps until you reach the Inca Bridge checkpoint.
At the checkpoint, for security reasons, it is necessary to register the tourist’s name. At the time of departure, in the same way, the visitor must register his departure.
At the Inca Bridge, tourists can appreciate the construction from a lookout point. There is a security gate that prevents approaching the bridge. After enjoying this little-known Inca building, you must make the return journey, which is the same path as the outward journey.
The history of the Machu Picchu Inca Bridge
The Incas built about 30 thousand kilometers of Inca roads, the famous qhapac ñan, which connected the main Inca cities. The starting point, where all roads converged, was the city of Cuzco, the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo empire.
This Inca road network included the construction of different types of bridges: hanging, stone, floating, oroyas, and log bridges. In Machu Picchu, the Incas built a log bridge because of its high rocky mountain geography.
The Inca Bridge was built in approximately 1450, by orders of the emperor Pachacutec. Crossing the bridge, one could continue along the network of Inca roads to the eastern Amazonian part of the empire (the Antisuyo).
If you continue on, you can even reach the Inca sites of Choquequirao and Vilcabamba, important sources of commercial products such as coca leaves.
The bridge is currently closed, to safeguard the integrity of visitors. The fact is that, when crossing the bridge, the roads are very narrow and on the edge of fearsome cliffs. Anyway, it is one of the most fascinating, but less-known tourist attractions in Machu Picchu.
Why choose to visit the Inca Bridge?
The Inca Bridge, although it is one of the most interesting Inca constructions, it is not very visited. It is one of the least known Inca constructions by tourists.
The Inca Bridge, although it is one of the most interesting Inca constructions, it is not very visited. It is one of the least known Inca constructions by tourists.
The route is suitable for visitors of all ages, including children and seniors. Children should be accompanied and closely supervised by their parents. The elderly can make the hike without any inconvenience.
How much does it cost to visit the Inca Bridge?
This tourist attraction can be visited with the tour ‘Machupicchu + Inca Bridge’. This ticket allows you to visit Machu Picchu (circuit 1 or 2, the most recommended), as well as the hike and visit to the Inca Bridge.
This ticket is one of the most recommended in Machu Picchu because it allows you to do circuit 2, which includes the visit to the Guardian’s House where you get the classic panoramic photos.
It is recommended to purchase the ticket online 2 or 3 months in advance. Otherwise, availability may be limited. The visit with a tour guide is optional. Another option is to choose an all-inclusive tour that includes the visit to the Inca Bridge.
Inca Bridge and Huayna Picchu trekking: differences
Learn about the differences and similarities of two of the most famous treks of Machu Picchu: the route to Huayna Picchu and the route to the Inca Bridge.
| Huayna Picchu Mountain | Inca Bridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | In the northern sector of Machu Picchu | In the upper south sector of Machu Picchu |
| Height | 2,693 msnm | 2,430 msnm |
| Entry point | A few steps from the Sacred Rock (inside Machu Picchu) | In a detour from the Guardian sector (inside Machu Picchu) |
| Distance in kilometers | 1.8 approx. kilometers | Approx. one kilometer |
| Walking time | Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes | Approx. 25 minutes |
| Road type | Nearly two thousand stone stairs | Flat trails |
| Inca constructions | Agricultural terraces and religious temples | The Inca Bridge |
| Security | Route with stairs with slopes ranging from 30 to 60 degrees. | Safe route, but close to dangerous cliffs |
| Flora and fauna | Birds, butterflies, flowers, trees and, hopefully, mammals such as anteaters and spectacled bears. | Flowers, trees and birds |
| Entry type | Entrance ticket ‘Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu’ | Entrance ticket ‘Machupicchu + Inca Bridge’ |
| Restrictions | Suitable for visitors over 12 years old | Suitable for visitors of all ages |
Questions and answers about the Inca Bridge tour
What are the visiting hours of the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu?
The Inca Bridge, like the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, can be visited every day of the year from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Can I cross the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu?
No, currently for visitor protection reasons, the Inca bridge cannot be crossed. There is a gate that prevents visitors from accessing this Inca construction. It can only be seen from a viewpoint.
What is the age limit to visit the Inca Bridge?
The Inca Bridge can be visited by tourists of all ages, from children to seniors. Children must be accompanied and supervised by their parents or guardians. Older adults can do the route without problems. In contrast, the Huayna Picchu mountain is only suitable for visitors over 12 years old.
What ticket should I buy to visit the Inca Bridge?
This tourist attraction can be visited by purchasing the ticket ‘Machupicchu + Inca Bridge’. This ticket allows you to visit Machu Picchu through Circuit 2, the most recommended. It also allows you to hike and visit the Inca Bridge, a little-known construction among tourists.
Is the hike to the Inca Bridge difficult?
No, the hike to this construction is one of the most accessible in Machu Picchu. The route is only 800 meters through flat roads with no inclines (an average tourist completes the hike in 25 minutes).
Is it dangerous to hike to the Inca Bridge?
During the hike to the Inca Bridge, in some sections, some cliffs can be frightening for visitors. However, the trails are not narrow and are very safe for all visitors who pay attention to the trail.
How to get to the Inca Bridge from Machu Picchu?
From the entrance gate of Machu Picchu, you must climb the stone steps to the area of the Guardian’s House. There, there is a signposted detour that allows access to the Inca Bridge. Before entering and leaving, for security reasons, tourists must register.
How much time in advance should I buy the ticket to the Inca Bridge?
The ticket ‘Machupicchu + Inca Bridge’ is one of the most requested among tourists. Due to its low availability, you should make the purchase online 2 or 3 months in advance. Otherwise, you run the risk of not finding availability.