Cusco, Peru - August 02, 2024 On the Apurimac River, in the Cusco region, at 3,700 m above sea level, you can see an important Inca legacy that remains in force after more than six centuries. This is the Q'eswachaka bridge, a spectacular 30-meter-long engineering work, made of straw and stone, which is preserved to this day and which in 2013 was designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Every year, this place witnesses an incredible renovation. The community members gather to tear down the bridge built a year ago, letting its foundations fall into the river. Immediately, women and children collect the qoya-ichu or straw material that will be used to make the foundations of the new bridge. Renovation and collective work are a constant within the Andean worldview. Just as harvesting follows sowing and shearing follows sheep rearing, certain architectural works must be replaced by others. It is the natural cycle of life. For this reason, the construction of the Q'eswachaka bridge reflects, in addition to the art and talent of the inhabitants, the inauguration of a new year in the heights. The Quechua communities of Huinchiri, Chaupibanda, Choccayhua and Ccollana Quehue meet every year, in the style of the Inca minka or community work, to strengthen the ties between them and begin their activities. In modern times, the bridge represents the validity of the union of people with their land and with their history. The annual renewal of the Q'eswachaka constitutes the central element in the social cohesion of the participating communities and is vital in the formation of their cultural identity. For the construction of the new pedestrian crossing over the mighty Apurimac, the authorities of each community also join together by gathering long queswas or ropes, which will be twisted and braided. The light ropes will serve as handrails and the thick fibers or “duros,” as they are called, will form the floor of the bridge. The ropes are tied to the stone bases at each end of the gorge. The task continues with the placement of an extensive carpet, made of branches, to completely cover the floor of the platform. Two experts in weaving coya bridges direct the entire task. Once the bridge is finished, the leaders give a speech and begin the prayers of thanks. Everything ends with a great banquet with pork and guinea pig, and a dance full of merriment and traditional dances.