the only remaining incan rope bridge
the Q’eswachaka rope bridge, suspended over the apurímac river in peru, is a piece of living history. it is the last of the rope bridges that once connected the incan road system, and dates back about five centuries. rebuilt from twisted cords of grass by residents each year, it is a piece of history that is not only still in use, but regularly renewed.
the bridge—spanning 118 feet and composed of local grasses—is remarkably sturdy: it can hold thousands of pounds of tension. but perhaps the most remarkable thing about the Q’eswachaka is the local community’s ongoing dedication to keeping it in working order.
the bridge, though strong, only has a lifespan of one to two years before it begins to weaken. since the structure was first built nearly half a millennium ago, residents of nearby towns have fastidiously rebuilt it hundreds of times. they continue to rebuild it to this day, with each family contributing some 90 feet of rope.
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“true belonging is born of relationships not only to one another
but to a place of shared responsibilities and benefits.
we love not so much what we have acquired
as what we have made and whom we have made it with.”
—robert finch
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credits: atlas obscura, anna green, mental floss
Fantastic post
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thank you –
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Excellent, Beth. Love this post. Thank you for sharing such a cool story.
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my pleasure, ryan –
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Wonderful Beth – I love it. Careful though – that smacks of socialism and you could get in trouble with the Dina for publishing it.
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“Dina” should read “Donald”
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hahaha – i’m not afraid )
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Beth-I can’t tell you how much this speaks to me right now. It so beautifully encapsulates things I’ve been trying to form in my head for weeks now. Thank you.
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i’m so glad. isn’t it interesting how things drop into our laps just when we need them?
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Love this photo. But not sure I’m brave enough to try this bridge! Thanks for sharing the post and the picture.
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i agree )
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Fascinating!
>
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it really is –
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I like the theme of belonging, Beth. It warms my heart and the Incan bridge is a testament to this! ❤
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me too, robin and it sure is!
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Fabulous post.
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thanks )
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Frightening. You couldn’t get me to walk over that thing!!
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i would be crying for sure )
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hmmm . . .
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This is so impressive, but walking across it would scare me half to death!
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me too, but i think they’re quite used to it there, and it’s just a way of life for them –
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Exciting to know such piece of history still exists and that the locals are so determined to maintain it.
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Yes to all of that-
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Another very educational post. Where do you get all this interesting material?
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I’m just very curious about the world and read everything –
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So glad that you are curious – and thanks very much for sharing what you learn, Beth!
Community: (or dare I say Humanity?) where needs (for the good of all) surpasses wants (of a few)?
It was great to meet you. (Diana sent me… : )
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always happy to share. and to learn. nice to meet you too, deb, and thanks for stopping by. tell diana thanks too )
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That’s a cool story about the bridge, its history, present, and future. Thank you for sharing it, Beth.
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It really does cut across the generations-
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A post that hits on different levels. Thanks Beth. What a picture. The world is truly a fascinating place.
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it really does and the world never ceases to amaze me )
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Wow – that bridge!
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isn’t it amazing ?
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Such a great concept and tradition. You find the most fascinating things…
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i love this community tradition as well and i am always fascinated by people –
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Reblogged this on talktodiana and commented:
Beth over at, I didn’t have my glasses on, shares this incredible story about a very old bridge.
Even more amazing, to me, is the fact that generations of families and neighbours have maintained that bridge for 500 years.
At a time where people struggle to maintain personal relationships and community ties, this bridge is evidence that long-term partnerships are not only possible, but can last a half millennia!
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thank you for sharing this story, diana. i find it amazing on so many levels, especially the human factor –
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My pleasure and me too! ❤
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))
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Wow. The whole story fascinates. The age, and the commitment. Wonderful piece.
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me too – i was very struck by all of it –
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An absolute delight for a bridge lover like me. Thanks so much for a great post.
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my pleasure, and thank you )
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Wow. Have you been there Beth?
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no, i’ve never been, but would love to go and see it firsthand. i am very taken by the story –
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This is terrific. I must share this with my daughter, as we learned about this in history class. A shame that none of the other bridges were maintained so fastidiously.
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oh, how great! yes, it is a shame for the rest of the bridges –
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Fantastic post!
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thank you )
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