Queshuachaca

Welcome to the remote highlands of the Peruvian Andes, a place where the air is incredibly thin, the winds are sharp, and history remains a living, breathing entity. We are standing at an elevation of approximately four thousand…

As we move slightly away from the canyon edge to this expansive, dusty plateau, you can see the primary staging ground for the festival. This is where the monumental task of rebuilding the Keshwa Chaca begins, usually during the…

Walking closer toward the canyon rim, we arrive at a small, consecrated area marked by ash and the lingering scent of smoke. This is the domain of the Paqo, the traditional Andean shaman or spiritual priest. …

We now approach the very edge of the eastern bank, where the land abruptly drops away into the gorge. Here, embedded deep within the earth, are massive, ancient stone abutments. …

Step right up to the edge of the precipice, being careful of your footing. Look down. …

Let us step back slightly from the edge and move to a nearby meadow on the bank. While the heavy main cables are being anchored, an entirely different task is taking place here. …

We now stand exactly at the entrance of the newly anchored bridge frame. Six bare cables stretch out over the chasm before us—four under our feet and two at shoulder height. …

If you dare, imagine walking out onto the newly woven section of the bridge. You are now suspended entirely over the middle of the gorge. …

Having safely crossed the terrifying expanse of the Apurimac gorge, we finally set foot on the solid ground of the western bank. The tension that gripped the air over the last three days immediately evaporates. …