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The Last Handwoven Bridge

The last handwoven Incan bridge crosses Apurimac Canyon in Peru
  • The Last Handwoven Bridge in Huinchiri, Peru

    Click to enlarge.  

  • The Last Handwoven Bridge in Huinchiri, Peru

    Click to enlarge.  

  • The Last Handwoven Bridge in Huinchiri, Peru

    Click to enlarge.  

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Known as keshwa chaca, this is the only remaining example of the Incan handwoven bridges once common in the Incan road system. Made of woven grass, the bridge spans 118 feet, and hangs 220 feet above the canyon's rushing river. The Incan women braided small thin ropes which were then braided again by the men into large support cables, much like a modern steel suspension bridge. Handwoven bridges lasted as long as 500 years and were held in very high regard by the Inca. The punishment for tampering with such a bridge was death.

Over time, however, the bridges decayed, or were removed, leaving this single testament to Incan engineering. This previously sagging bridge was repaired in 2003, christened with a traditional Incan ceremonial bridge blessing, and it is now in extremely good condition. A perfect location for all of us wishing to indulge in long-harbored Indiana Jones fantasies.

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Comments

By Anonymous July 9 2009

This bridge, the Keshwa Chaca near Huinchiri, Peru, is completely reconstructed by the residents of the local communities each year in June. Here is a slideshow from the 2008 reconstruction:

http://www.dojoklo.com/keshwa%20chaca/index5.html

By JamesRupert July 15 2009

This is a great place to visit I went here long time ago and its a good experience.
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By Anonymous October 1 2009

Sorry, my above link has changed. For the photo slideshow, please go to www.dojoklo.com and click on the "Keshwa Chaca" link

By swatbolish November 30 2009

It must be a great experience, i will visit there in one day.

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