Bridge to The Incas

• Prize
  Silver in Events/Other
• Photographer
  Michael Bednar
• Agency / Studio
  Michael Bednar Photography
• Photo Date
  2023 and 2024

In the 16th century, as the Spanish Conquistadors advanced through the Andes Mountains, the Incas retreated to the rugged canyons to make their last stand. In a final effort to halt the Spanish advance, the Incas burned the rope bridges that spanned the Apurimac River. Every year since then the rope bridge of Q’eswachaka has been rebuilt. Community members harvest Qoya grass and fashion rope from it by hand. All the rope is gathered and braided into large cable ropes to build the bridge. This tradition helps maintain the knowledge for future generations and keeps their culture strong.