Located along an original Inca Trail, 15 minutes from the main Urban and Agricultural Sectors of Machu Picchu, the Inca Bridge is an original wooden drawbridge that was be raised or lowed to control access to the citadel.
The bridge itself is a simple wooden platform that is supported at each end by two high stone walls. The crudely constructed walls back up against the sheer cliff face of the western side of Machu Picchu Mountain, with the other side of the wall (and bridge) un-protected by the shear drop of approximately 300 meters (984 feet) to the bottom of the valley.
The Inca Draw Bridge formed a protective entrance to Machu Picchu from the incoming Inca Trail that originates at Vilcabamba / Choquequirao.
Compared to other impressive attractions at Machu Picchu, the Inca Draw Bridge can be somewhat underwhelming. However, the view of the rugged Andean mountains to the rear of Machu Picchu and the photographic opportunities of Machu Picchu itself make visiting the Inca Draw Bridge well worth the effort.
It is worth noting that visitors to the Inca Draw Bridge can only admire the bridge from a nearby view point, and not actually walk on or cross the bridge itself.
For more information on hiking to the Inca Draw Bridge click here.
Inca Draw Bridge
