The Man Who Rebuilds the Last Inca Rope Bridge episode artwork

EPISODE · May 15, 2025 · 27 MIN

The Man Who Rebuilds the Last Inca Rope Bridge

from The Atlas Obscura Podcast · host SiriusXM Podcasts & Atlas Obscura

At the height of the Incan empire, a series of 200 woven suspension bridges crisscrossed the valleys of the Andes. Today, only one remains. It’s called the Q'eswachaka, and it’s rewoven every year by a continuous line of bridge builders.  Journalist Eliot Stein traveled to Peru to meet the current bridge builder, and to witness this incredible tradition. His book, Custodians of Wonder, chronicles traditions like these across the globe, and the people preserving them.  Plus: Listen to our episode all about the the world’s rarest pasta, or “threads of god.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At the height of the Incan empire, a series of 200 woven suspension bridges crisscrossed the valleys of the Andes. Today, only one remains. It’s called the Q'eswachaka, and it’s rewoven every year by a continuous line of bridge builders.

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The Man Who Rebuilds the Last Inca Rope Bridge

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This episode was published on May 15, 2025.

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At the height of the Incan empire, a series of 200 woven suspension bridges crisscrossed the valleys of the Andes. Today, only one remains. It’s called the Q'eswachaka, and it’s rewoven every year by a continuous line of bridge builders.  Journalist...

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