Condors in the Apurimac Canyon near Cusco

An amazing adventure for bird watchers and nature lovers! Soak in unforgettable sceneries, enjoy a fabulous hike to the condor viewpoint from the mountain hamlet of Chonta in order to observe the majestic Andean condor soaring in over the Apurimac canyon near Cusco. Spend the night at a cozy Lodge in Limatambo. Visit some off the beaten track Inca sites on the way back to Cusco the next day. 2 days/1 night, private service.

Day 1
We collect you from your hotel in Cusco and travel through the highlands of Anta towards the Northwest. After passing the pass of Huillque we descend into the beautiful Limatambo valley. On a clear day, we may enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Salkantay, the second highest Apu of the region (6,272 m). After passing Limatambo town we take a well-preserved dirt road up to the picturesque highland hamlet of Chonta. Here we take our home-cooked picnic lunch before starting our two-hour trek (moderate difficulty). We may spot typical highland birds on the way including some raptors and appreciate the pretty flora and the dramatic scenery as we approach the canyon. A short hike downhill will take us to the Mirador where we will refresh ourselves with a cup of hot tea.  It is worth showing some patience and to wait at this marvelous spot for 2-3 hours in order to observe the condors soaring upwards, being transported by thermal winds. A truly spectacular birding experience and a highlight for every nature enthusiast! in the early afternoon we start our hike back to Chonta from where our vehicle will take us down to our Lodge near Limatambo. The accommodation is in comfortable bungalows built in the Andean style with views of the gardens and Mount Humantay. After a hearty dinner, you may enjoy a soul-warming log fire in the lounge of the cozy Lodge. Picnic lunch & D

Day 2
Enjoy the first part of the morning walking the fairy trails of the Lodge, watch the hummingbirds frequenting the bird feeders or book an optional Yoga class or meditation. After a generous breakfast, we get ready for our return drive to Cusco. On the way, we will visit the archaeological Inka complex of Tarawasi and the mysterious ceremonial site of Killarumiyoq where we will have our picnic lunch, before continuing our journey to Cusco where we shall arrive in the afternoon. B & Picnic lunch

Included:

• Private transport from/to Cusco
• Bilingual licensed guide
• Entrance fee to the community of Chonta and the condor viewpoint
• Picnic lunches with home cooked food
• Accommodation in spacious bungalows and full board at a Lodge near Limatambo
• Entries to Tarawasi and Killarumiyoq
• Donation of US $ 5 per person for the school in Chonta

Not included:

• cold and alcoholic drinks at the Lodge
• Yoga and meditation
• tips and gratuities

Prices per person in USD:

1 person USD 990.-

2 people USD 550.-

3 people USD 445.-

4 people USD 375.-

5 people USD 360,.