Condor Lookout Point Hike in Chonta from Cusco

We leave Cusco by private transport at 8:30am and travel through the highlands of Anta towards the Northwest. After passing the town of Limatambo a steep dirt road will take us over the Puna highlands with stipa grass to the scenic mountain hamlet of Chonta (3,400m / 11,154ft) near the Apurimaq Canyon.

The road journey may take around three hours all together. Once at Chonta we start a one and a half hour trek of moderate difficulty to the lookout point. With a little luck we may spot typical highland birds on the way (sometimes even parrots can be seen), whilst appreciating the pretty flora and the spectacular scenery as we approach the deep canyon. A short hike downhill takes us to the lookout point in time for a delicious picnic box lunch. We shall stay at this marvelous spot for 2-3 hours in order to wait for the condors soaring upwards, being transported by thermal winds. The majestic Andean condor ( vulture gryphus) may reach up to 8,000 m in height and in Andean cosmology he is believed to transport the souls of the departed into the spirit realms. It is on the sheer cliffs further down near the river where the condors nest and roost. To watch this beautiful bird with a wing span of up to 3 m soaring to the backdrop of the breath taking canyon is an experience that may deeply touch you.

In the early afternoon we start our hike back to Chonta and drive back to Cusco arriving there around 6 pm.