Peru
Chonta Andean Condor Tour
Chonta Andean Condor Tour
Duration
Day tour · 13 hours · Start time 05:00
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Private · Group
Level
Moderate
Overview
Witness the iconic Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) in flight over the dramatic Apurímac Canyon. This full-day, expert-led birding tour combines world-class wildlife observation, high-Andean biodiversity and stunning mountain landscapes. From the mountain community of Chonta (3,350 m) you hike about 1.5 hours to the viewpoint, where condors rise from their cliffside roosts on the morning thermals. In the afternoon we search the Mollepata and Soraypampa area for rare species such as the Apurímac Spinetail, Red-crested Cotinga and Rusty-fronted Canastero. Private transport, birding guide, spotting scope, all entrance fees, box lunch, emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit are included.
Tour Code
Tour Language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Itinerary
Itinerary
Cusco – Chonta – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Cusco
approx. 3 h hiking (1.5 h each way) · birding · max. 3,350 m
At 5:00 am your birding guide and private driver pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We travel northwest toward the Chonta Conservation Area, stopping at good birding spots along the way to look for high-altitude species and photograph the Apurímac River valley. From the mountain community of Chonta (3,350 m / 11,000 ft) we hike about 1.5 hours along a scenic trail to the viewpoint, watching for Andean flora and songbirds on the way. Above the deep Apurímac Gorge we watch Andean Condors catch the thermals as they rise from their cliffside roosts. At midday we enjoy a fresh box lunch with panoramic views over the canyon and river. In the afternoon we head toward Mollepata and the plains of Soraypampa. With spotting scopes and recordings, your guide searches for regional endemics such as the Apurímac Spinetail, Apurímac Brush-Finch, Creamy-crested Spinetail and Rusty-fronted Canastero, along with Red-crested Cotinga, Golden-billed Saltator, Tyrian Metaltail and raptors like the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and Variable Hawk. We then drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.
Cusco – Chonta – Mollepata – Soraypampa – Cusco
Itinerary
approx. 3 h hiking (1.5 h each way) · birding · max. 3,350 m
At 5:00 am your birding guide and private driver pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. We travel northwest toward the Chonta Conservation Area, stopping at good birding spots along the way to look for high-altitude species and photograph the Apurímac River valley. From the mountain community of Chonta (3,350 m / 11,000 ft) we hike about 1.5 hours along a scenic trail to the viewpoint, watching for Andean flora and songbirds on the way. Above the deep Apurímac Gorge we watch Andean Condors catch the thermals as they rise from their cliffside roosts. At midday we enjoy a fresh box lunch with panoramic views over the canyon and river. In the afternoon we head toward Mollepata and the plains of Soraypampa. With spotting scopes and recordings, your guide searches for regional endemics such as the Apurímac Spinetail, Apurímac Brush-Finch, Creamy-crested Spinetail and Rusty-fronted Canastero, along with Red-crested Cotinga, Golden-billed Saltator, Tyrian Metaltail and raptors like the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and Variable Hawk. We then drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.
Price from
US$200.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Trip Briefing: At your hotel in Cusco before your tour date.
Private Transportation: Dedicated vehicle and driver, round trip from Cusco.
Birding Guide: Specialized bilingual birding guide (Spanish and English) with deep regional knowledge.
Field Equipment: Professional spotting scopes, field identification guides and audio call devices.
Meals & Refreshments: Fresh box lunch, snacks and bottled mineral water.
Entrance Fees: Full coverage for access to the Chonta Viewpoint and local conservation areas.
Safety Equipment: First-aid kit and emergency medical oxygen.
What's not included
Binoculars: Available to rent directly through Incatrekkers on request.
Gratuities & Personal Expenses: Tips for your guide and driver as well as personal expenses.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for all outdoor activities in Peru.
Character of the trip
Condition
Moderate
Altitude
Gentle (up to 3,350 m)
Culture / nature
Pure nature
Fitness – moderate: About 1.5 hours of hiking each way on a gently undulating trail to the viewpoint. Basic fitness is required.
Altitude – moderate: Chonta village lies at 3,350 m (11,000 ft). Please acclimatize in Cusco for a few days beforehand.
Culture & nature – pure nature: Andean Condors over the Apurímac Canyon and endemic birds around Mollepata and Soraypampa.
Long day: Pick-up at 5:00 am and return to Cusco in the early evening, around 6:00 pm.
Dates and Prices
Individual Dates
Groups of 5 or more: contact us for special rates and tailor-made options.
Travel Information
Good to know
Best time for condors: Condors are most active when thermals rise from the canyon, typically between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Our itinerary puts you at the viewpoint during peak flight hours.
Wildlife: Condors are wild animals – sightings are very likely but not guaranteed.
Hike & altitude: About 1.5 hours each way on a gently undulating trail. It is not overly steep, but at 3,350 m (11,000 ft) basic fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco are required.
Group size: Private from one guest. Groups of six or more are accompanied by a co-guide.
What to bring
Binoculars: Highly recommended for birding – high-quality binoculars can be reserved from Incatrekkers when booking.
Daypack: A small, comfortable backpack for the day.
Original passport: Required at entrance checks.
Footwear: Sturdy shoes or hiking boots with ankle support.
Clothing: Rain jacket and warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) – mornings in the Andes are cold.
Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat.
Extras: Camera with telephoto lens and spare batteries, personal medication and some Peruvian soles.