Travel Points: Cusco → Limatambo → Chonta → Condor Viewpoint
Start: Cusco City | End: Cusco City | Min Group: 1 People | Max Group: 12 People | Difficulty: Moderate
This experience is designed for all those seeking unique adventures in less-visited places. The Chonta Condor Viewpoint is one of them, where you will have the opportunity to observe Andean condors in their natural state soaring above the impressive Apurimac Canyon. The adventure begins with a hotel pickup, followed by breakfast in Limatambo before a 2-hour hike from the Chonta community to the viewpoint at 3,400m.
The Chonta Condor Viewpoint Full Day tour takes you on an unforgettable journey from Cusco through the scenic route to Limatambo and into the remote Chonta community, where a 2-hour hike leads you to one of Peru's most spectacular natural condor observatories overlooking the Apurimac Canyon.
The Condor Viewpoint reaches 3,400m (11,155 ft). We strongly recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco before this hike to acclimatize. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and try coca tea to help adjust.
This hike is moderate. The trail is approximately a 2-hour walk from the Chonta community to the viewpoint. Good general fitness is recommended. The path goes through natural landscapes along the right bank of the Apurimac River with valleys and sacred mountains.
Weather at 3,400m can be variable. Expect temperatures from 5°C to 20°C, with possible afternoon rain and strong sun. Best season is April-October (dry season). Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket.
Breakfast is included at Limatambo on the way to Chonta. A box lunch (cold lunch) is also included for the viewpoint. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol the night before. Bring extra water and snacks if needed.
Pickup is at 8:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco. We recommend being ready in the lobby 10 minutes early. The drive to Limatambo takes about 1.5 hours where we stop for breakfast before continuing to the Chonta community.
We recommend having travel insurance for your trip. The schedules mentioned are approximate. To help preserve the environment, please bring reusable water bottles instead of plastic. Bring comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera.
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This experience is designed for all those seeking unique adventures in less-visited places. The Chonta Condor Viewpoint is one of them, where you will have the opportunity to observe Andean condors in their natural state soaring above the impressive Apurimac Canyon. The adventure begins with a hotel pickup, followed by breakfast in Limatambo before a 2-hour hike from the Chonta community to the viewpoint at 3,400m.
"Andean condors usually soar over the Apurimac canyon between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM using thermal drafts. We bring binoculars or telephoto camera lenses for epic shots."
Your Chonta Condor Viewpoint adventure, hour by hour
The Chonta Condor Viewpoint Full Day tour takes you on an unforgettable journey from Cusco through the scenic route to Limatambo and into the remote Chonta community, where a 2-hour hike leads you to one of Peru's most spectacular natural condor observatories overlooking the Apurimac Canyon.
Your adventure begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We head west through the scenic Anta plains towards Limatambo, enjoying views of the Andean landscape and Sacred Valley panoramas along the way.
We stop in the charming town of Limatambo for a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventure. This warm valley town sits at a comfortable altitude, perfect for acclimatization before the hike ahead.
We arrive at the Chonta community and begin our 2-hour hike towards the Condor Viewpoint. Along the trail, you will appreciate stunning natural attractions including valleys, sacred mountains, and landscapes located on the right bank of the Apurimac River.
Arrive at the Huaco Viewpoint where you can observe the majestic flight of Andean condors in their natural state! The visitor can also enjoy the impressive natural landscape of the Apurimac River valley, considered one of the most voluminous rivers in South America. From the viewpoint, other birds can be spotted including eagles, falcons, as well as deer, Andean foxes, and vizcachas. Enjoy your box lunch while taking in the spectacular scenery.
We descend back along the trail to our vehicle. The return hike offers different perspectives of the canyon and surrounding mountains. Take your final photos of this incredible landscape before departing.
We arrive back in Cusco city and transfer you directly to your hotel. End of services. You will return with unforgettable memories of condors soaring over the Apurimac Canyon!
The hike is classified as moderate. The Condor Viewpoint reaches 3,400m (11,155 ft). The trail is approximately 4km round trip with moderate elevation gain. If you've acclimatized properly in Cusco for 2 days, most people with reasonable fitness can complete it comfortably.
Yes, absolutely! The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere with a wingspan of up to 3.3 meters. At the Chonta viewpoint, you can observe them in their natural habitat soaring above the Apurimac Canyon. The best viewing times are in the morning and late afternoon when thermal currents help them fly. You may also spot eagles, falcons, deer, Andean foxes, and vizcachas!
The Apurimac Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, through which flows the Apurimac River, considered one of the most voluminous rivers in South America. From the Condor Viewpoint at Chonta, you get a spectacular panoramic view of this natural wonder. The canyon creates the perfect thermal conditions for condors to soar effortlessly.
Yes! Horses are available for rent at Chonta for approximately $20-30 one way or $40-50 round trip. You can ride about 80-90% of the way the final steep section must be done on foot. This is a great option if you're struggling with altitude or fitness.
The dry season (April-October) offers the best conditions for the hike with clearer skies and less chance of rain. During the wet season (November-March), trails can be muddy and afternoon rain is common. However, condors can be seen year-round as they use thermal currents above the Apurimac Canyon. The morning hours typically provide the best condor viewing regardless of season.
Pickup is at 8:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco. We recommend being ready in the lobby 10 minutes early. The drive to Limatambo takes about 1.5 hours where we stop for breakfast before continuing to the Chonta community. The schedules mentioned are approximate and may vary slightly depending on conditions.
Our guides carry emergency oxygen and first aid kits. At 3,400m, symptoms like shortness of breath, headache, or nausea are common. The best prevention is acclimatizing in Cusco for 2-3 days, staying hydrated, and going slowly. Coca tea and candy help. If symptoms are severe, you can descend or rent a horse your safety is our priority.
Yes! Breakfast at Limatambo and a box lunch (cold lunch) at the viewpoint are included. Vegetarian options are available upon request - please let us know when booking. We recommend bringing extra water and energy snacks for the hike itself.
This tour is suitable for all ages as the altitude (3,400m) is similar to Cusco itself and the hike is moderate. However, children should be in good health and have already adjusted to Cusco's altitude for at least 2 days. The 2-hour hike may be tiring for very young children. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation.
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