DESCRIPTION
CUSCO CANYON CONDOR
In the tour Cusco canyon of the condor, we will visit different sites. X TRAVEL PERU invites you to continue knowing more attractions in Cusco.
CHONTA CANYON
The Chonta Canyon is located in the Community of Chonta, Limatambo district, Anta province, and Cusco department. The Chonta Canyon is the natural sanctuary of the Andean condor which is considered as the Sacred Bird of the Incas. Therefore, it offers visitors the majestic flight of the Andean condor in its natural habitat where they sleep and nest. In addition, the Chonta Canyon is a place that enjoys a variety of flora and fauna.
KILLARUMIYOC ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Killarumiyoq means “Stone of the Moon“. It was a ceremonial center dedicated to the divinity of femininity, the Moon, which according to Inca tradition is the one that gives fertility to the earth. In addition, they built lunar calendars, temples dedicated to this deity and one of them is located in this place.
This archaeological site also includes cultivation areas arranged through a system of terraces.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX OF TARAWASI
It is located in the district of Limatambo, in the province of Anta. The name Tarawasi comes from two Quechua words, “Tara,” it refers to a bush and “wasi” to home.
Tarawasi has the purpose of a Ceremonial Center which is located at the beginning of Chinchaysuyo. We can also see that its Main Temple is located on a Ushnu, it is a kind of pyramidal ceremonial altar. It is also said that this site would have been built in order to be a rest area on the route to Chinchaysuyo.
OVERVIEW
CUSCO – QUILLARUMIYOC – TARAWASI – CHONTA – CONDOR CANYON – CHONTA – CUSCO
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7 am to begin an incredible adventure. So we head by private vehicle for the district of Limatambo (2,554 m/8,379 ft) while observing the surrounding natural and cultural beauty. First off, the Temple of the Moon and Fertility – Quillarumiyuc (3,650 m/11,975 ft). The temple was dedicated to the Moon and it prides on the splendid waterfall. Secondly, we receive a guided tour of Tarawasi, a complex constructed by Inca Pachacutec, which stone walls have a polygonal shape proving the high level of Incan architecture.
After the guided visits of both remains, we keep riding towards Limatambo passing over the Huayronca´s bridge and then continuing on an unpaved road. We make some stops during the ride in order to take some pictures of the snowy Mt Salkantay and the Limatambo Valley. At 12 pm (approx.), we get to the Chonta village, where we have lunch, during which we can appreciate marvelous views of the snowy peaks of Humantay and Salkantay.
After lunch, we begin our 45-minute trek to the Viewpoint of the Condor Canyon (3,400 m/11,155 ft). There, we wait until we see some condors. These sacred birds of the Incas appear usually after a while. So, we surely have a chance to watch them in a full flight and in their natural habitat. They are used to fly very close to the viewpoint, which gives us opportunities to take many pictures of these impressive Andean birds.
After this awesome experience, we trek back Chonta where we get on our vehicle to return to Cusco. We arrive there at around 8 pm. At the end of the Peru – Canyon of Condor 1 Day trip, we bring you back to your hotel.
ALTITUDE
Maximum altitude: 3,650 metres /11,975 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,554 metres/8,379 feet
Duration of the trek: 1,5 hour
Trekking distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Weather: Warm to temperate
ITINERARY
CUSCO CANYON OF CONDOR 1 DAY
CUSCO – QUILLARUMIYOC – TARAWASI – CHONTA – CONDOR CANYON – CHONTA – CUSCO
- 7 am – pick-up by your Tour Guide from your hotel.
- Transport from Cusco to the small village of Chonta (4 hours, including visits of two Inca remains).
- Guided visit to the archaeological remains of Quillarumiyoq, which means the Temple of the Moon and Fertility.
- Guided tour of the archaeological remains of Tarawasi (or, Tambo del Inca).
- Continuation to the village of Chonta (3,400 m/11,155 ft).
- 12 pm – lunch at the village.
- 45-minute (approx.) hike to “Mirador del Condor” – the Viewpoint of the Condor Canyon (3,400 m/ 11,155 ft).
- Condor flight observation for 2 hours.
- Return walk to Chonta.
- Ride back to Cusco.
- 8 pm – arrival at Cusco.
- Transfer to your hotel.
- End of service of the Peru – Canyon of Condor 1 Day.
INCLUDED
INCLUDED IN THE CUSCO CANYON OF CONDOR
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transport during all the Peru – Canyon of Condor 1 Day trip.
- A professional English-speaking Tour Guide with binoculars and telescope.
- Guide Assistant (for groups of over 10 participants).
- Professional Cook experienced in preparing healthy food.
- Meals: 1x buffet lunch along with hot beverages – a vegetarian option available upon request.
- Ticket to the Condor Canyon.
- Entrance fee to the archaeological sites Quillarumiyoq and Tarawasi.
- Walking sticks.
- First aid kit and a bottle of oxygen.
- Two-way radio.
NOT INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED IN THE CUSCO CANYON CONDOR
- Breakfast and dinner.
- Beverages (apart of lunch).
- Tips to local staff.
- Pocket money in Soles.
- Accommodation in Cusco.
- Any flight.
- Travel insurance.
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU?
- Necessary stuff for a 1-day trek (We recommend a backpack of up to 5 kg of your belongings.);
- Personal identification document (a copy of ID/Passport);
- Personal medicines (if applicable);
- Small backpack;
- Light clothes such as shorts and a T-shirt;
- Warm cloths such as a jacket, a sweater, long trousers;
- Rainy coat or poncho (especially, from November to April);
- Trekking shoes;
- Camera;
- Extra batteries and/or power bank (there is no electricity on the trek);
- A peak/hat;
- Sun glasses;
- Sun protection cream;
- Insect repellent
- Chinstrap
- fFce shield
- Personal alcohol
- Pocket money in Soles (in any case of emergency or to buy some souvenirs).
PRICE
The price depends on the number of participants, travel dates, and other preferences. Please inquire about a personalized price.