Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
CHONTA CONDOR CANYON TOUR FROM CUSCO – FULL-DAY ITINERARY
Your Chonta Condor Canyon Tour begins at approximately 7:00 AM with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, located at around 3,399 m / 11,152 ft above sea level. From Cusco, the journey heads northwest through the Andean countryside toward the Chonta region, combining archaeological sites, rural landscapes, and one of the best-known condor viewing areas near the Apurímac Canyon.
The first stop is near Ancahuasi, where you will visit Killarumiyuq, an archaeological site located at approximately 3,650 m / 11,975 ft. Its name is commonly associated with the “Moonstone,” and the site offers an interesting introduction to the ceremonial and cultural traditions of the Inca period. Your guide will explain the main features of the site and its historical importance before continuing the journey.
From Killarumiyuq, the drive continues for approximately 30 to 40 minutes toward Tarawasi, another important Inca archaeological site located at around 2,675 m / 8,776 ft. Here, you will explore the remains while your guide provides historical context about the site and its role during the Inca era.
After the archaeological visits, the tour continues for approximately 45 minutes toward the rural community of Chonta, where there will be time to enjoy lunch and prepare for the main hiking portion of the day.
After lunch, you will begin the hike toward the Chonta Condor Canyon viewpoint. The walk takes approximately 1.5 hours and follows a high-Andean trail that is mostly gradual, with some gentle downhill sections as you approach the viewpoint.
Along the way, keep an eye on the sky, as there may already be opportunities to observe Andean condors gliding above the surrounding mountains and canyon.
Upon reaching the viewpoint, you will have time to enjoy the impressive scenery of the Apurímac Canyon, the river below, and the surrounding Andean landscape. This is the main location for observing condors in their natural environment, although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
After spending time at the viewpoint, you will hike back along the same route for approximately 1.5 hours to return to Chonta.
From there, you will board the vehicle and begin the return journey to Cusco. Arrival is expected between approximately 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on traffic, road conditions, weather, and the pace of the group.
TOUR SUMMARY – CHONTA CONDOR CANYON TOUR
- Starting point: Cusco
- Pick-up time: Approximately 7:00 AM
- Main route: Cusco → Ancahuasi → Killarumiyuq → Tarawasi → Chonta → Condor Canyon → Cusco
- Main attractions: Killarumiyuq, Tarawasi, Chonta community, Apurímac Canyon
- Main activity: Guided hike to the condor viewpoint
- Hiking time: Approximately 1.5 hours each way
- Wildlife highlight: Opportunity to observe Andean condors
- Meal: Lunch in Chonta
- Return to Cusco: Approximately 7:00–8:00 PM
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Tour duration: Full day
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco
Early morning pick-up from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco is included, making the start of the Chonta Condor Canyon Tour easy and convenient.
Comfortable Tourist Transportation
Round-trip transportation is provided in a comfortable tourist vehicle suitable for the road conditions along the route to Chonta and the Apurímac Canyon.
Professional English-Speaking Guide
An experienced English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the tour, providing information about Killarumiyuq, Tarawasi, Chonta, the Apurímac Canyon, and the Andean condor.
First-Aid Kit
The guide and vehicle are equipped with a basic first-aid kit for initial assistance during the excursion.
Emergency Oxygen
Portable emergency oxygen is available during the tour for initial assistance if required, especially because the route passes through high-altitude areas.
Box Lunch
A prepared box lunch is included during the excursion, allowing travelers to enjoy a practical meal before or during the main hiking portion of the day.
Entrance Fees
The package includes the corresponding entrance fees for the Chonta Condor Canyon viewpoint and the archaeological sites of Killarumiyuq and Tarawasi.
Guided Hike to the Condor Viewpoint
The tour includes the guided hike from Chonta to the main condor observation area, with approximately 1.5 hours of walking each way, depending on the pace of the group.
Return Transportation to Cusco
After completing the hike and condor observation experience, transportation is included for the return journey to Cusco.
Free Luggage Storage
Free luggage storage is available in Cusco for travelers who need to leave larger bags or suitcases safely while participating in the full-day tour.
Not Included
Breakfast
Breakfast is not included in the Chonta Condor Canyon Tour. Since hotel pick-up is scheduled at approximately 7:00 AM, we recommend having breakfast at your hotel before departure or arranging a takeaway breakfast in advance if necessary.
Tips
Tips for the tour guide and driver are not included and are completely optional. If you are satisfied with the service, a gratuity is always appreciated but never required.
What to Pack
What to Pack
WHAT TO PACK – CHONTA CONDOR CANYON TOUR FROM CUSCO
For the Chonta Condor Canyon Tour from Cusco, we recommend packing for a full day of hiking, wildlife observation, sun exposure, and changing Andean weather conditions.
- Binoculars: Highly recommended for getting better views of Andean condors flying over the canyon.
- Water – at least 1.5 liters: Staying hydrated is important, especially during the hike and at altitude. A reusable bottle or hydration pack works well.
- Insect repellent: Recommended for the walking sections toward the canyon, where mosquitoes and other insects may be present.
- Trekking shoes: Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip are essential because the trail can be dusty, uneven, or slippery after rain.
- Sun protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat or cap, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and preferably a long-sleeve shirt.
- Rain jacket or poncho: Weather conditions can change quickly, so waterproof protection is recommended even during the drier months.
- Comfortable hiking pants: Lightweight, breathable trekking pants are ideal for the walk to and from the viewpoint.
- Extra clothing layers: Bring a warm layer and, during the rainy season, consider carrying an extra shirt or change of clothes in case you get wet.
- Personal snacks: Lunch is included, but energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, or trail mix can be useful during the hike.
- Cash in Peruvian soles: Small denominations are useful for snacks, drinks, tips, or personal purchases in local communities where card payments may not be available.
- Personal medication: Bring any medication you normally require during the day.
- Portable charger / power bank: Useful for keeping your phone or camera charged throughout the full-day excursion.
- Camera or smartphone: The route offers excellent opportunities for photographing condors, the Apurímac Canyon, archaeological sites, and Andean landscapes.
- Small daypack: Recommended for carrying water, clothing layers, sunscreen, snacks, and personal items during the hike.
- Travel pillow: Optional, but it can make the longer vehicle journey more comfortable and can remain in the van during the hike.
IMPORTANT PACKING RECOMMENDATION: The Chonta Condor Canyon Tour from Cusco combines vehicle travel with several hours of walking, so pack light and carry only the essentials during the hike. Weather can vary considerably throughout the day, making layers, sun protection, waterproof clothing, good hiking shoes, and sufficient water especially important.
Prices
Pricing
CHONTA CONDOR CANYON TOUR FROM CUSCO – PRICES | 2026–2027 SEASON
We offer competitive rates for the Chonta Condor Canyon Tour from Cusco, designed for travelers who want to combine Andean wildlife, archaeological sites, rural landscapes, and the impressive Apurímac Canyon in one full-day experience. The tour price includes the main services needed for a comfortable and well-organized excursion, such as hotel pick-up, round-trip tourist transportation, professional English-speaking guide, entrance fees to Killarumiyuq, Tarawasi, and the Chonta Condor Canyon viewpoint, box lunch, first-aid kit, emergency oxygen, return transportation to Cusco, and free luggage storage. Travelers who have previously booked with Machu Picchu Team may also qualify for a special returning-customer rate, subject to verification of their previous reservation and availability for the selected date.
STANDARD RATE: $45 USD per person
PROMOTIONAL RATE: $40 USD per person
Group Size
The Chonta Condor Canyon Tour from Cusco operates as a shared group service with travelers booked for the same departure date. Each group is accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide who provides information about Killarumiyuq, Tarawasi, the Chonta community, the Apurímac Canyon, and the Andean condor. Group size may vary depending on reservations for each departure, while maintaining an organized and comfortable experience throughout the tour.
Guaranteed Daily Departures
The Chonta Condor Canyon Tour from Cusco operates on regular departure dates throughout the year, subject to availability, weather, road conditions, local access, and operational circumstances. Travelers may book any available date directly through our website, including short-notice reservations when spaces are available. Machu Picchu Team coordinates the hotel pick-up, transportation, professional guide, entrance fees, box lunch, hiking logistics, and return transfer, providing a simple and well-organized way to experience one of the most impressive wildlife and canyon landscapes near Cusco.
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
HOW TO BOOK – CHONTA CONDOR CANYON TOUR FROM CUSCO
Booking the Chonta Condor Canyon Tour from Cusco is simple. Click the BOOK NOW button, select your preferred travel date, and complete the required passenger information, including your full name, passport or ID number, nationality, date of birth, email, WhatsApp number, hotel details in Cusco, and any important dietary or mobility information. Once your booking and payment are received, our team will confirm availability and send you the final pick-up time and tour details.
TERMS & CONDITIONS – CHONTA CONDOR CANYON TOUR FROM CUSCO
Your reservation is confirmed once the required payment has been received and the tour is available for your selected date. The Chonta Condor Canyon Tour from Cusco is subject to weather, road conditions, local access, and operational circumstances, and reasonable itinerary changes may be made when necessary for safety or logistics. Wildlife sightings, including Andean condors, cannot be guaranteed. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing, and any applicable refund will depend on the cancellation conditions and non-recoverable services already arranged. Travel insurance is not included and is recommended. Any meals, drinks, tips, personal expenses, or services not specifically listed under What’s Included are the responsibility of the traveler.
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