Chonta Canyon Day Tour (Daily Departures)

Daily Departures: From 8:30 a.m.
Duration: One day
Return to Cusco: 7:30 p.m. to 8:00p.m approximately
Maximum Altitude: 3,400m/11,220ft
Walking distance: 3 km
Round trip walking hours: 2 hours

NOTE: You will need to be patient in order to see the condors. They usually fly over the canyon between 3:00 and 4:30 pm.

Highlights

Visiting the little known Inca site: Quillarumiyoc “Moon Temple” and Tarawasi
Activity of Condor Sighting
Hike to the lookout of Hauacco in Chonta
Amazing views of Chonta Canyon
Spectacular view of Salkantay and Humantay

Cusco – Quillarumiyoc – Tarawasi – Chonta Canyon – Cusco
We will pick you up from your hotel around 8:30.a.m and then drive in direction of Limatambo. On the way to Limatambo, we will visit two beautiful, interesting and little-known archaeological sites: Quillarumiyoc and Tarawasi.

We will then have lunch in Limatambo, before driving for fifty more minutes to the starting point of our hike. The adventure will begin with a panoramic view of the community of Chonta, located at 3,400 meters above sea level, and the glaciers of Salkantay and Humantay. After walking approximately one hour by a beautiful path, we will finally reach the viewpoint of Huaco, which is located in the canyon of the Apurimac River, at 3,350 meters above sea level.

From the viewpoint, we will have a spectacular view of the Apurimac Canyon as we patiently wait to see the flight of the condors between 3:00 and 4:00 pm. We will have to be patient to see the impressive Andean Condor in its natural habitat. The Condor is the largest bird of prey in the world, considered a sacred bird by the Incas. With some luck, we will also be able to observe other birds like Eagles, Hawks and White-tailed Deer. We will then walk for about one hour to make our way back to the community of Chonta. We will then walk with the sunset until we reach the village. After visiting and enjoying this beautiful excursion, we will start our drive back to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 8:00 p.m.

US$50 per person 

This tour is only offered in private tour, with a minimum of 4 people.

Although, if you are 2 people, we can depart for $100 USD per person

What is included:

• Pick up from your accommodation
• Fluent English speaking tour guide
• Round trip transportation
• Stops at the Inca sites (Killarumiyoc and Tarawasi)
• Entrance fees to the Inca sites and Condor sighting Cusco tour
• Lunch with vegetarian option
• Oxygen tank
• First aid kit

Not Included:

• Meals not described on the itinerary and snacks
• Entrance fees to see the cannoy ( 30 soles por persona)
• Tips for the guide and driver
• Walking poles

What you need to bring:

• A day-pack
• Water bottle (2 liters per person)
• Hat or cap
• Sunscreen
• Hiking shoes
• Long pants
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Warm fleece to return
• Extra money
• Accurate dark color clothing (bright colors scare the condors)
• A good camera with extra batteries
• Binoculars (optional)
• Mosquito repellent
• Toilet paper

Where is Chonta Canyon Located?

It is located 2.5 hours from Cusco by car and then, we must walk for one and a half hours to reach the viewpoint.

At what time can we see the condors?

The condors can usually be seen between 3:00 and 4:30 pm. You will need to be patient in order to see them.

When does the tour start and finish?

We will start at 8:30 a.m. and finish at 8:00 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes, you will receive a lunch box.

Is there a toilet on the bus?

No, however we can stop for toilet breaks.

What is the maximum altitude?

The maximum altitude we will reach is  3,400m/11,220ft

What will I do if I suffer from altitude sickness?

We will treat you accordingly. We carry oxygen cylinders and altitude tablets.