Peruvian canyon known for opportunities to spot condors
Peruvian tour company Machu Travel Peru is inviting people to visit part of Peru where El Condor Pasa overhead regularly during the early hours of the day.
The company’s Hedder Quispe Puente de la Vega says his homeland’s dramatic Colca Canyon – which has a depth of over 4,000 metres – is considered a prime viewing spot for seeing condors, which are often considered iconic of the country.
“The chances are very good at [the canyon’s] Cruz del Cóndor, particularly in the morning, when the birds use the rising air currents to soar through the canyon,” Puente de la Vega says of the birds famed for their huge wingspan, but notes that they don’t guarantee a wildlife sighting. “The Andean condor is one of the most emblematic animals of the Andes and has a strong cultural connection with Peru. Seeing one soaring over the Colca Canyon is a particularly memorable way to experience that connection between Peru’s wildlife and Andean heritage.”
Puente de la Vega considers Colca Canyon one of the best and most accessible places in Peru to see Andean condors in the wild.
“The combination of the canyon’s geography and the birds soaring close to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint makes it a very special experience,” he says. “We usually recommend staying at least one night in the Colca Valley, as it allows travellers to experience the area at a more relaxed pace. There is a good choice of accommodation, from comfortable local hotels to more upscale properties.”
Machu Travel Peru clients on a shorter trip to Peru usually overnight in the city of Arequipa, using it as a base for their Colca Canyon visits, although Puente de la Vega prefers travellers to stay in the valley, as “there is much more to experience than can be seen on a day trip. We usually recommend staying at least one night in the Colca Valley, as it allows travellers to experience the area at a more relaxed pace. There is a good choice of accommodation, from comfortable local hotels to more upscale properties.”Puente de la Vega acknowledges that the Colca Canyon doesn’t share the same name recognition internationally as Cusco and Machu Picchu but says that is part of its allure.
“It is an incredibly dramatic landscape, but I think its relative lack of international fame is actually part of its appeal,” Puente de la Vegas continues. “Travellers can experience spectacular scenery, ancient terraces and traditional Andean communities without the crowds associated with Peru’s better-known destinations.”
Meanwhile, Machu Travel Peru reports that Machu Picchu is now at the peak of its busiest season ever, with increasing visitor numbers, higher ticket prices and permits for the Inca Trail – which ends at Machu Picchu – selling out faster than ever.
Puente de la Vega suggests that travel agents double-check passenger information before booking Machu Picchu train tickets. “A mistake we see all the time among our clients is entering a name or passport number that doesn’t exactly match the travel document they’ll use during their trip. Train operators and Machu Picchu ticket authorities verify this information, and even a small error or typo can be enough to prevent entry or boarding. Most of the time, travellers end up paying administrative fees or, in some cases, having to buy entirely new tickets at the last minute. This expense is not only totally avoidable, but it can also easily disrupt your entire day’s itinerary.”
Puente de la Vegas also says those bound for Andean Peru should make sure their travel insurance covers high-altitude destinations, adding “A lot of travellers assume that all travel insurance policies cover high-altitude destinations, but that’s not always the case. We’ve helped travellers who experienced altitude sickness in Cusco, only to later discover that their insurance policy excluded treatment above a certain elevation. This left them responsible for unexpected medical costs, which can make a huge dent in their trip’s budget. Before travelling, double-check that your insurance covers destinations above 3,400 metres.”
As well, those wanting to hike the storied Inca Trail should do so well in advance, the tour company adds.
“The Inca Trail, a historic 26-mile trekking route in Peru, is famous for winding through the Andes and passing ancient ruins, and it has a limited number of permits available each day,” Puente de la Vega continues. “These sell out several months in advance, especially during the peak travel season. Every year, we end up helping travellers who have waited too long and now have to pay significantly more or change their travel plans altogether.
“Booking several months in advance is one of the quickest and easiest ways to avoid unnecessary costs and keep your itinerary intact.”
More information on Machu Travel Peru can be found at www.machutravelperu.com.
