Best Time to See Condors in Colca Canyon

No animal better represents the majestic, wild spirit of the Andes Mountains than the condor. It’s fitting, then, that if you make your way to Peru, it’s worth a visit to see the condors in Colca Canyon.

Colca Canyon is located near Arequipa, one of Peru’s largest cities (and a worthwhile destination in itself). From Arequipa, it’s very easy to make a day trip to the canyon for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the impressive condors glide through their natural habitat.

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Seeing the Condors in Colca Canyon

The first thing you’ll notice about day trips to Colca from Arequipa is that they leave early. Very early — on the order of 3:30 or 4 am. It’s entirely worth the early wake-up time to see a condor in flight. You can get a little more sleep on the three-hour drive to the canyon.

Why do the tours leave so early, you might ask? It has to do with the fog that settles in the Colca Valley every morning. As the sun rises and burns off the early morning fog, the warming air creates a more comfortable climate for the flight of the condor.

In other words, the condors are most active between 8 and 10 am; between those hours, you can see potentially dozens of condors soaring through the mountains. Throw in the three-hour drive and a quick stop for breakfast and an early start is the only way to maximize the experience of seeing the condors in Colca.

Many day trips to Colca take you to a series of attractions in the valley besides the Cruz del Condor (Cross of the Condor), where you’re most likely to see the Peruvian condor. These attractions include scenic overlooks, roadside artisan and food vendors, charming mountain towns with alpaca photo ops, and more.

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About the Peruvian Condor

Condors are extremely unique animals. The species found in the Colca Valley can have a wingspan of up to 3.3 meters (about 10 feet) and weigh up to 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds). Condors live about 60 years on average, but they may live up to 80 years!

It’s also worth noting that the condor is an endangered species in Peru, due to an infrequent reproduction rate and some other factors related to human activity. Given the bird’s central role in Peruvian culture and folklore, the government is taking concrete measures to preserve the species.

While Condors are endemic to the Peruvian Andes and can be spotted in different regions (with a bit of luck of course), the Colca Canyon is by far one of the best overall places to increase your chances of seeing them. Again the morning time between 8-10am is best, and for an even better chance you will want to head between the months of May until September which are within the favorable dry season.

As well as witnessing the Giant Condor around the valleys, it’s also possible to see various other wildlife here such as Vicuñas, Viscachas, the White-tailed Deer as well as the Giant Hummingbird.

How To Visit The Colca Canyon In Peru

All trips to the Colca Canyon begin in Arequipa, which is Peru’s second largest city. There are frequent buses and daily flights here from Lima, although many travelers prefer to stop in other destinations like Huacachina and Nazca along the way (both to see amazing landscapes and ruins, and also as a way of breaking-up the longer travel times).

If you’re thinking about spotting these enchanting Condors while traveling around Peru, but want a more organized and luxurious experience, then we highly recommend our 14 Day Peru Cultural Tour. Here our expert guide will show us the best lookout spots to see the world’s largest birds, and we will also visit other incredible destinations such as the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, the mysterious Nazca Lines as well as the surreal floating Uros Islands.

Colca Canyon Tour 4 Days

If you are interested in getting to know the region of the Colca Canyon and Arequipa better, then you should consider heading on a regional tour.

Here at Fertur Travel we offer a spectacular 4 Day Package to Arequipa and Colca, which includes transfers once you arrive into the city. Not only will you get outstanding views of these emblematic Andean birds, you’ll also get to experience all of the wonders of the Colca region as well as Arequipa – Peru’s famed White City.

The first day of the package is spent in Arequipa, touring the marvelous city and its famous Santa Catalina monastery. The second day sets out for Colca, with a tour of some of the local towns and natural delights (including the Calera Hot Springs).

After staying in Colca for the second night, you will see the flight of the condor on the third day, then enjoy a few more attractions in Colca before returning to Arequipa for a good night’s sleep. You’ll transfer out on the fourth day.

Just reach out to us through Whatsapp or our Contact Us form if you’re interested booking a Colca Canyon journey. We also invite you to review this hotel in Arequipa.

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