Want to see Andean condors glide over one of Earth’s deepest canyons? This jam-packed day mixes ancient ruins, epic landscapes, and real-life condor sightings—all just a hop from Cusco. No hiking boots required, just a sense of wonder!
The day begins just as the first rays of sunlight peek over the rooftops of Cusco. At 6:30 AM, we pick you up from your hotel, coffee in hand and snacks at the ready. The excitement is palpable as we hit the road, leaving the city behind and heading toward the heart of the Andes. Today is all about ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and the majestic Andean condor. Buckle up—it’s going to be unforgettable.
First Stop: Killarumiyoc – The Moonstone Temple
Our journey begins with a step back in time at Killarumiyoc, a sacred Inca site dedicated to Mama Killa, the moon goddess. As you walk among the ancient stones, you’ll feel the whispers of history. The star of the show? A beautifully carved moonstone, said to have been used by Inca priests to ensure bountiful harvests and harmonious tides. Run your fingers over its smooth surface and imagine the rituals that once took place here. (Pro tip: If you visit during a festival, the moonlight aligns perfectly with the carving—perfect for a magical photo!)
Next Up: Tarawasi Ruins – An Inca Masterpiece
From the moon temple, we travel to the Tarawasi Ruins, a stunning example of Inca engineering. Built by Emperor Pachacutec, this site features a pyramid-like structure made entirely of polished stone, complete with an Usnu altar and perfectly aligned terraces. It’s hard not to marvel at the precision of the stonework—how did they do it without modern tools? Fun fact: Tarawasi was once a rest stop along the Inca road system, a kind of ancient highway pit stop for travelers. Take a moment to soak in the energy of this mystical place.
12:30 PM: Lunch in Limatambo – A Taste of the Andes
By midday, we arrive in the charming village of Limatambo, where a hearty Peruvian lunch awaits. Picture this: steaming bowls of quinoa soup, freshly grilled trout, and perhaps a cheeky Pisco sour (optional, but highly recommended). The flavors are as rich as the culture, and the warm hospitality of the locals will make you feel right at home. This is the perfect recharge before the grand finale.
The Grand Finale: Condor Canyon – Where Giants Soar
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for. We arrive at Chonta, the gateway to Condor Canyon. After a short 20-minute walk to the cliffside lookout, you’ll find yourself perched above one of the deepest canyons on Earth. The view is staggering—the Apurímac River snakes through the canyon floor, 3,000 feet below. And then, it happens.
The condors appear.
These magnificent birds, with wingspans stretching up to 10 feet, ride the thermal winds like seasoned surfers. They swoop and glide, often flying so close you can see the distinctive white feathers on their collars. It’s a spectacle that leaves everyone breathless. Don’t forget your binoculars—this is nature’s greatest show, and you’ve got front-row seats.
5:00 PM: Return to Cusco – A Day to Remember
As the sun begins to dip behind the mountains, we make our way back to Cusco. The van winds through the Andean roads, and you might find yourself dozing off, lulled by the rhythm of the journey. By dusk, you’re back in the city, your camera filled with stunning shots of condors, ruins, and landscapes.
Today wasn’t just a tour—it was an adventure. From ancient temples to soaring condors, you’ve experienced the magic of the Andes in a single day. And as you drift off to sleep tonight, you’ll dream of those giant wings, gliding effortlessly over the canyon, reminding you of the wonders this world holds.
To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:
Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:
This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
“ITAN Adventure” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.
Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.
We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.
We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.
At “ITAN Adventure,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.
To ensure a more personalized experience at “ITAN Adventure,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.
Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.
Hiking with “ITAN Adventure” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.
We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!
Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “ITAN Adventure” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:
“ITAN Adventure” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.
We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.
CHONTA CANYON TOUR RATES
Private Day Excursions from Cusco
All tours are private and priced based on your group size.
⚠️ Important: Confirm availability at least 24 hours prior to your desired tour date. Last-minute requests cannot be guaranteed.
PRIVATE GROUP PRICING
All prices are per group (not per person).
Why Choose Us?
Note: Prices reflect current promotions. Limited slots available—early booking recommended.
