CONDOR VIEWPOINT & APURIMAC ENDEMIC BIRDS
Cusco - Chonta - Mollepata
2 Days / 1 Night
Difficulty: Moderate
Private Service
This trip will take you to an extensive area dominated by spectacular landscapes and microclimates that represent their own character and way of life; starting with the highland valley, the high mountain with its unique birds, flora and the impressive Apurimac canyon, dominated by the majestic flight of the condor. All wisely articulated by the hand of the Andean man and his living culture.
This is a new adventure trip for photographers, naturalists and birdwatchers who want a little more of the wild and Andean elfin forest ecosystem.
This place is located near the Salkantay Mountain, on the western slope of the Vilcabamba mountain range.
Highlights:
- Apurimac Canyon
- Condor Sightseeing
- Endemic Birds
- Nature
- Salkantay Glacier
Day 1: Cusco – Chonta Condor View Point – Mollepata Ecolodge
Departure from the hotel at 5:00 am to drive through the highlands to the community of Chonta for 2.5 hours. Once there, we will have a coffee break before starting the hike towards the Apurimac Canyon and view the spectacular scenery, it takes 1hr30 minutes. On the way, we will see some birds of the altiplano. This tour is an unforgettable experience to enjoy the condor’s flight over the Apurimac Canyon. The condors soar taking advantage of the thermal currents of the wind.
This will be the best time to use all your skills to photograph their majesty. After a couple of hours, we return to the community of Chonta for lunch.
- Spot-winged Pigeon
- Band-tailed Pigeon
- Sparkling Violetear
- Black-tailed Trainbearer
- Shining Sunbeam
- Green-and-white Hummingbird
- Andean Condor
- Andean Flicker
- American Kestrel
- Mitred Parakeet
- Variable Hawk
- Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle
- Aplomado Falcon
- White-collared Swift
- Andean Swift
- Peregrine Falcon
- Streak-fronted Thornbird
- Rusty-fronted Canastero
- Red-crested Cotinga
- Cinnamon Flycatcher
- Black Phoebe
- White-winged Black-Tyrant
- Rufous-naped Ground-Tyrant
- White-browed Chat-Tyrant
- Brown-bellied Swallow
- Southern House Wren
- Chiguanco Thrush
- Rufous-collared Sparrow
- Plain-colored Seedeater
After that, we will drive in direction of Mollepata ecolodge, on the way we stop on the road to spot some specific birds, such as White-eared Puffbird and Creamy-breasted Canastero (Pale-tailed). Then we continue until arrive to our accommodations, this is one of the most comfortable and high quality ecolodge around the town of Mollepata. After the accommodation and dinner, we will look for two specific owls that live around the lodge, such as Koepcke’s Screech-Owl (endemic) and Buff-fronted Owl.
Day 2: Mollepata Ecolodge – Soraypampa – Cusco
Wake up early in the morning and walk around the ecolodge to observe some birds that live in the unique semi tropical forest, after a couple of hours birding around, we return to have our breakfast.
After breakfast we continue the trip in direction to Soraypampa elfin forest, from here we will walk up for 2 hours average in order to look for the Vilcabamba Tapaculo and the Apurimac endemic birds. We will have our lunch at a specific point on the route. After lunch, we will drive in direction to Limatambo valley to once again spot the fantastic White-eared Puffbird, to take the best angles and captures. We will then return to Cusco, ending our activities.
On this day we will see the following endemic birds and the most difficult ones to find, such as:
- Koepcke’s Screech-Owl (endemic)
- Vilcabamba Tapaculo (endemic)
- Apurimac Spinetail (endemic)
- White-tufted Sunbeam (endemic)
- Chestnut-breasted Mountain-Finch (endemic)
- Rusty-fronted Canastero (endemic)
- Creamy-crested Spinetail (endemic)
- Apurimac brush Finch (endemic)
- Green and white hummingbird (endemic)
- Buff-fronted Owl
- Purple-backed Thornbill
- Mountain Velvetbreast
- White-bellied Woodstar
- Crimson-mantled Woodpecker and others
Includes:
- Accommodation in Mollepata ecolodge
- Breakfast of the second day
- Picnic lunch on first and second day
- First dinner
- Ozonized water (we will provide it in all the tour, but you must carry your own canteen)
- Entrance tickets
- Professional guide specialized in birds and photography
- Private transportation
- Snacks on the route
- First aid kit
Not included:
- Other requirements not specified
- First breakfast
- Last dinner
- Birdwatching equipment*
- Gratuities recommended for staff
- Services not mentioned
* If you don’t have some of the required equipment, we can rent one.
To enjoy our tour, don’t forget to bring:
- Passport or ISIC card OBLIGATORY
- Binoculars
- Tripod and a spotting scope (if you have one).
- Photograph equipment
- Extra batteries
- Camouflaged clothes
- Sun block SPF 45 – 90
- Small backpack (canteen, snacks, etc.)
- Hat or cap for the sun and sunglasses
- Repellent
- Raincoats or rain ponchos (all year)
- Slippers or tennis shoes
- Extra cash in (soles and dollars, optional).
Frequently Asked Questions
This tour offers a unique combination of birdwatching and nature experiences. You will visit the Chonta Condor Viewpoint in Limatambo to observe the majestic Andean condor in its natural habitat and explore Mollepata in search of endemic bird species from the Apurimac region.
The viewpoint is located near Limatambo, about 3.5 hours from Cusco, in a protected area where Andean condors can be seen soaring above the dramatic Apurimac canyon.
The tour can be done year-round, but the best months for birdwatching and condor activity are April to October, when the weather is drier, and visibility is better.
You can book directly through our website or contact us by email or WhatsApp. We recommend booking in advance, as availability is limited.
Yes! If you want to extend your birdwatching experience or combine it with cultural or trekking tours, let us know. We can customize an itinerary based on your interests.