Both condors have a bald head and a short, sharply hooked beak. Both species have a ruff of feathers around the neck, colored black on the California condor and white on the Andean. The California condor has a wing span of 9 ft (2.7 m), while that of the Andean condor is 10 ft (3.1 m). White patches on the underside of the wings. They have black or dark brown plumage with The combined head and body length of the living condors is about 50 in (127 cm), and they weigh 20-25 lb (9-11 kg). This was Teratornis incredibilis, a vulture found in the southwestern United States that had a wingspan of at least 16 ft (4.9 m). In the same family, but extinct for about 10, 000 years was the largest flying bird that ever lived. They are related to the smaller vultures of the Americas, including the king vulture ( Sarcoramphus papa ) and turkey vulture ( Cathartes aura ), which also belong to family Cathartidae. There are only two species, the Andean condor ( Vultur gryphus ) and the critically endangered California condor ( Gymnogyps california-nus ). May through December is the peak dry season for spotting condors in the region.Condors are New World vultures that are among the largest of flying birds. But in Colca Canyon, visitors have the advantage of being able to see the birds at close range as they fly past the cliff-edges. The condor population is dwindling due to loss of habitat in parts of South America. This iconic viewing platform is ideal for both amateur and professional birdwatching, and the best spot in Colca Canyon to regularly observe the legendary Andean condor. The town is also home to a lively market, shops selling high-quality handicrafts, and a short walk from the hot springs of La Calera.įrom Chivay, most tours head west through other small Andean villages and reach the grand finale at Mirador Cruz del Condor (10,000 ft, or 3,050 m).ĭescending to deeper parts of the canyon, around a 1-hour drive from Chivay, you reach the Mirador Cruz del Condor. Chivay is where most tours start in earnest and the main town and the linking point between the two sides of Colca Canyon. Learn more about Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, a family-run project just 40 minutes from Cusco, and ask your Travel Advisor how you can visit during your custom trip to Peru.Ĭolca is fertile and inhabited, with extensive pre-Columbian terraces and unspoiled, traditional Andean villages. Santuario Animal de Ccochahuasi cares for wild animals, including a handful of Andean condor rescues.The on-foot journey to the condor overlook begins in the village of Chonta and takes about two hours to reach. Apurimac Canyon can be visited for condor sightseeing on a one or two day trip from Cusco.A Colca Canyon trek is another memorable way to spot a condor. Continue reading about the iconic condor lookout point called Mirador Cruz del Condor below. Colca Canyon is the most famous place in Peru to observe Andean condors.While bird sightings are never guaranteed, the following destinations are known for hosting Andean condors. They are also found in the lowland deserts, open grasslands, and the coast of Peru. Despite what their name suggests, these majestic birds do not only inhabit high elevations in the Andes Mountains. Andean condors in Peru live in places with windy conditions where they can easily glide on air currents in search of their next meal.
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