The spectacular flight of the condor at the Chonta Viewpoint!

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The Andean sky is home to the Andean condor, one of the most impressive birds on the planet and a symbol of the Andean peoples. With its more than three meters of wingspan, it is considered the largest flying bird in the world and, in Peru, it can be seen in its natural habitat soaring through canyons and mountains. One of the most recommended places to have this experience is the Mirador de Chonta, located in the Cusco region.

Unlike other very crowded tourist viewpoints, Chonta offers a quieter environment, allowing you to appreciate the flight of the condor in a silent and natural setting. From this viewpoint, visitors enjoy not only the majestic glide of the bird, but also impressive Andean landscapes, deep canyons, and an atmosphere with a vast nature.

Where is the Chonta Viewpoint?

The Mirador de Chonta is located about 98 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco, within the district of Limatambo, in the province of Anta. It rises to more than 3,400 meters above sea level, offering privileged views of the Apurímac River canyon, considered one of the deepest.

Meaning of the condor for the Incas

For the Incas, the condor or Apu Kuntur was considered a "Messenger of the Gods", able to fly to the highest level of the spiritual world, the Hanan Pacha (sky), carrying the prayers and requests of men to the divinities. Its presence represented the sacred bond between the Hanan Pacha (sky) and the Kay Pacha (earth), acting as a bridge between the human world and the divine world.

The condor symbolized strength, intelligence, and spiritual power, being venerated in all the Andean regions. In addition, its majestic flight was interpreted as a sign of omens and messages for the community.

What other tourist attractions will you find near the Mirador de Chonta?

If you plan to travel to the Mirador de Chonta, you can take the opportunity to visit other interesting places. Here are some ideas for you!

Fruitful farms of Limatambo
During the Inca period, Limatambo was an important agricultural area. Here, both sugar cane and its derivatives were grown, as well as a large quantity of vegetables. Currently, Limatambo stands out for its fruitful farms, where you can take tours and try exotic typical Peruvian fruits such as lucuma, custard apple or avocado.
Tarawasi Archaeological Complex
In Limatambo, you can also visit Tarawasi, an archaeological complex that was used as a ceremonial center and rest area during Inca times. Here you can find huge stone buildings and the typical agricultural terraces with their fountains and irrigation canals. A great place to admire the quality of the architecture and hydraulic engineering of the Incas!
Killarumiyoc Temple
The Incas not only had great devotion to Inti (sun god), but also paid a very special cult to Mama Killa (the moon), whom they considered Inti's wife and the representation of the feminine side of the firmament. Thus, this civilization built various places in honor of the moon, among which is the Temple of Killrumiyoc, in the Ancahuasi district. Considering the moon as responsible for crops and everything that comes out of the earth, Killarumiyoc was also a large Inca agricultural complex.

Here you will find terraces, water channels, platforms, cultivation areas, an ushnu or pyramid, and even a cave with petroglyphs. But the most striking element of Killarumilloc is a large rock located in the center in which the Incas carved a half moon that served as a throne for the Inca. This archaeological complex is simply exciting!

How to get to the Chonta Viewpoint?

The most direct way to get to the Chonta Viewpoint is to take the Cusco - Abancay highway and continue until kilometer 80, where the district of Limatambo is located. Then, you have to take the detour to the community of Chonta along a carriage trail of approximately 18 kilometers to the viewpoint ticket office. The entrance fee is 10 soles. Finally, you have to undertake a walk of around 3.5 kilometers.

There are two ways to get there, one of them is hiring the tour with a travel agency and the other is doing the tour on your own.

On their own:
The most direct way to get there is to take the Cusco - Abancay road to kilometer 80 (Limatambo District), then take the detour to Chonta along an 18 km trail to the viewpoint ticket office and finally continue with a 3.5 km walk which is approximately 01 hour.
Hire the services of an agency:
This is one of the safest ways, because the tour operator will manage everything related to the tour, from transportation, food and will have a professional guide, without a doubt the most recommended.

Recommendations to visit the Mirador de Chonta and its surroundings

Have you already dared to know another of the incredible corners that the mountains of Cusco hide? Do not miss these tips!
It is recommended to visit the viewpoint between 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., because there is a greater chance of spotting condors.
Wear dark-colored clothing to avoid attracting the attention of the condors.
In the rainy season (from December to April) it is more difficult to find condors in full flight.
It is advisable to bring light clothing, suitable shoes for walks, sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, water and light food to cope with the walk, binoculars to appreciate the flight of the condor.
If you want to visit both the Chonta Viewpoint and the tourist attractions around it, book a tour with an agency. You will save time and learn more about the history of this place!
The Chonta Viewpoint is part, together with the Cusco destinations Tres Cañones de Suykutambo, Palccoyo (Rainbow Mountain), and the Inca Q'eswachaka bridge, of the #CuscoLovers campaign.

Other experiences near Cusco

Beyond the majesty of Machu Picchu, the surroundings of Cusco offer a variety of experiences that allow you to get to know the culture, history, and landscapes of Andean Peru up close. From traditional towns to little-explored natural wonders, there is a lot to discover just a few kilometers from the imperial city. If you are looking for new adventures outside the usual, here we present the places you can't miss: