Planning your condor spotting adventure

A Colca Canyon day trip Arequipa typically begins long before dawn. Most tours leave around 3:00 AM to reach the canyon by sunrise. Condors rely on warm thermals to lift them into the air. This usually happens between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. In 2026, entrance fees remain structured by visitor origin.

• Best overall: Cruz del Condor
• Best for peace: Mirador de Tapay
• Best for families: Chivay Hot Springs
• Best nearby trip: Salinas Lagoon

Pack plenty of layers for your trip to the canyon. The mornings are freezing, but the sun is intense later. Drink coca tea to help with the high altitude. Always bring cash for the entrance tourist ticket (Boleto Turistico). Most viewpoints are easily accessible for all fitness levels.

12 Best viewpoints and stops in Colca Canyon

There are many places to stop along the canyon rim. Each spot offers a unique perspective of the pre-Inca terraces and deep gorges. Here are the top locations to visit for a complete experience.

1. Name: Cruz del Condor
   Type: sight
   Why go: This is the most famous spot to see condors close up.
   Best for: Bird photography.
   Where: Road between Cabanaconde and Chivay.
   Time: 1-2 hours.
   Cost: Included in tourist ticket.
   Getting there: Most tours stop here for an hour.
   Tip: Arrive by 8:15 AM to secure a spot at the wall.
2. Name: Mirador de Tapay
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: It offers a view of the village of Tapay across the depth.
   Best for: Seeing the canyon depth.
   Where: Near Cruz del Condor.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: A short drive or walk from the main condor site.
   Tip: Look for fewer crowds here than at the main cross.
3. Name: Mirador Antahuilque
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: See the hydraulic engineering of the "Hanging Bridges" and terraces.
   Best for: Ancient landscape photos.
   Where: Between Yanque and Maca.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Standard tour stop.
   Tip: Ask your guide to point out the model scale on the stones.
4. Name: Mirador de Choquetico
   Type: sight
   Why go: View pre-Inca tombs carved into the cliff face.
   Best for: History buffs.
   Where: Near Maca village.
   Time: 10 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Roadside stop on tours.
   Tip: Use a zoom lens to see the litho-sculptures clearly.
5. Name: Mirador de los Andes (Patapampa)
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: This is the highest point of the trip at 4,910 meters.
   Best for: Volcano views.
   Where: The mountain pass before Chivay.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Every tour stops here briefly.
   Tip: Walk very slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
6. Name: Chivay Hot Springs (La Calera)
   Type: experience
   Why go: Soak in natural volcanic waters after a long morning of sightseeing.
   Best for: Relaxation.
   Where: 5 minutes from Chivay.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Small additional entrance fee.
   Getting there: Included in most day-trip itineraries.
   Tip: Bring your own towel and swimwear.
7. Name: Yanque Village
   Type: experience
   Why go: See the traditional Wititi dance in the main plaza.
   Best for: Culture.
   Where: Valley floor area.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Free (tips for dancers).
   Getting there: Standard pagi-style stop.
   Tip: The church here is one of the most beautiful in the valley.
8. Name: Maca Village
   Type: sight
   Why go: Taste the Sancayo (cactus fruit) sour and see the white colonial church.
   Best for: Snacks and quick photos.
   Where: Main road.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: Free to enter village.
   Getting there: Regular group tour stop.
   Tip: The eagles held by locals are for photos, but condors are the real stars.
9. Name: Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve
   Type: nature
   Why go: See herds of wild vicuñas and alpacas in their natural habitat.
   Best for: Wildlife fans.
   Where: On the road from Arequipa.
   Time: Drive-through sightings.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: You pass through this on the way to the canyon.
   Tip: Watch for foxes near the roadside shelters.
10. Name: Salinas Lagoon
    Type: day trip
    Why go: A stunning salt flat that mirrors the surrounding volcanoes.
    Best for: Dramatic photography.
    Where: Behind the Misti volcano.
    Time: Full day trip.
    Cost: Moderate tour fee.
    Getting there: Visit via a specific Salinas Lagoon tour Arequipa.
    Tip: Best visited during the rainy season for the mirror effect.
11. Name: Pillones Waterfall
    Type: day trip
    Why go: Thousands of years of erosion have created unique stone formations.
    Best for: Adventure.
    Where: High plateau.
    Time: 6-7 hours.
    Cost: Moderate tour fee.
    Getting there: Book a Pillones Waterfall hike Arequipa separately.
    Tip: Bring a waterproof jacket for the mist near the falls.
12. Name: Coporaque Viewpoint
    Type: viewpoint
    Why go: Offers a rare view of the northern side of the valley.
    Best for: Avoiding other tourists.
    Where: Near the village of Coporaque.
    Time: 30 minutes.
    Cost: Free.
    Getting there: Usually requires a private tour or overnight stay.
    Tip: Visit the local thermal baths here instead of Chivay.

Best Colca Canyon viewpoint for condor sightings

While many spots offer views, Cruz del Condor is the best Colca Canyon viewpoint for condor sightings. The gorge here drops over 1,200 meters to the river below. Condors nest in the rocky walls and emerge as the sun warms the air. You can often see them gliding just a few meters above your head. This experience is truly unique to the Arequipa region.

For the best experience in 2026, you should understand condor biology. They use the canyon as a wind tunnel to save energy while flying. On very windy or very cloudy days, they may stay in their nests longer. Patience is the most important tool for any bird watcher. Carry a camera with a fast shutter speed to catch them in motion.

If you prefer a quieter experience, walk the path toward Cabanaconde. There are several smaller platforms away from the main monument. You will see the same birds but hear fewer camera shutters. Always respect the wildlife and do not feed the birds. For more details on preparation, see our guide on how to book a Colca Canyon tour.