What is the Andean Condor?

The majestic Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is a South American bird. Forms part of the vulture family and is the only member of the genus Vultur. Found in the whole Andes mountain range and sometimes you find them at the banks of Pacific coasts in western South America. The Andean condor is the largest flying bird in the world with its 3.3m (11 ft.) wingspan. Exceeded only by the wingspans of four seabirds and water birds in the world.

The male Condors have a white collar of feathers surrounding the base of the neck. A large white patches on the back of the wings. The females does not have crest and are mainly grey color. Both of them have the head and featherless, they are monogamous which means they form couples forever. The male is larger than the female Condors.

Characteristics

The Andean condor is a scavenger, with a great sense of smell. Feeding mainly on carrion and death animals as the Andean deer or cattle. Which normally is spotted many miles away. They get reproduce after five or six years of age. They nest at high elevations of up to 5,000 m /16,000 ft. or higher. So they use inaccessible rock ledges of the tall mountains; they usually laid one or two eggs every four years. So it’s reproduction is very slow. The Andean condor is one of the world’s longest-living bird, with an average of over 70 years.

The Andean Condor is found in the most of the South America countries. Including Venezuela and Colombia in the northern Andes. But mostly seeing in the Andes of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Including the rich area of Patagonia, close to the end of the world. In the last decades its range has been reduced greatly due to over-population and industrial activities.

Condors in Peru

In Peru there are several places where people can experience the Andean condor sighting tours on its natural habitat. Which usually are open grasslands and alpine areas up to 5,000 m (16,000 ft.) high elevation above the sea level. The Andean Condor prefers usually open, non-forested areas. Which allow it to spot carrion miles away. So those birds have a great sense of smell.

In Peru some of the deep and peaceful canyons became their favorite Natural habitats of the Andean condor. It is the case of the Colca canyon in Arequipa, Apurimac and the amazing Chonta Canyon in Cusco. Where you can see dozens of condors soaring in their natural habitat.

You should take one of our suggested tour itineraries below to see the Andean Condors around Cusco:

• Chonta Condor sighting , 2 day tour
• Condor Sighting Cusco, day tour