Visiting Colca Canyon and spotting condors

Typical Andean vegetation surrounds one of the world’s deepest canyons: Colca Canyon, home and realm of the condor, the undisputed lord of these incredibly blue skies. 

 

Like all lords, the condor is rarely seen. But suddenly, as if from nowhere, it can soar past, almost touching the observer. At other times, it will only allow itself to be seen from a distance, like a tiny black dot above the mountains. 

 

But visitors continue to wait for the condor every morning, from first light, with their cameras at the ready, amid an expectant sense of wonder. 

 

Cruz del Condor viewing point