Colca Canyon is located in southern Peru approximately 100 miles northwest of Arequipa. The canyon is one of the deepest in the world, with a maximum depth at one point over 10,700 feet. Although there are many geological and historical attractions in the region, perhaps the most famous reason to travel to Colca Canyon is the view the Andean Condor in flight.

The Andean Condor is an enormous vulture and is in fact the largest flying bird in the world. It has a maximum wingspan of 10.8 feet. The Andean Condor is also a national symbol of Peru (as well as other South American countries). It is generally black with a distinctive white collar around its neck and white feathers on the back and front of its wings.

From Arequipa, we took a small tour bus north to Chivay, the largest town in the Colca Canyon region, where we stayed for the night. The next morning we took a small tour bus north, through the towns of  Yanque, Achoma, and Maca to our destination, the Mirador Cruz del Condor (Cross of the Condor viewpoint). We were fortunate to arrive at the correct time, early enough in the morning to see the condors in flight. Apparently their flying activity decreases near midday through the afternoon.