The journey begins with a 7:00 a.m. pick-up from my hotel in Cusco (elevation: 3,399 m / 11,152 ft), heading out towards the incredible Chonta Condor Canyon. The drive itself is an adventure. After about an hour, the first stop would be near the town of Ancahuasi (elevation: 3,465 m / 11,368 ft) to explore the archaeological site of Killarumiyuq (elevation: 3,650 m / 11,975 ft), which translates to “The Moonstone.” I love the sound of that.

From there, it’s another 30-to-40-minute drive to Tarawasi (elevation: 2,675 m / 8,776 ft), another intriguing Inca site that my guide would bring to life with stories of its past. After getting my history fix, the drive continues for about 45 minutes to the town of Chonta, where we’d pause for a well-deserved lunch.

Refreshed, the main event begins: the hike to the Condor Canyon viewpoint. I’ve heard the trek takes about an hour and a half, with the terrain being mostly flat—a typical highland path with a gentle downhill slope at the end. I’d be on high alert the whole way, hoping to catch a glimpse of the majestic condors soaring overhead even before we arrive. After soaking in the spectacular views of the condors, the Apurimac Canyon, and the winding river below, we’d return along the same route, another scenic 1.5-hour hike. Finally, we’d board the van for the journey back to Cusco, arriving between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., depending on traffic, with a camera full of photos and a mind full of incredible memories.