Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving native Peruvian wildlife, offering unique encounters with condors, pumas, and more.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximize condor flight viewing
Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
Best Time
Maximize condor flight viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving native Peruvian wildlife, offering unique encounters with condors, pumas, and more.
"This sanctuary is doing amazing work and is definitely worth a visit!"
🎯 Budget-Friendly Transport
Take collectivos towards Pisac or Calca for a cheap ride to the sanctuary.
🎟️ Guided Tours are Standard
Entry includes a guided tour, offering insights into the animals' care and rehabilitation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Andean Condor Flight Therapy
Condor Sector
Witness majestic condors soar as they undergo rehabilitation. A truly awe-inspiring sight!
Encounter Native Wildlife
Various enclosures
See pumas, alpacas, llamas, and Andean bears up close in a sanctuary setting.
Meet the Llama Friends
Llama enclosure
Interact with friendly llamas and alpacas; some visitors even get to pet them!
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Condor Flights
Getting There & Entry Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Budget-Friendly Transport
Take collectivos towards Pisac or Calca for a cheap ride to the sanctuary.
🎟️ Guided Tours are Standard
Entry includes a guided tour, offering insights into the animals' care and rehabilitation.
🤝 Support a Great Cause
Your visit directly supports the rehabilitation and conservation of native Peruvian wildlife.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera to photograph the unique animals and their natural behaviors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Budget-Friendly Transport
Take collectivos towards Pisac or Calca for a cheap ride to the sanctuary.
🎟️ Guided Tours are Standard
Entry includes a guided tour, offering insights into the animals' care and rehabilitation.
🤝 Support a Great Cause
Your visit directly supports the rehabilitation and conservation of native Peruvian wildlife.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera to photograph the unique animals and their natural behaviors.
🦙 Petting Opportunities
You might get to pet friendly llamas and alpacas during your visit!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary for its dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating native Peruvian wildlife, offering close encounters with animals like condors and pumas. The passionate guides and the opportunity to support a meaningful cause are frequently highlighted. However, some guests have experienced tours feeling rushed, particularly if arriving late in the day, leading to a feeling of being shortchanged on time and value.
"We chose to come here to see the wildlife native to Peru we wouldn’t see otherwise like the pumas, condors, and Andean bears. It was really neat to see these animals. However, the tour we received at 3:30p (1.5 hrs before close) felt like we came at 4:59. It was only about 10 min and based on what other people are saying including our taxi driver, that is not normal. Feel a little cheated. We walked back to the beginning and looked at what animals we could for a few minutes longer. We paid a taxi to drive 35 min there, wait for up to an hour and a half and drive 35 min back because of the recommendation of our hotel concierge, reviews, and taxi company recommendation. We were there for maybe 30 min because of this shortened time, we paid a lot of money and spent more time in the car and for the taxi than at the sanctuary. I will say that the guide explained that the majority of the animals at least right now, are not getting released into the wild for various reasons that make sense. So I think they have helped at least a portion of the animals in a legit manner and are protecting them. The logistics behind the program and protection and veterinary care weren’t described. But again, you likely won’t see these animals anywhere else."
Morgan Edwards
"Visiting Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary was an incredible experience! My guide was super friendly and very knowledgeable. he clearly cared deeply about the animals and their well-being. I got to go inside some of the enclosures, which was such a unique opportunity. I was able to pet llamas and alpacas, and even got up close to the majestic condors. One of the highlights was watching a flight therapy session for the condors, it was fascinating to see how they help the birds regain strength in their wings. All the animals seemed happy and well cared for, even the puma looked completely relaxed. This sanctuary is doing amazing work and is definitely worth a visit!"
Kristina
"Alberto and his staff and volunteers take great care of the animals at the sanctuary. He is a wonderful tour guide and his passion for animals is evident. Those who cannot be rehabilitated and released have a safe and caring space to live out their lives. Thank you for your rehab and conservation efforts!"
Sarah Smidl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located about 20-30 minutes from Cusco. The most budget-friendly way is to take local transport (collectivos) heading towards Pisac or Calca. These typically cost around S/5.00.
Yes, you can usually find collectivos heading back towards Cusco from the main road near the sanctuary. It's advisable to confirm return options with your driver or at the sanctuary.
Yes, taxis are available from Cusco. While more expensive, they offer direct transport. Negotiate the fare beforehand, especially if you plan for the taxi to wait for you.
The journey from Cusco to Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary typically takes around 30-40 minutes by car or collectivo, depending on traffic.
Yes, the sanctuary is accessible by public transport. Collectivos that go to Pisac or Calca will pass by the sanctuary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically S/15.00 per person. This fee often includes a guided tour of the sanctuary.
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the sanctuary.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the entrance.
The sanctuary is usually open daily. However, it's recommended to check their official hours closer to your visit, as some reviews suggest tours can feel rushed near closing.
Information regarding tax deductibility of the entrance fee is not readily available. The fee primarily supports the sanctuary's operations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of native Peruvian animals, including Andean condors, pumas, alpacas, llamas, and Andean bears.
Yes, visits to Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary are guided. This provides valuable information about the animals and their rehabilitation efforts.
In some areas, you may have the opportunity to interact with certain animals like llamas and alpacas. Some visitors have reported petting them.
Condor flight therapy is a rehabilitation process where injured condors are helped to regain strength in their wings before potential release. It's a highlight for many visitors.
A guided tour usually lasts around 1-1.5 hours. However, some visitors have reported shorter tours, especially if arriving close to closing time.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. It's a great opportunity to capture images of unique Peruvian wildlife.
While not explicitly stated, it's always best to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash photography directly at them, especially during sensitive moments like feeding or rehabilitation.
The enclosures for the condors, pumas, and llamas offer excellent photo opportunities. The flight therapy sessions are particularly photogenic.
You can take selfies in general areas, and some visitors have reported being able to get close to llamas and alpacas for photos. Always follow your guide's instructions.
Professional photography tours are not commonly advertised. However, the guided tours offer ample opportunities for amateur photographers to capture stunning shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1The guided tours provide an educational experience, making it engaging for kids to learn about animal conservation. The sanctuary's mission of rescuing and rehabilitating animals can also instill a sense of empathy and responsibility in children. Consider visiting in the morning to ensure a more relaxed pace and ample time to explore without feeling rushed.
💰 Budget Travelers
The entrance fee of S/15.00 is also reasonable for the experience and the opportunity to support a worthy cause. Packing your own snacks and water can further reduce expenses. The guided tour included with the entrance fee provides valuable information, so you won't need to hire additional guides. This makes it an accessible and enriching activity for backpackers and those on a tighter budget exploring the Cusco region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission of Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
For animals that cannot be rehabilitated for release due to permanent injuries or other factors, Cochahuasi offers a safe and nurturing environment for them to live out their lives. This commitment to animal welfare is evident in the care provided by Alberto and his staff, who are passionate about their work.
The sanctuary also plays an educational role, informing visitors about the importance of protecting native wildlife and the challenges these animals face. Witnessing the condor flight therapy, for instance, highlights the dedication to helping these magnificent birds regain their strength and ability to fly.
Getting There: Practicalities and Costs
The journey itself takes approximately 30-40 minutes, offering glimpses of the Andean landscape. When boarding, inform the driver you wish to go to 'Cochahuasi'. The sanctuary is usually located along the main road, making it easily accessible. For the return journey, you can typically flag down a collectivo heading back to Cusco from the same road.
The entrance fee for the sanctuary is generally S/15.00, which usually includes a guided tour. This fee is crucial for the sanctuary's operations, covering food, veterinary care, and the upkeep of the facilities.
Planning your visit to avoid arriving too close to closing time is advisable, as some visitors have noted tours feeling rushed towards the end of the day. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit