Llama...time for a sheering!
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Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary

4.6
·2k reviews·Cusco, Peru

A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving native Peruvian wildlife, offering unique encounters with condors, pumas, and more.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning visits

Maximize condor flight viewing

CrowdMedium
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Llama...time for a sheering!

Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary

Best Time

Morning visits

Maximize condor flight viewing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving native Peruvian wildlife, offering unique encounters with condors, pumas, and more.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"This sanctuary is doing amazing work and is definitely worth a visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,777 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Andean Condor Flight Therapy

Andean Condor Flight Therapy

Condor Sector

Witness majestic condors soar as they undergo rehabilitation. A truly awe-inspiring sight!

TikTokInstagram
Encounter Native Wildlife

Encounter Native Wildlife

Various enclosures

See pumas, alpacas, llamas, and Andean bears up close in a sanctuary setting.

InstagramReddit
Meet the Llama Friends

Meet the Llama Friends

Llama enclosure

Interact with friendly llamas and alpacas; some visitors even get to pet them!

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Condor Flights

While the sanctuary is open daily, the condor flight therapy sessions are a major draw. Arriving earlier in the day or checking specific times can maximize your chances of witnessing this incredible spectacle. Some visitors noted tours feeling rushed near closing time, so plan accordingly to avoid disappointment. TikTok

Getting There & Entry Fees

Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary is about 30-40 minutes from Cusco. Take local transport (collectivos) heading towards Pisac or Calca for a budget-friendly ride. Entry fees are typically S/15.00, and visits are guided. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Morning visits
Why
Maximize condor flight viewing
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon visits
Why
Less crowded, relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Refugio de animales en COCHAHUASI, Cusco, una alternativa si viajas en Familia ❤️ #cusco #vuelodelcondor #condor #animales #cuscotiktok #perú #travel #viajes #viral #parati #foryou #paratii #fyp #fypシ
@aylluperutravel
70.8K likes • 1.2M views

🎯 Budget-Friendly Transport

Take collectivos towards Pisac or Calca for a cheap ride to the sanctuary. TikTokInstagram

🎟️ Guided Tours are Standard

Entry includes a guided tour, offering insights into the animals' care and rehabilitation. TikTokInstagram

//La Danza del Cóndor ... Santuario Animal de CochaWasi Cusco - Perú, 🇵🇪
@machupicchu.inkaworld
16.5K likes • 769.6K views
🇵🇪 Hey, I’m Sian and I am volunteering at Cochahuasi Wildlife Sanctuary in Peru! 🦙🐢🦌 I absolutely loved my time volunteering at the sanctuary in Cusco. Our days as a volunteer were very varied and I got to do so many amazing things. I work the afternoon shift and take the bus to the project at 12:30pm. On a typical day, I arrive at the sanctuary at around 1pm. The first thing I do is wash my ha...
planmygapyear
486 likes • 0 views

🤝 Support a Great Cause

Your visit directly supports the rehabilitation and conservation of native Peruvian wildlife. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

Bring your camera to photograph the unique animals and their natural behaviors. Instagram

El santuário de animales de Cochahuasi 📍 • se encuentra a 30 minutos de Cusco • Tienes que tomar los carros que van a Pisac, S/5.00 el pasaje Entrada S/15.00 ,su visita es guiada Encontraras muchas especies que están en cuidado, pero lo mas sorprendente Ingresarás al sector de los cóndores y podrás ver su vuelo !Vive esta experiencia inolvidable!⛰️✨🤩 #cusco #santuarionacional #cuscoperu🇵🇪
jesusccastillo01
112 likes • 2.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Budget-Friendly Transport

Take collectivos towards Pisac or Calca for a cheap ride to the sanctuary. TikTokInstagram

🎟️ Guided Tours are Standard

Entry includes a guided tour, offering insights into the animals' care and rehabilitation. TikTokInstagram

🤝 Support a Great Cause

Your visit directly supports the rehabilitation and conservation of native Peruvian wildlife. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

Bring your camera to photograph the unique animals and their natural behaviors. Instagram

🦙 Petting Opportunities

You might get to pet friendly llamas and alpacas during your visit! Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

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

Rescued native wildlife
Passionate guides
Conservation efforts

What People Dislike

Rushed tours near closing

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The journey from Cusco to Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary typically takes around 30-40 minutes by car or collectivo, depending on traffic. Instagram+1

Yes, the sanctuary is accessible by public transport. Collectivos that go to Pisac or Calca will pass by the sanctuary. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is typically S/15.00 per person. This fee often includes a guided tour of the sanctuary. TikTokInstagram

Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the sanctuary. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the entrance. Reddit

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. TikTok

Information regarding tax deductibility of the entrance fee is not readily available. The fee primarily supports the sanctuary's operations. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of native Peruvian animals, including Andean condors, pumas, alpacas, llamas, and Andean bears. InstagramReddit

Yes, visits to Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary are guided. This provides valuable information about the animals and their rehabilitation efforts. TikTokInstagram

In some areas, you may have the opportunity to interact with certain animals like llamas and alpacas. Some visitors have reported petting them. Instagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

A guided tour usually lasts around 1-1.5 hours. However, some visitors have reported shorter tours, especially if arriving close to closing time. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed. It's a great opportunity to capture images of unique Peruvian wildlife. Instagram

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. TikTok

The enclosures for the condors, pumas, and llamas offer excellent photo opportunities. The flight therapy sessions are particularly photogenic. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

Professional photography tours are not commonly advertised. However, the guided tours offer ample opportunities for amateur photographers to capture stunning shots. Reddit

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