We had the great pleasure of seeing the majestic andean condor up close. So close that it seems you can reach out and grab them (or them grab you; these birds are huge!). From Cabanaconde (3,287 m), there are buses that go to the Cruz del Condor, a viewing area overlooking the Cañon del Colca, where the condors are known to flock to every morning before the day's search for food.

The Cañon del Colca is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and is the second deepest canyon in the world (next to Cañon Cotahuasi, which is also nearby). The trek down to the canyon takes approximately 2 1/2 hours with a 5 hour climb back up.

Both attractions are best done from Cabanaconde, where the descent into the Cañon del Colca can be done directly, and where the Cruz del Condor is 30 mins away.

Click here to see the photos from the Cruz del Condor, and the photos from the Cañon del Colca.