Did you know that the condors are the heaviest flying birds in the world and the second in terms of wingspan? If you wake up very, very early in the morning (the departure from Arequipa to Colca Canyon is around 4am), you get the chance to see these magical birds gliding over the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. No one can guarantee you will see them, but the Andean Condors are generally best spotted in the morning, gliding on the thermal air currents. The earlier you get there, the biggest your chances to see them! I was lucky to see only one and I stood there with my eyes wide open, enjoying its smooth and effortless glide.
As a nice old peruvian local told me, they have a legend that says that when a condor feels its end approaching, it commits suicide by launching itself from a high peak and folding in its wings in order to rise up and be reborn again. In Andean belief, the condor is the ruler of the upper world, the symbol of power and health.
Even if you are not lucky enough to see the Andean Condor gliding and you'll wait a couple of hours to spot them, this trip would not be in vain. You'll be fascinated by the view of the canyon from the Cruz del Condor and you'll have enough time to meditate or reflect on your life in this peaceful place of the mountains. And one more thing, you can brag that you crossed the highest paved pass called Patapampa at 4910m above the sea level! Don't forget your coca leaf tea! ;)
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