These remote mountains reveal an authentic side of Peru, where visitors can look forward to exploring this off the beaten track area and venture into traditional Peru. Highlights include Chonta, located only three hours from Cusco with a panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountainrange on one side and the Apurimac Canyon on the other.  Ayacucho with its captivating colonial churches and fascinating museums, local specialities, incredible views, adventurous local bus rides, the Wari archaeological complex, the Río Mantaro valley, the fantastic high-quality handicrafts, and more.

After breakfast we drive for 3 hours to the village of Chonta. The special location is set between the Cordillera de Vilcabamba and the Apurimac Canyon.

After lunch we will take an easy walk of about 90 minutes to the Condor viewpoints overlooking the spectacular Apurimac Canyon. As we wait and enjoy the scenery the condors will be rising with the afternoon thermals. 

Around 5 pm we walk back to our campsite where we enjoy a nice sundowner overlooking the Cordillera Vilcabamba. We rest and enjoy our beautiful glamping location. 

After dinner we will look at the sky and its thousand stars.

We rise early to enjoy the spectacular mountain view and the clouds rising between the massiv mountains.

After breakfast we will visit the community members in Chonta and learn about their lifestyle. Everybody will participate in harvesting herbs, potatoes and ingredients so we can jointly prepare a Pachamanca, a meal prepared in a large hole Inka Style.

After enjoying the Pachamanca with the community we return to Cusco. Enjoy a free afternoon doing last minute shopping.

Chonta Mirador de Cóndores enjoys a prime location above the canyon of Apurimac. This lookout point is an excellent place for those to admire the Andean Condor, a large native bird, as it soars around in its natural habitat. Historically, the Incas considered the Andean Condor a sacred bird that brings a spiritual message. Visitors to the area will also spot eagles, hawks and hummingbirds, among others.

Peru is most famous for the sacred archaeological site of Machu Picchu – visited each year by scores of intrepid hikers who brave the Inca Trail’s arduous slopes to explore the age-old sites. The country’s attractions extend far beyond the mystical allure of this legendary location and include palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures that predate Machu Picchu by hundreds of years – all imbued with the nation’s rich melange of indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic reaches of Peru’s Amazon rainforest; Lima’s superb eateries, exquisite architecture and effervescent nightlife; the glittering, mountain-ringed waters of Lake Titicaca; and the vibrant city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as ‘the centre of the world’.

Banking and Currency

Currency 

Local currency: Peruvian Sol 
Symbol: S/ 
ISO code: PEN 
Subunit: céntimo 
Banknotes: S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, S/200 
Coins: céntimo, S/1, S/2, S/5 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Air: 

Main airlines: LATAM Airlines, Avianca 
International Airports: Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima) 
Domestic Airports: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco), Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (Arequipa), Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (Trujillo) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Limited 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

Health and Medical Information

Q'inti meets or exceeds the travel industry’s latest global health and safety protocols.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Peruvian cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring influences from indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cuisines. Highlights include ceviche (marinated raw fish), lomosaltado (stir-fried beef), and causa (layered potato dish). Notable local drinks include Pisco Sour (cocktail), chicha morada (purple corn drink), and Inca Kola. 
Tipping: 10% 

Climate and Weather

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by region 

Summer: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

 Winter: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the ancient ruins. 

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet Availability

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes 

Electricity and Plug Standards

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.