Cusco: Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary Entry & Rescue Stories

Rescued Andean wildlife up close at Cochahuasi Sanctuary

You’ll walk among rescued condors, llamas, and even spectacled bears at Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary near Cusco. A local guide shares each animal’s story—some funny, some tough—and you’ll get closer than you expect. Expect laughter, maybe a lump in your throat, plus plenty of time to ask questions or just watch quietly.

What’s included

Your admission covers entry to Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary plus a guided walk with a local expert who’ll share stories about each rescued animal along the way.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary

• Arrive at Cochahuasi Sanctuary
• Meet rescued Andean wildlife
• Listen to conservation stories
• Learn about wildlife protection

The Experience

Hands in his pockets, our guide Marco stopped in front of the condor enclosure and just waited for us to notice. The first thing I caught was the smell—kind of earthy, a bit sharp, like hay after rain. Then this huge shadow moved overhead, and I realized how close we were to these birds. Marco grinned when I flinched. “They’re curious,” he said, “but they remember faces.” Not sure if that’s comforting or not.

We wandered between the pens, past llamas chewing quietly (one stared me down for a solid minute), then over to the spectacled bear—she was napping, paws up like a dog dreaming. Marco told us most of the animals at Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary can’t go back to the wild because of injuries or people raising them as pets. He pointed out scars on a puma’s leg but didn’t make it feel sad—just honest. It’s weird how you start rooting for them after only an hour.

I tried to say “alpaca” in Spanish and got it all wrong; one of the staff laughed and corrected me gently (“al-PA-ca!”). The sun kept shifting behind clouds so sometimes it felt chilly, sometimes warm on my neck. There’s this quiet hum from the valley below—hard to describe unless you’ve stood there. We left with muddy shoes and a lot to think about, honestly.

Top questions

How do I get to Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary from Cusco?

The sanctuary is located near Cusco; most visitors arrange transport by taxi or tour vehicle from the city center.

Are guided tours included with admission?

Yes, your entry ticket includes a guided visit with a local expert who shares animal stories and conservation facts.

What animals will I see at Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary?

You’ll see Andean condors, llamas, alpacas, pumas, spectacled bears, and other native species rescued from harm.

Is this suitable for children?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult during the visit.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended as you’ll be walking around outdoor enclosures on uneven ground.