Lord and master of the Andean sky, the condor amazes everyone who has the privilege to observe its majestic flight. Its impressive wings can reach three meters in length when extended, and its black-tinted plumage contrasting harmoniously with the white of its collar, produce a fascinating spectacle and a sensation of absolute freedom in the heights.
Currently, it is possible to witness the condor in all its splendor in the mountainous regions of Peru, such as in the Colca Valley in Arequipa, the Moyobamba Canyon in Ayacucho or in the Cusco community of Chonta, whose sanctuary of condors is frequently visited. It is also common to see the condor in some areas of the Peruvian coast where it takes advantage of the strong currents of marine winds.
A Deity for Inca culture
Historically considered a sacred bird in Peru, the Andean Condor has witnessed the origin and splendor of many ancient cultures and civilizations by acquiring a symbolic role in many of them. The condor has even been represented in ceramics, paintings and looms. The Incas were among its greatest admirers: they came to consider it a divinity in charge of uniting heaven with earth.
This mystical relationship is demonstrated in one of the main temples of the Machu Picchu sanctuary where the figure of the condor lies engraved in detail on a large stone. Historians assure that it is possible that this effigy was used as a sacrificial altar, since it was believed that condors were capable of raising the spirits of the dead to heaven.
According to the Andean worldview, this ancient species belongs to a sacred trinity along with the cougar and the snake, representing the sky, the earth and the world of the dead, respectively. Currently, many Andean communities in Peru celebrate traditional rituals known as the Yawar Fiesta or “blood festival”, where the condor is the main figure.
A Bird Filled with Charm and Curiosities
Among the most interesting qualities of condors is their loyalty. Once they find a partner, they are able to keep it for life. Another interesting fact is that they fulfill a valuable ecological function. Being a scavenger bird, the condor accelerates the descomposition process of dead species and thus prevents the proliferation of disease-causing microbes.
With a long pointed beak, the condor can easily tear food, while its eyes located at both ends of its head allow it to identify dead animals at a great distance.
The condor is also one of the species with the longest life span in the world, living up to 80 years. Its reproductive cycle reaches maturity at the age of eight and lays eggs every two years, making it an animal in danger of extinction due to its low rate of descent. That is why its care and conservation are a priority not only in Peru, but in the continent, where important measures are being taken by governments to guarantee the protection and quality of life of these majestic bird.