Carriage to Cochahuasi Sanctuary Live A Great Experience

Experience the Compassion of Cochahuasi Sanctuary — A Close Encounter with Rescued Animals

If you’re seeking an authentic, heartwarming experience in Cusco, a private tour to Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary offers just that. For $45 per person, you get a roughly two to three-hour journey that combines scenic transport, meaningful animal encounters, and insights into wildlife rescue efforts. Your day begins with a pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by a peaceful drive through Peruvian countryside, including a stop at the Corao viewpoint—a chance to appreciate the landscape before arriving at the sanctuary.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized nature—it’s a private experience, meaning your group gets undivided attention from your guide and no rushing through crowds. Second, the interactive element—feeding llamas, alpacas, and engaging with parrots and turtles—adds a tangible, memorable touch to your visit.

However, a possible consideration is that the tour duration is relatively short—about three hours including pickup, drive, and visit. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure with multiple stops, this might feel a little condensed.

This experience is perfect for animal lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families who value seeing rescue efforts firsthand. Those interested in learning about native Peruvian species and supporting conservation work will find this tour especially meaningful.

Key Points

• Private experience offers a personalized, quiet encounter with rescued animals.
• Educational guides share insightful stories about the animals and sanctuary work.
• Interactive activities include feeding llamas, alpacas, and meeting parrots.
• Hassle-free transport ensures smooth, worry-free transfers from Cusco.
• Cost-effective at $45, especially considering the private nature and included activities.
• Highly rated by travelers, with glowing reviews from animal lovers.

A Deep Dive into the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary Tour

What Is the Cochahuasi Sanctuary All About?

Located near Cusco, the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary works tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate animals that have been mistreated or targeted by illegal trafficking. As a family-run operation, it’s driven by genuine passion and a desire to protect native wildlife, including iconic species like the Andean condor, llamas, and alpacas.

Your visit supports their noble work, and you’ll gain a rare opportunity to see these animals up close. We loved the way guides explained not only the animals’ stories but also their journeys from exploitation or injury to safety. The experience is as much about education as it is about connection—an essential element for anyone who cares about wildlife conservation.

The Itinerary in Detail

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup, which is especially convenient after a long day of sightseeing. The drive to the sanctuary takes about 40 minutes, during which your guide will share interesting tidbits about the area. Before arriving, you’ll make a stop at the Corao viewpoint, offering a brief moment to admire the lush Peruvian landscape. This is a nice touch, giving perspective before stepping into the sanctuary.

Once at Cochahuasi, a site guide will lead you through the grounds, explaining the sanctuary’s efforts and sharing stories of the animals’ rescue histories. Here, you’ll learn how the sanctuary rescues creatures injured, mistreated, or illegally trafficked.

What sets this tour apart? The interactive feeding session with llamas and alpacas allows you to get close, touch, and feed these gentle animals, creating a memorable experience that kids and adults alike will appreciate. Plus, encounters with macaws and turtles enrich the visit, providing a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse wildlife of Peru.

The Animals You’ll Meet

Expect to see a variety of rescued creatures. Highlights include pumas—which are surprisingly calm and regal—and Peruvian hairless dogs, an iconic breed with a fascinating history. The sanctuary also cares for native birds like macaws and reptiles like turtles.

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and passion. One noted, “Alberto shared touching stories about the animals’ pasts and the work they do to prepare them for potential re-release into the wild.” Such insights deepen the experience, turning a simple visit into a meaningful lesson on conservation.

The Value of the Experience

At $45, the tour offers considerable value. It includes private transportation, ensuring comfort and convenience, and a dedicated guide who makes the experience both educational and engaging. Feeding the animals adds a tactile element that many travelers find priceless.

While some reviews mention that the tour can be shorter than expected or that certain inclusions differ slightly from expectations, most agree that the impact and authenticity of the visit far outweigh any minor logistical considerations.

Authenticity and Ethical Encounters

One of the most praised aspects is the ethical approach of the sanctuary. Visitors are assured that the animals are treated well, and the focus is on rescue and rehabilitation, not entertainment. Travelers have described it as humbling and heartwarming, with many quoting their feelings of admiration for the dedicated staff.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Book in advance—this tour is popular, on average booked 25 days ahead.
• Bring bottled water, as it’s not included.
• The duration is flexible—about three hours total—so plan accordingly.
• Ideal for families, animal lovers, and conservation-minded travelers.
• The private nature means your group can enjoy a relaxed, personalized experience without feeling rushed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is a wonderful choice for those who want a meaningful wildlife experience while supporting conservation efforts. It suits families with children eager to interact with animals, as well as solo travelers or couples passionate about native Peruvian species. If you’re hoping to combine a scenic drive with an educational and ethical encounter, this is a perfect fit.

It’s also excellent for those wanting to avoid large crowds and prefer a more intimate experience, given the private nature of the tour.

Who Might Find It Less Suitable?

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure or additional activities, this might feel a bit brief. Also, if your main interest is seeing exotic wildlife in the wild, a sanctuary visit may not satisfy that desire. Still, for a gentle, educational intro to Peruvian wildlife conservation, it hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately two to three hours, including pickup, transport, and visit.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation is part of the package, making for a smooth and comfortable trip from Cusco.

What animals can we expect to see?
You’ll encounter llamas, alpacas, macaws, turtles, and possibly pumas. The sanctuary specializes in rescued native species.

Can I feed the animals?
Yes, feeding llamas and alpacas is included, and guides will facilitate the interaction. You can also see parrots and turtles.

Is this a group or private tour?
This is a private tour, so only your party will participate, for a more relaxed and personalized experience.

What is the cost and is it worth it?
Cost is $45 per person. Many travelers find it excellent value, especially given the personal attention, meaningful encounters, and the knowledge shared by guides.

Final Thoughts

A visit to Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary offers more than just a sightseeing stop; it’s an opportunity to connect with Peru’s native wildlife and learn about conservation efforts firsthand. The private setup, combined with the interactive activities and dedicated guides, makes it an enriching addition to your Cusco itinerary.

This tour shines for its authenticity and compassion—a chance to see animals that might otherwise be unseen, and to understand the importance of rescue work. Whether you’re a family wanting kids to experience wildlife safely, or a solo traveler eager to support ethical tourism, this is a worthwhile choice.

The cost reflects the quality of the experience and the intimate, educational nature of the visit. If you value meaningful encounters and want to support a cause that cares for Peru’s vulnerable species, this tour is well worth your time and money.

In essence, it’s a small but powerful reminder of how tourism can contribute to wildlife protection—and that making a difference can happen in just a few hours near Cusco.