Cochahuasi Sanctuary of Rescued Animals: Cusco

Tucked away in the heart of Cusco, Peru, the Cochahuasi Sanctuary of Rescued Animals offers a unique opportunity to connect with the region’s remarkable wildlife. Dedicated to education, conservation, and rehabilitation, this intimate sanctuary welcomes visitors on private tours to meet rescued llamas, alpacas, Andean bears, and more. While the up-close encounters leave a lasting impression, the sanctuary’s true impact lies in its efforts to protect and preserve Peru’s delicate ecosystems.

Key Points

• Cochahuasi Sanctuary is a wildlife rehabilitation center in Cusco, Peru, with a focus on conservation and education of native Peruvian animals.
• The sanctuary offers guided tours, including private options, allowing visitors to interact with and learn about rescued animals like llamas, alpacas, and Andean bears.
• Visits to the sanctuary support its mission of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation, with proceeds from tours and the gift shop contributing to its operations.
• The sanctuary is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and transportation options are available, making it a convenient and inclusive experience for visitors.
• Reviewers praise the sanctuary’s knowledgeable guides, personalized experiences, and the opportunity to witness the rehabilitation and care of native Peruvian wildlife.

Location and Overview

The Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary is located in Cusco, Peru, a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

The sanctuary focuses on the education, conservation, and rehabilitation of native Peruvian animals, offering visitors a unique opportunity to interact with a variety of species.

With a 100% recommendation rate from 35 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the Cochahuasi Sanctuary has established itself as a premier destination for those interested in learning about and supporting local wildlife conservation efforts.

Private tours are available, catering to a maximum of eight travelers for a personalized experience.

Sanctuary’s Focus on Conservation and Education

At the core of Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary‘s mission lies a steadfast commitment to conservation and education.

The sanctuary focuses on rehabilitating and caring for native Peruvian animals, from llamas and alpacas to Andean bears and toucans. Through guided tours, visitors gain insights into the illegal wildlife trade and the sanctuary’s efforts to protect these vulnerable species.

The sanctuary rehabilitates and cares for diverse Peruvian wildlife, educating visitors on the threats of illegal trade.

The educational experience empowers guests to become advocates for conservation, with purchases at the gift shop supporting the sanctuary’s critical work.

Cochahuasi’s holistic approach ensures a lasting impact, fostering appreciation and action to safeguard Peru’s remarkable biodiversity.

Private Tours and Highlights

Although the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary offers both public and private tours, the latter provides a more personalized experience for visitors.

Private tours are limited to just 10 travelers, allowing for intimate interactions with the animals. Highlights include feeding llamas and alpacas, observing Andean bears, and learning about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts.

Tours include round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide. Prices start at $34 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Early booking is recommended to catch the animals during their feeding times.

Transportation and Accessibility

Convenient pickup options make the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary accessible to visitors. Guests can choose hotel pickup or meet the group at a central location in Cusco.

The sanctuary welcomes those with limited mobility, as it’s wheelchair and stroller accessible. Infants can join the tour, sitting on their parents’ laps.

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the experience offers a personalized outing. Ample advance booking is recommended to secure spots, especially for popular animal feeding times.

Feeding Experiences and Animal Encounters

Visitors to the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary can look forward to engaging, up-close experiences with a variety of rescued Peruvian animals. Guests can hand-feed llamas and alpacas, observe the playful antics of monkeys, and marvel at the vibrancy of macaws and toucans.

The sanctuary’s knowledgeable guides share the animals’ rehabilitation stories, fostering an appreciation for conservation efforts. Whether offering fresh alfalfa to the deer or witnessing the powerful movements of Andean bears, visitors are immersed in the sanctuary’s mission to protect and educate.

These personalized encounters leave a lasting impression and highlight the sanctuary’s commitment to animal welfare.

Visitor Feedback and Recommendations

What draws visitors to the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary is its consistently positive reviews, with guests highlighting the knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Travelers praise the memorable experiences of feeding the animals and encountering them up close.

Visitors emphasize the sanctuary’s commitment to animal welfare and rehabilitation, which aligns with their own interests in conservation.

Many recommend booking early to catch the animals’ feeding times, which are popular attractions.

Supporting Local Conservation Efforts

Along With the exceptional visitor experience, the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary also supports local conservation efforts through its gift shop purchases.

By buying goods from the sanctuary’s on-site store, travelers can directly contribute to the care and rehabilitation of the resident animals.

The gift shop features:

1. Handcrafted items made by local artisans

2. Eco-friendly souvenirs supporting sustainability

3. Educational resources about Peruvian wildlife and conservation

Every sale helps fund the sanctuary’s mission to protect and preserve native Peruvian species.

Every sale supports the sanctuary’s mission to protect and preserve native Peruvian species.

Visitors can feel good knowing their purchases make a tangible impact on the local community and environment.

Planning Your Visit

How can visitors plan their visit to the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary?

The sanctuary offers private tours starting at $34 per person, with pickup options from Cusco hotels or a meeting point. Tours are limited to 10 travelers for a personalized experience.

Advance booking is recommended to catch scheduled feeding times. The tour includes transportation, animal feed, entrance tickets, and a professional guide.

Visitors can expect to see and interact with a variety of rescued Peruvian animals, including llamas, alpacas, and Andean bears.

The sanctuary’s commitment to conservation and education is evident throughout the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Sanctuary’s Opening Hours?

The sanctuary’s operating hours are not explicitly mentioned in the overview. However, it’s likely open during regular daytime hours to accommodate tours and visitor interactions with the animals.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Food for the Animals?

No, you don’t need to bring your own food for the animals. The tour includes alfalfa and food for the llamas, so you can focus on interacting with the animals during your visit to the sanctuary.

Are Cameras and Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring cameras and take photos during the tour. The sanctuary allows photography to capture the memorable experiences with the rescued animals and share them with friends and family.

Can I Interact With the Animals Directly or Only Observe?

Visitors can directly interact with the animals, including feeding them. The tour provides opportunities for personal encounters and close observation of the various rescued animals at the sanctuary.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, visitors can extend the tour duration for a personalized experience. The sanctuary offers flexible scheduling, and travelers can request additional time to interact more with the animals or explore the grounds further.