Visit a rescue sanctuary just outside Cusco to meet native and rehabilitated animals, learn local conservation practices, and support community-run programs through purchases and donations. The tour is educational, accessible, and lasts about 2–3 hours.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The road out of Cusco unwinds under highland light; the city thins and the air sharpens as you drive toward a compound where rescued animals wait in quiet enclosures and shaded pens. Bright macaws call from aviaries, llamas and alpacas browse on alfalfa, and the occasional fox peers from behind a boulder — the sanctuary opens like a window into the region’s wild and domestic life.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking on mostly level surfaces
Wildlife
History
The sanctuary reflects regional efforts to rehabilitate animals displaced by urban growth and the illegal wildlife trade, working closely with local Quechua communities to combine traditional stewardship and modern veterinary care.
Conservation
Operations rely on visitor support and craft sales rather than government funding; responsible visits and purchases directly help rehabilitation, release programs, and community education.
Reserve your spot on the Cusco Santuario de Animales Rescatados en Cusco today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early
Morning visits are cooler, animals are more active, and groups are smaller for better viewing and photos.
Carry small cash
Buy from the on-site alpaca stall — proceeds go to the sanctuary and local families, and card machines may be unreliable.
Follow staff directions around enclosures
Keep voices low and avoid sudden movements; this reduces stress for recovering animals and protects visitors.
Bring a refillable bottle
High-altitude sun and walking make hydration important; taps may not be available, so carry water.
Closed-toe walking shoes
Protects feet on gravel paths and uneven ground around enclosures.
Light rain jacket
Andean weather can change quickly, especially in the rainy season from November to March.
summer
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated at altitude and reduces single-use plastic.
Camera or binoculars
Helps capture birds, small mammals, and details of enclosures without disturbing animals.