Sacred Valley Trading Co. chose the Andean Condor as its logo for two reasons.

For one thing, it's simply an awesome creature we find fascinating.

The Andean condor is recognized as the largest flying bird in the world (when both wingspan and weight are factored in). Its wingspan can reach 3.3m (10’ 10”), and its weight can reach 15kg (33lbs).

They nest on inaccessible rock ledges at altitudes up to 5,000m (16,400ft). Without interference from humans, they can live from 50 to 70 years.

An Andean condor spreads its wings over the Andes in Peru

And secondly, nothing captures the essence of the Sacred Valley like the Andean Condor.

The open, grassy valley floor along with the surrounding towering mountains, devoid of dense tree growth, are classic condor territory. The Incas held the Condor to be sacred (along with the puma and the snake). The photo is from the Condor Temple at nearby Machu Picchu. The stone condor's head is still readily discernible.

The shape of a stone condor in the Temple of the Condor in Machu Picchu

The condor continues to be revered today among many inhabitants of the Sacred Valley, as well as throughout its range of habitat. The nations of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela have all featured the condor prominently on their national coats of arms at one time or another. Venezuela's former coat of arms is shown here.

Venezuela's former coat of arms prominently features an Andean condor