Quelccaya Glacier
Explore the impressive ice formations and caves of the Quelccaya Glacier, the largest tropical ice cap in the world.
Tour Type
Group Tour
Duration
Full Day (17 Hours)
Elevation
5,200m
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Departure
03:00 AM
Destination
Cusco | Andes Trekking
Latitude
-13.9333
Longitude
-70.8333
Tour Overview
The tour starts with a pickup from your accommodation between 2:50 AM and 3:30 AM to travel to Phinaya (approx. 6 hours) crossing altiplano landscapes. On the way, we make a stop in Cusipata to enjoy breakfast.
Then we continue by transport to the foothills of the glacier, where we will start a short walk of approximately 15 minutes to the Quelccaya Glacier (Suyuparina), where we will appreciate impressive ice formations, caves, and unique landscapes.
Afterwards, we return to Phinaya for lunch and continue the journey back to Cusco, making a stop at the Sibinacocha Lagoon. Arrival in Cusco approximately between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Detailed Itinerary
03:00 AM
Pickup from your accommodation and travel towards Phinaya
+ 2 hours
Stop in Cusipata for breakfast
+ 6 hours
Arrive at the foothills of the glacier and start a short 15-minute hike
+ 7 hours
Explore the Quelccaya Glacier (ice formations, caves)
+ 9 hours
Return to Phinaya for lunch
+ 11 hours
Start the journey back with a stop at Sibinacocha Lagoon
08:00 PM
Arrive back in Cusco
Includes
- Round trip transport
- Breakfast and lunch
- Professional guide
- Trekking poles
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
Excludes
- Entrance fee (S/ 10.00 - S/ 15.00)
- Extra expenses
What to bring
- Warm clothing (thermal jacket, fleece)
- Gloves, hat, and scarf
- Trekking shoes (non-slip)
- Small backpack
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water and snacks (chocolates, nuts)
- Cash (for entrance fees and extras)
- Rain poncho (depending on the season)
Pro Travel Tips
- The altitude is high, so make sure to acclimatize in Cusco for a few days before this tour.
Private Experience
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