Quelccaya the largest tropical glacier in the world. If you are looking for a truly epic and one-of-a-kind adventure, get ready to witness an immense mass of ice stretching across the Peruvian Andes like a frozen ocean. If you visit Cusco, this full day tour is an experience you will not find anywhere else on the planet. Our tour to Quelccaya Glacier will take you through the most remote and spectacular landscapes of southern Cusco, crossing high-altitude puna grasslands, pastoral communities, and glacial meltwater streams until you reach 5,100 meters above sea level, where the vastness of the eternal ice will leave you breathless. Quelccaya is a living testament to the power of nature and a reminder of the importance of preserving these unique ecosystems for future generations.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Witness the vastness of the largest tropical glacier in the world, an expanse of ice covering more than 44 square kilometers high in the Andes.
- Walk through breathtaking high-altitude puna landscapes, where herds of llamas and vicuñas graze freely among mountain lagoons.
- Observe the impressive glacial ice formations, blue crevasses, and meltwater cascades that make up this ancient ice giant.
- Experience one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the Cusco region, reaching altitudes above 5,000 meters.
- Enjoy the remote landscapes of the Vilcanota mountain range, far from conventional tourist routes, in pure contact with nature.
Itinerary.
We pick you up at your hotel at 3:00 am from hotels, Airbnbs, houses, and apartments in the historic center of Cusco. We start early as a long and beautiful drive of approximately 5 hours awaits us toward the community of Phinaya, in the very heart of the Vilcanota mountain range. During the journey, we will cross picturesque Andean villages, vast high-altitude puna grasslands, and stunning valleys, as the landscape gradually changes toward wilder and more remote terrain. We will enjoy an energizing breakfast along the way to prepare for the adventure.
Upon reaching the glacier approach area (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), we will begin our hike of approximately 2 to 3 hours through high-altitude puna terrain, following natural paths among rock formations, small lagoons, and streams fed by the glacier's meltwater. Your guide will share information about Quelccaya's importance as an indicator of climate change and about the local communities that have inhabited these highlands since ancestral times.
We will finally arrive at Quelccaya Glacier (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), where the immense wall of ice will open before your eyes in all its magnificence. You will take your time to admire the spectacular ice formations, the blue and white tones of the glacier, and the meltwater cascades descending from its face. You will feel the energy of this unique place in the world while gazing upon one of the most important tropical glaciers on the planet. We will enjoy a picnic-style lunch with views of the glacier before beginning our return.
We will descend back to the starting point of the hike and board our transport to return to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 8:00 pm, with our hearts full of unforgettable memories.
What is included
- Pre-departure information service.
- Expert tour guide English – Spanish
- Tourist transportation round trip.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- 24/7 customer service
- 1 Energizing breakfast.
- 1 Picnic-style lunch.
What is not included
- Entrances to Quelccaya Glacier
- Tips for the guide and staff.
- Additional snacks and drinks.
What do I need to bring for the Quelccaya tour?
- We recommend that you take only what is necessary to enjoy your tour and leave the rest of your things at the hotel in Cusco.
- The original passport.
- A sturdy 40 to 50 liter backpack that allows you to carry all the things you will take with you.
- Warm layered clothing: thermal base layer, fleece, windbreaker, and waterproof jacket. The cold at Quelccaya is intense and the wind can be very strong.
- Waterproof and sturdy mountain footwear, ideally high-cut boots to protect your ankles on uneven terrain.
- Beanie, gloves, scarf, or neck gaiter to protect your face from the wind and cold.
- Items to protect yourself from the sun: high SPF sunscreen, UV-protective sunglasses, and a sun hat. Solar radiation is very intense at this altitude.
- Personal medications, including altitude pills (sorojchi pills), muscle relaxants, and pain relievers.
- Hiking poles (highly recommended for the ascent and descent hike).
Do I need prior experience in high-mountain hiking?
Prior experience is not strictly necessary, however, good physical fitness and acclimatization to the altitude are required. We recommend having spent at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco before taking this tour. The hike is demanding due to the altitude, but the pace will be moderate and guided by our professional team.
How long in advance should I make my reservation?
You must make the reservation at least 2 days before. We recommend making all reservations in advance, especially during the dry season (May to October) when demand is higher.
Do I need to make a deposit to guarantee my reservation?
Yes, it will be guaranteed with a deposit payment of the total cost of the tour per person through our 2 forms of payment mentioned in our Book Now form. Important: None of the requested deposits include transaction fees.
What is the best time to do the excursion to Quelccaya?
The best time to visit Quelccaya is from May to October, during the dry season, when roads are in better condition and clear skies allow for spectacular views of the glacier. During the rainy season (November to April), access can be more challenging and visibility may be reduced. However, the glacier is accessible year-round under the right conditions.
Where will the information session take place?
This meeting will be held the night before the departure of the tour in the lobby of your hotel, apartment, hostel or family home in Cusco. You could also do it at our office located on Calle Portal de Panes, office 201 (second floor). Plaza de Armas de Cusco.
