Trip Type
Group / Private
Season
Year around
Dificulty
Easy
Duration
17 Hours
Quelccaya Glacier
The Quelccaya Glacier is the world’s largest tropical ice cap, located in the Peruvian Andes. An awe inspiring destination where adventure meets the pure beauty of high altitude nature!
Tour Information
Duration
17 Hours
Ideal for
Adventurers
Best season
May to December
Languages
English and Spanish
Trip Type
Group and private
Group Tour
Best Price.
Private Tour
Best Experience.
Day 1: Quelccaya Glacier 1 Day Tour
Group service
Get ready for a truly exclusive and off-the-beaten-path high mountain expedition. We will travel to the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range to explore the Quelccaya Glacier, the largest tropical glacier in the world.
An intense route surrounded by turquoise lagoons, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife in its purest state.
- Quelccaya Glacier: A short trek toward the largest tropical ice giant on the planet.
- Sibinacocha Lagoon: A strategic stop at one of the largest, most mystical, and photogenic high Andean lagoons in Cusco.
- Wild Nature: Spotting of vicuñas, alpacas, and breathtaking landscapes of the Andean.
- highlands. Local Gastronomy: Breakfast and lunch with the authentic touch and warmth of an Andean village.
- STARTS: 3:00 a.m., at your hotel within the tourist zone of the city of Cusco.
- ENDS: 8:00 p.m., one block from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
- Transportation
- Meals
- Guide
- Tickets
- 17 Hours
3:00 a.m. - Pickup at your Cusco hotel
In a tourist transport, our guide will pick you and your companions up directly from your hotel located within the tourist zone of the imperial city.
5:30 a.m. - Breakfast on the southern route (Included)
After a two hour drive along the Longitudinal del Sur highway that connects Cusco to Puno, we will stop at a local restaurant along the route to enjoy a refreshing breakfast.
8:00 a.m. - Arrival in Phinaya
The picturesque and small Andean village of Phinaya, home to alpaca and llama herders, located at an altitude of 4,715 m.a.s.l.
9:00 a.m. - Heading to the slopes of the Glacier
We continue the journey for one more hour aboard our van until we approach the base of the imposing Quelccaya.
10:00 a.m. - Trekking to the Ice Giant
At 5,250 m.a.s.l. we begin a short walk of about 30 minutes. The trail rewards us with epic views of streams, lagoons, and vicuñas with the mountain range in the background until we reach the slopes of the largest tropical glacier in the world.
We will have time to take photos in its ice caves, walk, and take pictures near its frozen lakes and rivers.
12:30 p.m. - Return and Lunch in Phinaya
We will return to our vehicle to head back to the village of Phinaya, where a comforting lunch made with local ingredients awaits us.
Here, I recommend trying the local trout, which will be the best trout you will ever taste in your life.
2:30 p.m. - Postcards at the Sibinacocha Lagoon
We begin the return journey to Cusco, making a special stop at the magical Sibinacocha lagoon.
A giant turquoise mirror of water that originates from the melting of the Quelccaya and Suyuparina glaciers.
3:00 p.m. - Return trip to Cusco
We undertake the final leg of the journey back to the imperial city, a perfect moment to rest and process the experience of a unique high mountain route.
8:00 p.m. - Arrival in Cusco and End of Tour
Arrival in downtown Cusco. We drop you off at a central and accessible point for your convenience. End of the adventure.
| Information | Details |
| Duration | 17 hours |
| Altitud máxima | 5,100 m.s.n.m. |
| Trekking Distance | 1 km (round trip) |
| Difficulty | Moderate – Demanding |
| Best Season | May – December |
| Tipo de tour | Group and Private |
Expert Travel Recommendations
What kind of clothing should I wear to travel to Quelccaya?
Warm and layered clothing, including a jacket, windbreaker, rain jacket, trekking shoes, and warm pants.
How much walking is involved in Quelccaya?
Very little, barely 1 km, and it is mostly taking photos, entering the cave, and returning to the car.
Can I travel to Quelccaya the day after arriving in Cusco?
I do not recommend it. Although there isn't much walking involved, remember that the altitude of Quelccaya is 5,100 meters above sea level.
Other Considerations of the Area
- Maximum altitude: 5,100 m.a.s.l.
- Minimum altitude: 4,715 m.a.s.l.
Weather in the Area
- Maximum temperature: 18°C
- Minimum temperature: 5°C
- Usually with freezing winds
Included
- 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
- Modern transportation with all legal licenses.
- All park entrance fees.
- Professional mountain guide.
- Oxygen.
- First aid kit.
- Buffet breakfast.
- A la carte lunch.
Not included
- Some services, such as breakfast, might not be included due to the departure schedule; in such cases, refunds are not applicable.
- Dinner.
- Tips for guides. Travel insurance (Peruvian laws suggest that you enter Peru with insurance purchased in your home country).
- We work with several clinics and can help you arrange medical care if needed (clinics will apply the insurance you previously purchased; however, they do not offer travel insurance).
What to bring
- Personal medications.
- A legible photo of your passport.
- Small adventure backpack (with a rain cover if possible).
- Water (we recommend bringing 1L per day).
- Rain poncho or rain jacket. Extra snacks.
- Hiking shoes and trekking pants.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Lip balm.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, fleece, long sleeve shirts, etc.).
- Cash in SOLES.
Payment
AVOID SCAMS!
GET IN PERU will only charge you a 50% deposit to reserve your seats and tickets.
The remaining balance must be paid 3 days before your departure.
Contact your travel advisor to learn more details or visit our Terms of Service Agreement.
See more photos of the places you'll visit!
- Price per person
Our tour packages include both group and private options. Talk to a travel advisor and customize your experience with our specialized guides.
- Group Tour ⓘ
60.00 USD
- Private Tour ⓘ
195.00 USD
Daily departures
Year around ⓘ
Contact us
Your best adventure one click away
Private Tour: Get to know all these incredible destinations; more time to take the best photos with our specialized tour guides at your service. Rates apply for groups of 2 or more people.
195.00 USD
© The cost decreases or varies with more participants. Talk to your travel advisor.
Why Travel With Us?
Small groups
Enjoy each destination with more time and fewer crowds.
Exclusive attention
24/7 support after your booking; your only worry should be enjoying your trip.
Expert guides
We create memorable experiences, not standard tours.
Have questions?
We got answers
Is it worth visiting the Quelccaya Glacier?
Absolutely! It is the largest tropical ice cap in the world. It is a stunning destination, perfect for lovers of pure adventure, pristine high altitude landscapes, crystal clear lagoons, and Andean wildlife like vicuñas.
Where is the Quelccaya Glacier?
The Quelccaya Glacier is located in the Peruvian Andes, within the Vilcanota mountain range. For this tour, we travel from the city of Cusco toward the Andean village of Phinaya (about a 5-hour journey), which serves as the starting point to the slopes of the glacier.
How long is the walk?
The trek is relatively short but challenging due to the altitude. You will walk approximately 30 minutes each way (and another 30 minutes back) from where the transport drops us off, covering a total distance of about 6 kilometers for the entire route.
How high is the Quelccaya Glacier?
During the tour, we will begin the trek at a minimum altitude of 4,700 meters above sea level and reach a maximum altitude of 5,100 meters at the slopes of the glacier.
Is acclimatization required?
Yes, it is extremely important. Since you will reach an altitude of 5,100 meters, we recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days beforehand in Cusco so your body can adapt to the altitude.
Does the Quelccaya Glacier have snow?
Yes, it is an eternal ice cap! Upon arrival, you will find yourself standing before an immense wall of perpetual ice and snow.
Is sunrise or sunset better for the tour?
The sunrise, because this allows us to make the most of the daylight, enjoy the entire morning at the glacier with the best weather conditions, and see the landscape of the Sibinacocha lagoon before starting the return trip in the afternoon.
What is the best season to visit?
The best season to visit is from May to December, during the dry months in the Andes, as the skies are clearer and the route conditions are optimal.
Is it very cold at the Quelccaya Glacier?
During the day: Temperatures usually hover between 18°C and 5°C if it is sunny, but the thermal sensation is much lower due to the freezing winds that blow directly down from the ice.
What clothing should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
- Warm clothing
- Trekking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Jacket or windbreaker
- Warm pants
Are breakfast and lunch included?
Yes! The tour includes a morning breakfast to recharge your energy before arrival and a buffet lunch to be enjoyed along the route with spectacular views of the Andean landscape.
How much does it cost to enter the Quelccaya Glacier?
At GET IN PERU, we offer two options with entry tickets already included: the Group Tour for $60.00 USD per person and the Private Tour for $195.00 USD per person (base price for 2 or more people; the price decreases as the group size gets larger).
Is it suitable for children?
No, due to the extreme altitude (5,100 meters above sea level), the long driving hours (about 12 hours in total round trip), and the freezing winds, it is not recommended for very young children or older adults with chronic health or respiratory issues.
Is there cell phone signal or internet during the tour?
Signal is practically nonexistent once we head into the route toward Phinaya and the Quelccaya Glacier. It is a very remote area, so you will be disconnected for most of the day.
What happens if I get altitude sickness (soroche) during the tour?
Our professional guides are fully trained in first aid for mountain areas.
Recommended tours in Peru
Humantay Lake
Machu Picchu at Sunset
The Best of Cusco in 6 Days
Built a custom tour
Not found what you want, send us a message –>>>>