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Best Quelccaya glacier 1 day tour from Cusco

The most complete tour to the Quelccaya Glacier, including breakfast and lunch, with a visit to Sibinacocha and the glacier caves.

From:

$60USD

per person

Secure your spot with only 50%

20 + verified reviews

Confirmation

Immediate

Duration

17 Hours

Difficulty

Easy

Daily departures

365 days a year

Trip type

Group or private

Save your spot with only 50%

Tickets incluidos Soporte 24/7 Operador local

Quelccaya Glacier

The most complete way to discover Quelccaya Glacier and the breathtaking Ausangate Route in a single day.

Hike to the world’s largest tropical glacier, admire stunning high Andean landscapes, observe native wildlife, and enjoy unforgettable views of the Peruvian Andes.

Choose the option that best suits your trip.

Group Tour

Private Tour

Día 1: Best Quelccaya glacier 1 day tour from Cusco

Your experience at a glance:

3:00 AM

Pick up from your hotel in Cusco

5:30 AM

Breakfast in Cusipata

6:15 AM

We continue along the South Cusco Puno highway

8:00 AM

Stop in the town of Phinaya

10:00 AM

Quelccaya Glacier Trekking

12:30 PM

Return and lunch in Phinaya

2:30 PM

Heading back to Cusco with a stop at Sibinacocha

8:00 PM

End of the adventure in downtown Cusco

3:00 AM - Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco

Our guide will pick you and your companions up directly from your hotel located within the tourist zone of the Imperial City in a comfortable tour vehicle.

5:30 AM - Breakfast on the southern route (Included)

After a two hour drive along the Southern Longitudinal Highway that connects Cusco to Puno, we will stop at a local restaurant along the way to enjoy a refreshing breakfast.

8:00 AM - Arrival in Phinaya

We reach the picturesque, small Andean village of Phinaya, home to alpaca and llama herders, sitting at an altitude of 4,715 meters (15,469 feet) above sea level.

9:00 AM - Heading to the slopes of the Glacier

We continue our journey for another hour aboard our van until we approach the base of the majestic Quelccaya.

10:00 AM - Trekking to the Ice Giant

At 5,250 meters (17,224 feet) above sea level, we begin a short 30-minute hike. The trail rewards us with epic views of streams, lagoons, and vicuñas set against the mountain range, leading us right to the edge of the world's largest tropical glacier.

We will have time to take photos inside its ice caves, walk around, and take pictures near its frozen lakes and rivers.

12:30 PM - Return and Lunch in Phinaya

We will head back to our vehicle to return to the village of Phinaya, where a comforting lunch made with local ingredients awaits us.

Recommendation I highly recommend trying the local trout here it will be the best trout you will ever taste.

2:30 PM - Postcards at Sibinacocha Lagoon

We begin our return trip to Cusco, making a special stop at the magical Sibinacocha Lagoon.

A giant, turquoise mirror of water, it is formed by the glacial meltwaters of both the Quelccaya and Suyuparina glaciers.

3:00 PM - Return journey to Cusco

We set off on the final leg of our trip back to the Imperial City the perfect time to rest and reflect on the experience of this unique high mountain route.

8:00 PM - Arrival in Cusco and End of Tour

Arrival in downtown Cusco. We will drop you off at a central and accessible location for your convenience. End of the adventure.

Tour de Full Day a Quelccaya desde Cusco GET IN PERU

Area Considerations

Maximum altitude

5,100 m a.s.l. (16,732 ft)

Minimum altitude

3,380 m a.s.l. (11,089 ft)

Distance

1 km

Maximum temperature

18°C (64°F)

Minimum temperature

5°C (41°F)

Cold winds

Usually with freezing winds

Expert Travel Recommendations

What kind of clothing should I wear to visit Quelccaya?

Warm clothing worn in layers, including a jacket, windbreaker, rain jacket, trekking shoes, and warm pants.

How much walking is involved in Quelccaya?

Very little. It is barely 1 km and mostly consists of taking photos, entering the ice cave, and returning to the vehicle.

Can I travel to Quelccaya the day after arriving in Cusco?

We do not recommend it. Although there isn't much walking involved, please remember that the altitude at Quelccaya reaches 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) above sea level.

Why is this tour different?

Tour de Full Day a Quelccaya desde Cusco GET IN PERU

Book with confidence

Included
  • 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
  • Modern transportation with all legal permits and licenses.
  • All park entrance tickets.
  • Professional mountain guide.
  • Oxygen.
  • First aid kit.
  • Buffet breakfast.
  • À la carte lunch.
  • Dinner.
  • Tips for the guides.
  • Travel insurance (Peruvian laws suggest that you enter Peru with a policy purchased in your home country).
  • We work with several clinics and can help you arrange medical care if needed (the clinics will apply the insurance you previously purchased; however, they do not offer travel insurance themselves).
  • Personal medication.
  • A legible photo of your passport.
  • Small daypack (with a rain cover if possible).
  • Water (we recommend bringing 1L per day).
  • Rain poncho or rain jacket.
  • Extra snacks.
  • Hiking shoes and pants.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • Lip balm.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, fleece, long-sleeve shirts, etc.).
  • Cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN).

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 for more details or visit our Terms of Service Agreement.

Travel your way

$ Price per person

Our tour packages are available in both group and private formats. Consult with one of our travel experts to tailor your journey and enjoy a personalized experience led by our specialized local guides.

Budget friendly

Group Tour

From:

$60USD

per person

Recommended experience

Private Tour

From:

$195USD

per person

Minimum 2 travelers

Always Included

Recommended experience

Private Tour

From:

$195USD

per person

Minimum 2 travelers

Budget friendly

Group Tour

From:

$60USD

per person

Always Included

Secure your spot with only 50%

Pay the rest later

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Shera Zad - Panama
Shera Zad - Panama
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We are from the Shera Zad group. Our experience with GET IN PERU was great! They gave us the best attention and service. We had an excellent tour and tour guide. They met our expectations, and we had a great vacation. Thank you...
Nicole - Colombia
Nicole - Colombia
Verified Traveler
Highly recommended agency, everyone was very kind and always willing to help and answer questions. All the organization and logistics for each of the places we visited were perfect, on time, and exactly as described in each itinerary. Excellent service!
Bibiana - Ecuador
Bibiana - Ecuador
Verified Traveler
GET IN PERÚ made our trip to Peru unforgettable. From the moment we were looking at options and itineraries, until the moment they dropped us back off at the airport, they were looking out for us and always ready to help. Highly recommended, I still have several places left to visit and I would definitely return with them.
Adriana - Colombia
Adriana - Colombia
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I had the pleasure of traveling with a group of friends to Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain under the guidance and advice of David and his team. One of the best travel experiences, they were always very attentive, willing to resolve any questions, and ready to help you with photos so you could take home great memories; they turned the trip into an unforgettable adventure full of professionalism and camaraderie. I hope to return to Cusco for more amazing trips... 100% recommended.
Juliet - France
Juliet - France
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We took a tour of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain and it was a great and wonderful experience. They were very attentive and their assistance was highly personalized. When I return, I will definitely call them again 😊
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Jadhyra M. - USA
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Miguel - Mexico
Miguel - Mexico
Verified Traveler
From the very beginning of the trip, everything was excellent. The support with making payments and their punctuality upon our arrival gave us a lot of peace of mind, as it was our first experience in another country. All the guides were very well-prepared and great people, very kind. Everything was on time and there was never a single setback. Honestly, this was a fundamental part of making it an incredible experience. Highly recommended, thank you for everything!!!

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Everything you need to know
before you travel

The 1 Day Quelccaya Glacier Tour from Cusco is a full-day adventure that includes hotel pickup, breakfast in Cusipata, transportation to Phinaya, a short hike to Quelccaya Glacier, an Andean lunch, and the return journey to Cusco with a scenic stop at Sibinacocha Lake. According to the GET IN PERU itinerary, the tour departs at 3:00 AM and returns to downtown Cusco at approximately 8:00 PM.

What makes this tour unique is that it offers much more than a visit to the glacier. The itinerary also showcases the traditional pastoral landscapes of Phinaya, includes a photo stop at the stunning Sibinacocha Lake, and follows part of the scenic Cusco Puno South Highway, making it a richer and more diverse experience than simply visiting a glacier viewpoint.

💡 GET IN PERU Tip: Avoid scheduling this tour for your first day in Cusco. We recommend spending your first few days acclimatizing before visiting high altitude destinations like Quelccaya Glacier.

📍 Did You Know? Sibinacocha Lake and its reservoir are located in the upper Salcca River Basin in Pitumarca, at an average elevation of 4,860 meters (15,945 ft) above sea level, making this scenic stop one of the highlights that sets this tour apart from other high-altitude excursions in Cusco.

The Quelccaya Glacier Tour from Cusco lasts approximately 17 hours. According to the GET IN PERU itinerary, the tour departs in the early morning and returns to Cusco at around 8:00 PM, making it a full-day adventure designed to be completed in a single day.

This information is important because it helps set realistic expectations. You’ll start your day very early, spend much of it traveling through breathtaking high altitude landscapes, and return to a lower elevation by the evening. For many travelers, returning to a lower altitude on the same day is generally more comfortable than spending the night at high elevation.

💡 GET IN PERU Tip: Have a light dinner the night before, go to bed early, and pack your daypack before going to sleep. For tours that begin at 3:00 AM, starting the day well rested can make a big difference in your overall experience.

📍 Did You Know? Returning to a lower elevation on the same day often makes high altitude excursions more comfortable, as many travelers feel better sleeping at lower altitudes after spending the day in the mountains.

The Quelccaya Glacier Tour involves very little hiking. According to the tour itinerary, you’ll walk approximately 1 km (0.6 miles), with the main section consisting of a 30 minute hike from the base of the glacier to the viewpoint. In terms of distance, it is not a long trek.

The real challenge is the altitude, not the distance. The hike begins at approximately 5,250 meters (17,225 ft) above sea level, so even a short walk can feel more demanding than a much longer hike at lower elevations.

💡 GET IN PERU Tip: Walk slowly from the very beginning. At high altitude, your pace matters more than the distance starting too fast can make even a short hike feel much more strenuous.

📍 Did You Know? Your ability to enjoy high-altitude hikes depends far more on proper acclimatization than on physical fitness alone, which is why spending a few days in Cusco before the tour is highly recommended.

The Quelccaya Glacier Tour is considered easy in terms of hiking distance, but moderately to physically demanding because of the altitude. While the hike itself is relatively short, the tour reaches elevations of approximately 5,100 5,250 meters (16,730 17,225 ft) above sea level, where the reduced oxygen levels make physical activity much more challenging.

For most travelers, the altitude not the hike is the greatest challenge. Spending a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour will help you enjoy the experience more comfortably.

💡 GET IN PERU Tip: If you experience a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, or unusual shortness of breath during the tour, don’t try to push through it. Inform your guide immediately and follow their recommendations, which may include resting or descending if necessary.

📍 Did You Know? Even though the hike is relatively short, the extreme elevation makes Quelccaya Glacier one of the highest day tours available from Cusco, offering an unforgettable high-Andean experience.

The Quelccaya Glacier Tour takes place at elevations of around 5,100 meters (16,730 ft) above sea level, while the starting point of the hike is located at approximately 5,250 meters (17,225 ft). The nearby community of Phinaya, where part of the tour takes place, sits at about 4,715 meters (15,469 ft) above sea level.

These elevations explain why the tour feels more challenging because of the altitude than because of the hiking distance. Although the walk is relatively short, the thin mountain air makes even light physical activity more demanding.

💡 GET IN PERU Tip: Once you arrive at the trailhead, avoid running, jumping, or overexerting yourself. At elevations above 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), even small efforts can feel surprisingly intense.

📍 Did You Know? In addition to lower oxygen levels, high-altitude environments like Quelccaya Glacier expose visitors to colder temperatures, drier air, and much stronger UV radiation than at lower elevations.

Yes, it is highly recommended to acclimatize before visiting Quelccaya Glacier. Due to the tour’s extremely high elevation, spending time adjusting to the altitude before your excursion can make your experience much more comfortable.

We recommend spending at least two or three days in Cusco before taking the tour. Exploring the city or visiting lower-altitude destinations such as the Sacred Valley first allows your body to adapt gradually before ascending above 5,000 meters (16,400 ft).

💡 GET IN PERU Tip: Plan your Quelccaya Glacier Tour after one or two relaxed days in Cusco or even after a less demanding day trip. Better acclimatization usually means a more enjoyable experience and better opportunities to appreciate the incredible scenery.

📍 Did You Know? Cusco sits at approximately 3,350 meters (10,990 ft) above sea level, making it an ideal place to begin acclimatizing before visiting high altitude destinations like Quelccaya Glacier.

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The 1-Day Quelccaya Glacier Tour from Cusco includes tourist transportation, entrance tickets, a professional mountain guide, oxygen, a first aid kit, a buffet breakfast, an à la carte lunch, early hotel pickup, and a scenic stop at Sibinacocha Lake on the return journey. Everything is carefully organized so you can enjoy this full day high altitude adventure without worrying about the logistics.

Please note that the tour does not include dinner, tips, or travel insurance.

💡 GET IN PERU Tip: Before booking, check not only what’s included but also what’s excluded. On long, high-altitude tours, knowing in advance that breakfast, lunch, and oxygen support are provided helps you prepare with confidence.

📍 Did You Know? The Quelccaya Glacier Tour is available as both a shared and private experience, with departures 365 days a year, allowing you to choose the option that best matches your budget and travel style.

For the Quelccaya Glacier Tour, we recommend wearing warm layered clothing, a windproof or waterproof jacket, hiking pants, and trekking shoes. You should also bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, lip balm, and cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) for personal expenses.

These recommendations are important because the high mountain environment combines cold temperatures, strong winds, and intense UV radiation, making proper clothing essential for both comfort and protection.

💡 GET IN PERU Tip: Dress in layers instead of wearing one heavy jacket. This will help you adjust more easily to the chilly morning temperatures, the warmer midday sun, and the cold winds commonly experienced near the glacier.

📍 Did You Know? The Quelccaya Glacier area typically experiences temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 18°C (64°F), and cold winds are common throughout the day, making layered clothing and facial protection highly recommended.

Quelccaya Glacier can be visited year round, but many travelers prefer the dry season, generally from April to September, when there’s a higher chance of clear skies, more comfortable road conditions, and excellent visibility for photography.

Although the tour operates 365 days a year, it’s important to remember that mountain weather can change quickly. The dry season offers a better chance of favorable conditions, but no weather can ever be guaranteed.

💡 GET IN PERU Tip: If photography is one of your priorities, plan your visit during the dry season and book your tour in advance. This gives you more flexibility to choose a date that fits your itinerary around Cusco.

📍 Did You Know? In the Cusco region, the dry season typically lasts from April to September, bringing sunnier days and colder nights, while the rainy season generally runs from October to March, when the landscapes become greener and more vibrant.

The Quelccaya Glacier Tour with GET IN PERU stands out by combining Quelccaya Glacier, Phinaya, and Sibinacocha Lake in a single full day adventure. The experience also includes breakfast, à la carte lunch, a professional mountain guide, oxygen, a first aid kit, hotel pickup, and instant booking confirmation. Rather than simply providing transportation to the glacier, this tour offers a complete and carefully organized high altitude experience.

GET IN PERU also provides added peace of mind with personalized WhatsApp assistance, an experienced local tour operator, guaranteed departures, and more than 6 years of experience creating unforgettable travel experiences throughout Peru.

💡 GET IN PERU Tip: If you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or simply want a more flexible experience, compare the shared and private tour options. On long, high altitude excursions, the level of comfort can vary significantly depending on the type of service you choose.

📍 Did You Know? Quelccaya Glacier is the largest tropical ice cap in the world, and scientists have studied its ice cores for decades to better understand past climate patterns and the glacier’s important role in the region’s water supply.

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