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
- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
Secure your spot with only 50%
Confirmation
Immediate
Duration
17 Hours
Difficulty
Easy
Daily departures
365 days a year
Trip type
Group or private
Save your spot with only 50%
- Safe and secure payment
- Immediate confirmation
- International cards accepted
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
- Best price
- Independent traveler
- Fixed departures
Private Tour
- Flexible schedule
- Personalized service
- Private vehicle
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
- Transportation
- Meals
- Guide
- Tickets
- 17 Hours
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.
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?
- Hotel pick up included
- Breakfast + stop in Phinaya
- Quelccaya Glacier trekking + lunch
- Stop at Sibinacocha
- Book with only 50% down
Book with confidence
- Instant confirmation
- Over 6 years creating unforgettable experiences
- Personalized WhatsApp assistance
- Specialized local tour operator
- Guaranteed departures
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.
Not icluded
- 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).
What to bring
- 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).
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 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
- Best Price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$195USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Better Photo Opportunities
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
- Specialized Local Guides
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$195USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- Exclusive Guide for Your Group
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$60USD
per person
- Best price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Secure your spot with only 50%
Pay the rest later
- Secure Payment Processing
- Instant Booking Confirmation
- All Major International Cards Accepted
- Pay in Your Preferred Currency
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Everything you need to know
before you travel
What Is the 1 Day Quelccaya Glacier Tour from Cusco Like?
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.
How Long Is the Quelccaya Glacier Tour from 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.
How Much Hiking Is Required at Quelccaya Glacier?
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.
How Difficult Is the Quelccaya Glacier Tour?
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.
What Is the Elevation of Quelccaya Glacier?
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.
Do I Need to Acclimatize Before Visiting Quelccaya Glacier?
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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What’s Included in the 1 Day Quelccaya Glacier Tour from Cusco?
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.
What Should I Wear for the Quelccaya Glacier Tour?
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.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Quelccaya Glacier?
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.
What Makes the Quelccaya Glacier Tour with GET IN PERU Different?
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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