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Tour to Quelccaya Glacier – 2 Days / 1 Night

Starting point:
Cusco
Duration:
2 Days / 1 Night
Activities:
High-altitude trekking, glaciers, pristine landscapes, camping.
Altitude:
5600 m.
Difficulty:
Challenging

Explore the Majestic Quelccaya Glacier in 2 Days

Embark on an unforgettable 2-day adventure to the spectacular Quelccaya Glacier, the world's largest tropical glacier and one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Peruvian Andes. Located deep within the Vilcanota Mountain Range, this trekking experience takes you far from the usual tourist routes, offering incredible scenery, peaceful landscapes, and a true connection with nature.

During the journey, you'll hike through remote Andean valleys surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons, towering snow-capped peaks, and vast high-altitude plains where alpacas, llamas, and wild vicuñas roam freely. As you approach the glacier, you'll witness the impressive walls of ancient ice and enjoy spectacular panoramic views that make this destination a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.

Perfect for adventure enthusiasts, this 2-day trek combines breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and the thrill of exploring one of Peru's most remarkable glaciers. It's an unforgettable experience for travelers looking to discover the untouched beauty of the Andes beyond the classic routes around Cusco.

PRICES

Tour to Quelccaya Glacier – 2 Days / 1 Night
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Itinerary

Cusco – Pitumarca – Sibinacocha – Phinaya – Quelccaya Camp

Nuestra aventura comienza muy temprano por la mañana con el recojo directo desde su hotel en la ciudad de Cusco a las 05:00 a.m. Iniciaremos el viaje en nuestro transporte turístico hacia el pintoresco pueblo de Pitumarca, donde nos detendremos para disfrutar de un delicioso y reconfortante desayuno típico andino.

Tras un breve descanso, continuaremos el recorrido con dirección a la laguna de Sibinacocha, una de las extensiones de agua más grandes, remotas y bellas de la cordillera de Vilcanota, rodeada de montañas nevadas y reflejos de un impresionante color turquesa. Luego, nos dirigiremos hacia el valle de Phinaya, un pequeño y tranquilo poblado andino ubicado a más de 4,700 m.s.n.m. En este imponente lugar realizaremos una parada para disfrutar de un almuerzo campestre con vistas espectaculares al Glaciar de Quelccaya.

Por la tarde, realizaremos una caminata de aproximadamente una hora hasta llegar a un mirador cercano al glaciar, desde donde podrá contemplar por primera vez el inmenso y majestuoso manto de hielo. Al finalizar la caminata, nos instalaremos en nuestro campamento base, donde compartiremos una cena caliente reparadora bajo el limpio cielo estrellado de los Andes y pasaremos la noche en un ambiente de total conexión con la naturaleza salvaje.

Hike to Quelccaya Glacier – Return to Cusco

A las 05:30 a.m. iniciaremos el día disfrutando de un desayuno nutritivo en el campamento base, rodeados de un impresionante amanecer andino. De inmediato, comenzaremos nuestra caminata rumbo al imponente Glaciar de Quelccaya, una travesía que nos tomará aproximadamente de 30 a 40 minutos de marcha.

Durante este tramo del recorrido podrá deleitarse con la paz del altiplano, observando lagunas cristalinas, pequeños riachuelos formados por el deshielo, montañas cubiertas de nieve perpetua y la presencia de vicuñas y alpacas pastando libremente en la zona. Al llegar al glaciar, dispondrá de tiempo libre suficiente para explorar este majestuoso manto de hielo, considerado el glaciar tropical más grande del mundo. Podrá tomar fotografías espectaculares, admirar las formaciones de hielo, explorar cuevas naturales y sentir la pureza de uno de los parajes más remotos del Perú.

Después de esta experiencia única, emprenderemos el camino de retorno al campamento base para disfrutar de un almuerzo reponedor. Finalmente, abordaremos nuestro transporte turístico para iniciar el viaje de regreso hacia la ciudad de Cusco, llegando de manera aproximada a las 19:00 hrs directo a su hotel.

Inclusions

What's included?

  • Briefing: Detailed informational and coordination session provided one day before the trip.
  • Transfers: Pick-up service from your hotel in Cusco and start of the expedition.
  • Tourist Transportation: Private vehicle for the Cusco – Quelccaya – Cusco route during the 2-day tour.
  • Professional Guide: Certified official guide fluent in English and Spanish, expert in high-altitude trekking.
  • Full Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches (including a field lunch), and 1 hot dinner at the camp.
  • Basic Camping Equipment: High-quality mountain tents, thermal sleeping pads, and cooking utensils.
  • Entrance Fees: Official entry ticket included for access to the Quelccaya Glacier.
  • Medical Assistance: Complete first aid kit and emergency oxygen tank for altitude support.
  • 24/7 Support: Continuous personalized assistance before, during, and after the tour.

What's not included?

  • Sleeping bag (necessary for the camping night; can be rented in advance with us).
  • Trekking poles with rubber tips.
  • Additional drinks, bottled water, or personal energy snacks for the route.
  • Optional tips for the team of guides, cooks, and drivers.
  • Heavy warm clothing and personal trekking footwear.
  • Extra expenses or services not explicitly mentioned in the program.

Packing list

Essentials

Extra money (recommended in Peruvian soles)

Extra money (recommended in Peruvian soles)

Sunscreen

Sunscreen

Travel insurance

Travel insurance

Clothing

Hat or cap

Hat or cap

Comfortable trekking shoes

Comfortable trekking shoes

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Equipment

Camera

Camera

Plug adapter

Plug adapter

Small backpack

Small backpack

Water bottle

Water bottle

Portable charger

Portable charger

Recommended

Snacks and energy bars

Snacks and energy bars

Disinfectant wipes

Disinfectant wipes

Respect the environment by avoiding littering and damaging archaeological sites

Respect the environment by avoiding littering and damaging archaeological sites

Recommendations

  • It is strictly mandatory to bring your valid national ID (DNI) or passport.
  • We recommend at least 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco before taking this tour to properly adapt to the altitude.
  • It is essential to wear layered high-mountain clothing: thermal wear, waterproof jacket, windbreaker, warm gloves, wool hat, and scarf, as temperatures can drop to -5°C at night in the camp.
  • Wear waterproof trekking boots or shoes that are comfortable and well broken-in for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a small backpack for personal items, UV-protection sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, and a headlamp with charged batteries for nighttime use.
  • Bring a camera with extra batteries or a power bank, as extreme cold can drain devices quickly.
  • Carry water bottles to stay hydrated, coca or muña candies, and cash in Peruvian soles for any extra expenses along the route.
  • Be a responsible traveler: do not leave trash on the trail, respect local wildlife, and follow all rules of the protected natural area.

Faqs

This tour is classified as challenging difficulty. Although the access hikes are relatively short (30 to 60 minutes), the activity takes place above 4,700 meters and reaches a maximum altitude of up to 5,600 m.a.s.l. in the higher zones. A good general physical condition, optimal cardiovascular health, and mandatory prior acclimatization are required.

We will spend the night in a high-mountain base camp near the Phinaya valley. Conditions are remote and fully disconnected. We provide resistant mountain tents and insulated sleeping pads, but due to the proximity to the ancient ice and high altitude, nighttime temperatures can easily drop to -5°C or lower. Heavy thermal clothing and an appropriate sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures are essential.

Yes. Since a cold-weather sleeping bag is mandatory and not included in the standard price, we offer rental of professional down or thermal fiber sleeping bags designed for extreme cold. This additional service can be requested with our sales advisors when confirming your booking.

Our team is highly trained to operate in extreme altitude environments. We continuously monitor passengers’ condition throughout the route. Our tourist transport and official mountain guide are always equipped with first aid kits and medical oxygen tanks/cylinders to provide immediate assistance to any traveler experiencing severe altitude sickness symptoms.

Pricing

Group Rate

Tour to Quelccaya Glacier – 2 Days / 1 Night
(Price per person - minimum 2 people)

Shared Expedition Service (Minimum 2 people – includes round-trip tourist transportation, professional English/Spanish guide, full mountain meals, basic camping equipment, entrance tickets, and safety equipment with oxygen support)

USD 195.00
Itinerary

Itinerary

Cusco – Pitumarca – Sibinacocha – Phinaya – Quelccaya Camp

Nuestra aventura comienza muy temprano por la mañana con el recojo directo desde su hotel en la ciudad de Cusco a las 05:00 a.m. Iniciaremos el viaje en nuestro transporte turístico hacia el pintoresco pueblo de Pitumarca, donde nos detendremos para disfrutar de un delicioso y reconfortante desayuno típico andino.

Tras un breve descanso, continuaremos el recorrido con dirección a la laguna de Sibinacocha, una de las extensiones de agua más grandes, remotas y bellas de la cordillera de Vilcanota, rodeada de montañas nevadas y reflejos de un impresionante color turquesa. Luego, nos dirigiremos hacia el valle de Phinaya, un pequeño y tranquilo poblado andino ubicado a más de 4,700 m.s.n.m. En este imponente lugar realizaremos una parada para disfrutar de un almuerzo campestre con vistas espectaculares al Glaciar de Quelccaya.

Por la tarde, realizaremos una caminata de aproximadamente una hora hasta llegar a un mirador cercano al glaciar, desde donde podrá contemplar por primera vez el inmenso y majestuoso manto de hielo. Al finalizar la caminata, nos instalaremos en nuestro campamento base, donde compartiremos una cena caliente reparadora bajo el limpio cielo estrellado de los Andes y pasaremos la noche en un ambiente de total conexión con la naturaleza salvaje.

Hike to Quelccaya Glacier – Return to Cusco

A las 05:30 a.m. iniciaremos el día disfrutando de un desayuno nutritivo en el campamento base, rodeados de un impresionante amanecer andino. De inmediato, comenzaremos nuestra caminata rumbo al imponente Glaciar de Quelccaya, una travesía que nos tomará aproximadamente de 30 a 40 minutos de marcha.

Durante este tramo del recorrido podrá deleitarse con la paz del altiplano, observando lagunas cristalinas, pequeños riachuelos formados por el deshielo, montañas cubiertas de nieve perpetua y la presencia de vicuñas y alpacas pastando libremente en la zona. Al llegar al glaciar, dispondrá de tiempo libre suficiente para explorar este majestuoso manto de hielo, considerado el glaciar tropical más grande del mundo. Podrá tomar fotografías espectaculares, admirar las formaciones de hielo, explorar cuevas naturales y sentir la pureza de uno de los parajes más remotos del Perú.

Después de esta experiencia única, emprenderemos el camino de retorno al campamento base para disfrutar de un almuerzo reponedor. Finalmente, abordaremos nuestro transporte turístico para iniciar el viaje de regreso hacia la ciudad de Cusco, llegando de manera aproximada a las 19:00 hrs directo a su hotel.

Inclusions

Inclusions

What's included?

  • Briefing: Detailed informational and coordination session provided one day before the trip.
  • Transfers: Pick-up service from your hotel in Cusco and start of the expedition.
  • Tourist Transportation: Private vehicle for the Cusco – Quelccaya – Cusco route during the 2-day tour.
  • Professional Guide: Certified official guide fluent in English and Spanish, expert in high-altitude trekking.
  • Full Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches (including a field lunch), and 1 hot dinner at the camp.
  • Basic Camping Equipment: High-quality mountain tents, thermal sleeping pads, and cooking utensils.
  • Entrance Fees: Official entry ticket included for access to the Quelccaya Glacier.
  • Medical Assistance: Complete first aid kit and emergency oxygen tank for altitude support.
  • 24/7 Support: Continuous personalized assistance before, during, and after the tour.

What's not included?

  • Sleeping bag (necessary for the camping night; can be rented in advance with us).
  • Trekking poles with rubber tips.
  • Additional drinks, bottled water, or personal energy snacks for the route.
  • Optional tips for the team of guides, cooks, and drivers.
  • Heavy warm clothing and personal trekking footwear.
  • Extra expenses or services not explicitly mentioned in the program.
Packing list

Packing list

Recommendations

Recommendations

  • It is strictly mandatory to bring your valid national ID (DNI) or passport.
  • We recommend at least 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco before taking this tour to properly adapt to the altitude.
  • It is essential to wear layered high-mountain clothing: thermal wear, waterproof jacket, windbreaker, warm gloves, wool hat, and scarf, as temperatures can drop to -5°C at night in the camp.
  • Wear waterproof trekking boots or shoes that are comfortable and well broken-in for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a small backpack for personal items, UV-protection sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, and a headlamp with charged batteries for nighttime use.
  • Bring a camera with extra batteries or a power bank, as extreme cold can drain devices quickly.
  • Carry water bottles to stay hydrated, coca or muña candies, and cash in Peruvian soles for any extra expenses along the route.
  • Be a responsible traveler: do not leave trash on the trail, respect local wildlife, and follow all rules of the protected natural area.
Faqs

Faqs

This tour is classified as challenging difficulty. Although the access hikes are relatively short (30 to 60 minutes), the activity takes place above 4,700 meters and reaches a maximum altitude of up to 5,600 m.a.s.l. in the higher zones. A good general physical condition, optimal cardiovascular health, and mandatory prior acclimatization are required.

We will spend the night in a high-mountain base camp near the Phinaya valley. Conditions are remote and fully disconnected. We provide resistant mountain tents and insulated sleeping pads, but due to the proximity to the ancient ice and high altitude, nighttime temperatures can easily drop to -5°C or lower. Heavy thermal clothing and an appropriate sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures are essential.

Yes. Since a cold-weather sleeping bag is mandatory and not included in the standard price, we offer rental of professional down or thermal fiber sleeping bags designed for extreme cold. This additional service can be requested with our sales advisors when confirming your booking.

Our team is highly trained to operate in extreme altitude environments. We continuously monitor passengers’ condition throughout the route. Our tourist transport and official mountain guide are always equipped with first aid kits and medical oxygen tanks/cylinders to provide immediate assistance to any traveler experiencing severe altitude sickness symptoms.

Pricing

Pricing

Group Rate

Tour to Quelccaya Glacier – 2 Days / 1 Night

Shared Expedition Service (Minimum 2 people – includes round-trip tourist transportation, professional English/Spanish guide, full mountain meals, basic camping equipment, entrance tickets, and safety equipment with oxygen support)

USD 195.00

Steps to reserve

1.Book easily through our form

2. Verify the information and complete the payment.

3. Receive your booking confirmation by email.

1. Book easily through our form

Press the Book Now button to access our booking system. There you will need to complete the following information:

  1. Date and alternative date of travel.
  2. Number of travelers.
  3. Traveler details.
  4. Additional services if desired.
  5. Contact details.
2. Verify the information and complete the payment.

After entering your details and continuing, you will need to accept the terms and conditions to proceed with the payment..

Payments are processed securely through the IZI PAY platform.

3. Receive your booking confirmation by email.
If your payment is processed successfully, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking details. That's it! It's that easy.
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