Trek to Quelccaya Glacier 2 Days
Explore the Glacier of Quelccaya in Peru 2 Days
Trek to Quelccaya glacier is located in the southeast of Peru, in the Cusco region, it is the most extensive tropical glacier in the world of 44 square kilometers and an ice layer more than 200 meters thick. It is one of the favorite destinations for professional mountaineers, who come to conquer its peak.
Quelccaya is a majestic glacier, ideal for practicing adventure sports and appreciating nature; numerous species of fauna such as alpacas, llamas and vicuñas inhabit this area, which are of great importance to the nearby populations of this area. It is made up of U-shaped valleys, glacial streaks in the volcanic rocks and beautiful lagoons in the Vilcanota mountain range.
Peru is a country where you can find almost all the ecosystems in the world. A clear example is the Quelccaya glacier in Cusco, considered one of the wonders of the country. Glaciers are the largest freshwater reserves on the planet. They are a source of water for agriculture, industrial activities and domestic uses.
Trip Highlights
- Numerous species such as alpacas, llamas and vicuñas inhabit this majestic glacier, which are of great importance to the nearby populations of this area.
- Likewise, it is made up of U-shaped valleys, majestic glaciers and beautiful lagoons.
- Cusco is considered the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, which has a great historical and architectural legacy.
- The Quelccaya glacier is considered by the inhabitants of the high Andean zone as one of the main Apus of the Vilcanota mountain range.
- Quelccaya is a perfect attraction for hiking and enjoying its enigmatic landscape.
Inclusions of this tour
CUSCO - PITIMARCA - SIBINACOCHA - PHINAYA
Today we will pick you up from your hotel in the city of Cusco at 7:00 am. Then we go in our private transport to the town of Pitumarca, where we will make a stop to buy some products such as fruits, coca leaves, and some food for our adventure. Continuing with the tour we will continue towards the Ofecina valley, from where we will already appreciate the typical bucolic landscape of the Andes of Peru, surrounded by great mountains and herds of llamas grazing next to their shepherds.
After 4 hours of driving we will arrive at the Chilca valley from where we will undertake the ascent to the highest pass of the day, the great Jahuaycate (5070 masl). During the journey we will enjoy the most impressive views of the highlands of the Cusco region, where it is surrounded by the great chain of Ausangate Mountains, herds of Vicuñas, flamingos. At noon we will arrive at the great Sibinacocha lagoon, which has a natural beauty next to the Yayamari mountain.
At 13:00 pm, we will finally arrive at the town of Phinaya (4,700 masl), where we will be received by our local guide, who will provide us with the local lodging service. Upon our arrival our lunch will be ready.
In the afternoon we will explore the Parque de los Glaciares, located 30 minutes by car from the town, this natural beauty offers hills of colors, and we will enjoy a beautiful sunset in the Ccascara lagoon. On our return we will have our dinner, and rest for our great hike the next day.
Local Home Stay
EXPLORING THE QUELCCAYA - RETURN TO CUSCO
Today we start early with our expedition, at 6:00 am it will be our breakfast, and then we go in the transport to the starting point of the walk. At 7:45 am we start the ascent passing through the Ruyta wetlands, after two hours we will arrive at the Ch’allpa lagoon, from where we can see the Ausangate mountain ranges.
After two more hours we arrive at the Quelccaya glacier lagoon, and from there we will explore the glacier in all its magnitude, then we will go to the other viewpoint where we can see two lagoons, one chocolate-colored and the other turquoise, with the bottom of the great snow-capped Quelccaya.
After eating our snack lunch, we begin the descent to the Ruyta Valley, we will cross large plains where it is inhabited by vicuñas and alpacas. Today we finish our walk around 3:00 pm.
At sunset we leave the town of Phinaya, and return to Cusco where we will arrive at 10:00 pm.
Best season to travel
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and November, when the weather is dry and bright, with more frequent rainfall occurring between November and April.
Trek to Quelccaya Glacier in Peru 2 Days
Price $ USD 420 PP or Reserve now with $ USD 200 PPChoose your preferred departure date to proceed
A unique adventure in Trek to Quelccaya Glacier 2 Days
What to Bring for this tour
Warm jackets
Hydration bladder
Wool socks
Camera
Scarf
First aid kit
Hiking shoes
Dry bags
Trekking Poles
Sun cream
Snack
Sun hat
Bathing suite
Rain coat
Sandals
Insect repellent
Passport
Down Jackets
Toilet paper
Daypack
Wool cap
Head lamp
Gloves
Sun glasses
Cap
Extra cash
Trekking pants
Essential Trip Information
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