The Full Day Quelccaya Glacier tour is one of the most extraordinary high-mountain and ecotourism expeditions in Peru, operated under the high quality standards of Vilcabamba Tours. This adventure itinerary is designed for travelers seeking to explore the world’s most extensive tropical ice field, located in the imposing Vilcanota Mountain Range at more than 5,600 meters above sea level. Throughout the journey, you will enjoy majestic Andean landscapes, turquoise lagoons like Sibinacocha, crystalline rivers, and the native fauna of the Cusco high plateau.
With Vilcabamba Tours, you will have conditioned tourist transportation, professional bilingual guides, local meals, and the necessary logistical support (oxygen and trekking poles) to ensure a safe, responsible, and unforgettable hike amidst the millennial glaciers of the Peruvian Andes.
Short Itinerary
- 03:00 – 03:30 a.m. – Pickup and Departure: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or at a meeting point indicated by the Vilcabamba Tours team, starting the journey towards the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
- Morning – Breakfast and Hike: Arrival at the community of Phinaya to enjoy an Andean acclimatization breakfast. Transfer to the starting point of the walk and 30-minute trek toward the glacier.
- Noon – Glacier Exploration: Free time to explore Quelccaya Glacier (at more than 5,600 m a.s.l.), take photographs, and admire the vastness of the ice field.
- Afternoon – Lunch and Sibinacocha Lagoon: Return to Phinaya to savor a local lunch. Stop at the impressive Sibinacocha Lagoon to contemplate its landscapes and take photographs.
- 09:00 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco: Return trip to Cusco city and drop-off at your hotel or meeting point indicated by Vilcabamba Tours.
Detailed Itinerary
03:00 – 03:30 a.m. | Hotel Pickup and Departure from Cusco
The adventure begins very early with pickup at your hotel in Cusco or at a meeting point indicated by the Vilcabamba Tours team (approximately between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m.). We will board our tourist transportation heading south of Cusco, crossing picturesque Andean landscapes toward the majestic Vilcanota Mountain Range, an ideal setting for ecotourism and adventure tourism.
Breakfast in Phinaya
We will arrive at the Andean community of Phinaya, where we will enjoy a nutritious Andean breakfast. This time will serve to properly acclimatize to the altitude before continuing to the majestic Quelccaya ice field.
Transfer to the start of the hike
Subsequently, we will board the transport again to move to the point where the hike to Quelccaya Glacier begins. On this journey, we will observe beautiful lagoons, crystalline streams, and the typical fauna of the Cusco high plateau, such as alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas.
Hike to the Glacier
We will begin a hike lasting approximately 30 minutes, surrounded by high mountain landscapes. The trail is perfect for trekking and nature photography enthusiasts, offering exceptional panoramic views.
Quelccaya Glacier Exploration
Upon reaching the glacier front, you will have free time to explore the surroundings of Quelccaya Glacier, take memorable photographs, and admire the imposing sight of the gigantic ice field at more than 5,600 meters of altitude, a unique experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Lunch in Phinaya
We will begin the return journey toward the Phinaya community, where a local lunch made with local ingredients will be served, ideal for regaining energy after the hike.
Stop at Sibinacocha Lagoon
On the way back, we will make a stop at the impressive Sibinacocha Lagoon, a majestic Andean water mirror surrounded by snow-capped peaks, perfect for taking photographs and connecting with the untouched nature of southern Peru.
Return and Arrival in Cusco (09:00 p.m.)
We will begin the return trip from Quelccaya to Cusco city, enjoying the panoramic views of the mountain range. The approximate arrival in Cusco is scheduled for 9:00 p.m., where our Vilcabamba Tours transport will drop you off at your hotel or indicated meeting point, concluding our services.
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or at a meeting point indicated by the Vilcabamba Tours team (pickups start from 3:00 a.m. for group tours).
- Professional bilingual tour guide service (Spanish and English). In group tours, explanations are provided in both languages.
- Conditioned tourist transportation for round trip to all described attractions.
- Assistance equipment: First aid kit and emergency oxygen tank on board.
- Trekking poles for the hike.
- Meals en route: Andean breakfast and local lunch in Phinaya.
Not Included
- Official entrance fees to Quelccaya Glacier (paid directly in cash and in soles at the entrance control):
- Entrance for Peruvians: S/. 10.00 soles.
- Entrance for foreigners: S/. 15.00 soles.
- Extra drinks and snacks (can be purchased at local community kiosks).
- Dinner on the last day.
