Quelccaya Glacier Day Trip

Discover the stunning landscapes of the Vilcanota Range on this day trip to the Quenccaya Glacier, where breathtaking high-altitude vistas and iconic Andean views await. Prepare to witness the largest tropical ice sheet on the planet!

Trip Overview

We will begin our adventure early in the morning with a pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, embarking on a 5-hour drive south through the majestic Andean highlands.

As we travel, we will traverse the Vilcanota Mountain Range, an impressive geological formation showcasing the rich metamorphic and sedimentary history of the Andes. With the dawn light greeting us, we will reach Phinaya, an Andean community where tradition holds strong.

Here, a 40-minute break awaits for a wholesome traditional breakfast. Indulge in scrambled eggs, potatoes, bread with butter, jam, and your choice of coffee or tea amidst a vibrant puna ecosystem, where llamas and vicuñas roam freely.

Following our meal, we will proceed by vehicle for another hour towards the foothills of the Quelccaya Glacier. Upon arrival at this remarkable location, our exploration will begin with a 15-minute hike taking us directly to the Quelccaya, the largest tropical ice cap worldwide.

Before us lies a sprawling ice expanse covering numerous square kilometers, with ice walls that preserve crucial climatic records stretching back thousands of years. We will spend 2 hours navigating this glacier and its fascinating caves, where stalactites and deep crevices unveil an ever-evolving natural environment.

After immersing ourselves in this open-air natural laboratory and recognizing its significance as a water source for the surrounding areas, we will return to Phinaya for a delightful traditional lunch. Expect to enjoy soup, fried fish, rice, salad, and potatoes, complemented with tea.

Refreshed, we’ll embark once more, making a 15-minute stop at Lake Sibinacocha. This expansive glacial lake mirrors the majestic snow-capped peaks, providing an ideal backdrop for your final photographs of the day!

In the late afternoon, we will begin our return journey to Cusco, concluding our 19-hour adventure as we drop you off at the Plaza de Armas. What an extraordinary day it has been!

Pickup Information

The tour includes hotel pickup within the areas of San Blas, Nueva Alta, Avenida El Sol, Calle Saphy, San Pedro, and Matara. If your accommodation is located outside these zones, you will need to make your way to Plaza Francisco or Plaza Regocijo.