Full day /
Daily departures
02 Min - 10 max of travelers
Moderate
Cusco
Quelccaya Glacier Full Day Tour from Cusco (01 day)
Quelccaya Glacier Tour from Cusco
🌟 Quelccaya Glacier Full Day Tour – Highlights
Experience an unforgettable full-day adventure to the Quelccaya Glacier, the largest tropical glacier in the world. Depart early from Cusco and travel through stunning Andean landscapes until reaching the highland village of Phinaya (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), where you’ll enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast.
From there, take a short 30-minute hike to the Quelccaya Glacier viewpoint, with time to explore, admire the ice formations, and capture incredible photos while respecting this natural wonder. Afterward, return to Phinaya for a local lunch, and on the way back to Cusco, enjoy a scenic stop at the breathtaking Sibinacocha Lagoon.
This tour combines nature, culture, and high-altitude adventure, making it a must-do experience for travelers seeking unique landscapes near Cusco.
Departure & Return Location & Time
Price Includes
- Tour transportation
- Professional guide
- Breakfast, lunch
- Walking poles
Price Excludes
- National Income 10.00
- Foreign Income 15.00
Additional information
- Wear UV-protected, lightweight, and water-resistant clothing suitable for high-altitude weather.
- Dress in layers: breathable base layer, insulating fleece, down jacket, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget hat, gloves, and thermal socks.
- Use waterproof trekking boots with good grip for slippery terrain.
- Bring trekking poles for better stability during the hike.
- Apply high-SPF sunscreen (30+) and wear UV-protected sunglasses to protect against strong solar reflection.
- Carry a light, waterproof backpack made of nylon or polyamide.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning Andean landscapes.
- A portable or solar charger is recommended due to limited electricity.
🧭 Tour Glaciar Quelccaya Full Day (01 Day) – Detailed Itinerary
🕒 03:00 AM – Departure from Cusco
The Quelccaya Glacier Full Day Tour starts very early in the morning with departure from Cusco by comfortable tourist transport. During the journey, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Andean highlands.
🏔️ 08:00 – 09:00 AM – Arrival in Phinaya Village (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)
After several hours of travel, we arrive at Phinaya, a traditional Andean village located at approximately 4,700 meters above sea level, ideal for acclimatization before the hike.
🍳 Andean Breakfast in Phinaya
Upon arrival, you will enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast, prepared with local ingredients, giving you energy for the upcoming walk to the glacier.
🥾 Short Hike to Quelccaya Glacier Viewpoint
Next, we begin a 30-minute guided hike toward the Quelccaya Glacier viewpoint. Along the way, you will appreciate the unique high-altitude landscapes and Andean wildlife.
🧊 11:00 AM – Exploration of Quelccaya Glacier
At around 11:00 AM, we reach the Quelccaya Glacier, the largest tropical glacier in the world. Here, you will have free time to explore the area, admire the impressive ice formations, and take memorable photos, always respecting this fragile natural attraction.
🍽️ Lunch in Phinaya Village
After visiting the glacier, we return to Phinaya village to enjoy a local lunch, allowing you to rest and experience authentic Andean culture.
🌊 Visit to Sibinacocha Lagoon (Return Route)
On the way back to Cusco, we make a scenic stop at the beautiful Sibinacocha Lagoon, one of the most stunning high-altitude lakes in southern Peru.
🏁 07:30 PM – Return to Cusco
Finally, we arrive back in Cusco at approximately 7:30 PM, concluding an unforgettable Quelccaya Glacier full-day adventure.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Quelccaya Glacier Full Day Tour from Cusco
1. Where is the Quelccaya Glacier located?
The Quelccaya Glacier is located in southern Peru, in the Cusco region, near the community of Phinaya. It is considered the largest tropical glacier in the world and sits at over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) above sea level.
2. How long is the Quelccaya Glacier Full Day Tour?
This is a full-day tour from Cusco, lasting approximately 16 to 17 hours, including transportation, meals, hiking, and scenic stops.
3. What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with an early morning pickup around 3:00 AM from Cusco and returns at approximately 7:30 PM the same day.
4. Is the hike to Quelccaya Glacier difficult?
The hike is moderate and lasts about 30 minutes each way. However, due to the high altitude, good physical condition and prior acclimatization in Cusco are strongly recommended.
5. Do I need to acclimatize before visiting Quelccaya?
Yes. Since the tour reaches altitudes above 4,700 meters (15,420 ft), it is highly recommended to spend at least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before joining the tour.
6. What is included in the Quelccaya Glacier Full Day Tour?
The tour typically includes:
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Round-trip transportation from Cusco
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Andean breakfast in Phinaya
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Lunch in Phinaya
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Guided visit to the Quelccaya Glacier viewpoint
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Stop at Sibinacocha Lagoon
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Professional local guide
7. What should I bring for the Quelccaya Glacier tour?
You should bring:
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Warm layered clothing
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Waterproof trekking boots
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Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
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Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
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Camera or smartphone
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Small backpack and personal snacks
8. Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Due to the extreme altitude, this tour is not recommended for young children, seniors, or travelers with heart or respiratory conditions.
9. Can I visit the Quelccaya Glacier year-round?
Yes, the tour operates year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September) when weather conditions are more stable and visibility is better.
10. Why choose the Quelccaya Glacier Full Day Tour from Cusco?
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a unique high-altitude adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and a visit to one of Peru’s most impressive natural wonders, all in just one day from Cusco.
Book this tour
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Price From:$ 00 /per person
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TOUR NAME:Quelccaya Glacier Tour from Cusco
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DURATION:Full day /
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