The Quelccaya glacier is one of the most extensive tropical glaciers in entire South America with more than 44 square kilometers and the ice layer more than 200 meters thick, this glacier is located in the southern site of Cusco city between the regions of Cusco and Puno
The Quelccaya ice cap currently shows signs of the impact of climate change and a decrease in snow level. Now is an ideal time to start planning a visit! It is still a fantastic place to fascinate all the senses, live a lifetime adventure and have beautiful memories in the tropical glacier.
Ausangate Tours designed special program for you that offers the most stunning places that our eyes have seen, the vastness of its landscapes, the pure nature, and the mountains’ majesty make the Quelccaya glacier trek 3 days one of the most magnificent places in the world. Here we can enjoy activities in the snow. We can take photos and integrate with nature, having the pleasant feeling that we are doing a sustainable experiential journey with the environment and the people who live there.
Itinerary
To begin our Quelccaya Glacier Trek 3 Days adventure on the high Andes of Cusco, our guide will pick you up from your hotel in our private bus, then we will drive for about 2 hours to Cusipata town where we will enjoy our Andean breakfast, then, we continue driving to Sibinacocha lake 4,860m /15,944ft the biggest lake in entire Cusco region, here you can explore and be amazing by the stunning view this lake and Ausangate mountain in the background, our chef will prepare our fantastic lunch and we will enjoy it with incredible views, afterwards we will continue driven to Phinaya community 4,930m /16,174ft here we will spend our first night.
You will have chance to interact with local families, learn they culture and traditions, listening incredible Andean history.
Hiking distance: 0 km / 0 miles
Minimum altitude: 4,360 masl / 14,304 fasl
Maximum altitude: 4,930 masl / 16,174 fasl
Travel time: 5 – 6 hours
Today we wake up early morning and enjoy our local breakfast, then we drive to the trailhead located over 5,080m /16,666ft. From here we begin our hike to Azul Qocha and the famous Quelccaya glacier, our trek will begin ascending for 2 hours to the view point where you be amazing by the gorgeous view of the glacier, you can enjoy your snack while your eyes enjoy the magic of this.
Then, we descent to explore the lakes, we continue our hike we will reach our lunch spot where our team prepare it and set up all the tent with a stunning views. After, we hike back to our camp and spend the night there.
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Minimum altitude: 4,930 masl / 16,174 fasl
Maximum altitude: 5,410 masl / 17,749 fasl
Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours
After our breakfast we hike down to the valley visiting some small Alpaca’s farm and enjoy the marvelous views surrounding by mountains and huge stones, be amazed by the waterfalls, spring waters and the wildlife of this area.
We drive to the Suyuparina Glacier, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore impressive ice caves and nearby glacial lakes in a truly unforgettable setting. Walking through these natural ice formations, you’ll witness ancient fossil ice shaped over thousands of years, offering a rare glimpse into the power of nature. After this extraordinary experience, we enjoy lunch with breathtaking views of the glacier, surrounded by pristine Andean landscapes. Finally, we board our private transport and return to Cusco, reflecting on an incredible Quelccaya Glacier Trek 3 Days journey to one of Peru’s most remote and spectacular glacier regions.
Our bus will drop off you in the same place we pick you up on the first day.
Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Minimum altitude: 4,930 masl / 16,174 fasl
Maximum altitude: 5,340 masl / 17,519 fasl
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Inclusions
We are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek.
Packing List
In our company we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience…
Important Info
The Quelccaya Glacier Trek 3 days reaches extremely high elevations, often above 4,800 meters (15,700 ft). Proper acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for at least 2–3 days before the trek is highly recommended. Taking your time, staying hydrated, and listening to your guide will help prevent altitude sickness and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience.
Temperatures on this trek can drop well below freezing, especially at night and early mornings. Strong winds and sudden snowfall are common due to the proximity of the glacier. Packing thermal layers, a down jacket, gloves, a warm hat, and a high-quality sleeping bag is essential for staying comfortable.
Although the trek is only three days, the combination of high altitude and long hiking distances makes it physically demanding. Regular cardio training such as hiking, cycling, or stair climbing before your trip will greatly improve endurance and overall enjoyment on the trail.
The Andes are known for unpredictable weather, and conditions can change quickly throughout the day. Sunshine, snow, and rain may occur within hours. Wearing layered clothing and carrying waterproof jackets, pants, and backpack covers will help you stay dry and comfortable.
The Quelccaya area is one of the most remote trekking regions in Peru, with very limited facilities or emergency services. Travelers should be prepared for basic conditions, follow their guide’s instructions, and practice responsible tourism to protect this fragile high-altitude environment.
No worries, we have the short version of Quelccaya Trek 2 Days, which is a great way to experience the glacier and the ice caves in the high Andes mountains.
Prices
To book any tour/trek through with Ausangate Tours, we do require a 50% deposit per person…
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