Duration 1 day
Difficulty easy walk; high demand due to altitude
Max altitude 5,100–5,200 m a.s.l.
Distance approx. 1 km of hiking
Best time to go dry season (May to October)
Quelccaya Glacier is the largest tropical glacier in the world, and reaching it means crossing the Cusco highlands on a 5-hour drive through the Vilcanota range, among crystal-clear lakes, herds of vicuñas, and a silence broken only by the wind at more than 5,000 meters of altitude. The hike, 45 minutes outbound and 45 minutes return, passes by Laguna Sibinacocha, one of the largest bodies of water in the Peruvian Andes, with panoramic views that make every kilometer of the journey worthwhile.
This trek has a high level of demand, mainly because of the altitude, since the route reaches 5,200 m at its highest point, where you will stay around 1 hour to take photographs and rest. For that reason, it is recommended that you spend at least a few days acclimatizing in Cusco first.
Our adventure to Quelccaya Glacier begins very early with hotel pickup at 3:00 a.m., from where we head south through impressive Andean highland landscapes. After several hours of travel we reach the remote community of Phinaya, where we enjoy a nourishing Andean breakfast and make the final preparations.
We then continue by transport to the start of the hike. From there we begin a short, gradual walk of approximately 15 to 30 minutes on high-mountain trails, surrounded by ice formations, glacial caves, and wide views of the puna. On arriving at the imposing Quelccaya Glacier (approx. 5,100 m a.s.l.), you will have time to explore, take photographs, and appreciate the largest tropical ice field in the world.
After the visit we return to Phinaya for a typical Andean lunch. Later we begin the journey back toward Cusco, with a scenic stop along the way at Laguna Sibinacocha, one of the most extensive high-Andean lakes in the region.
Finally we continue the return to Cusco, arriving approximately at 8:00 p.m., and conclude a truly unforgettable high-mountain experience.
Warm, layered clothing: jacket, windbreaker, rain jacket, trek shoes, and warm pants.
Dry season (May to October): the ideal time, with sunny days, clear skies, and more accessible trails. Rainy season (November to April): there is fog, frequent rain, and muddy trails, so it is not highly recommended.
Very little: only about 1 km, and most of the time is for taking photos, entering the cavern, and returning to the vehicle.
We do not recommend it: even though there is not much walking, remember that the altitude at Quelccaya is 5,100 meters above sea level.
