About this experience
The Quelccaya Glacier tour stands out from any other route in Cusco because it takes you to explore the largest tropical glacier on Earth, a pristine and uncrowded environment that offers unique landscapes of frozen lagoons and massive ice walls. Unlike highly commercialized destinations like Humantay or Vinicunca, this is an authentic and challenging high-mountain adventure that reaches over 5,600 m above sea level and is done exclusively on foot with no horseback option, allowing you to connect directly with the purest Andean nature and witness a stunning yet vulnerable ecosystem firsthand.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Round-trip transportation
- Lunch
- Tour Guide
- Breakfast
Not included
- Tips / Gratuities
- Entrance fees
Itinerary and highlights
Quelccaya Glacier Full-Day Itinerary03:00 a.m. | Cusco Pickup: Hotel pickup for a scenic 5-hour drive through high-altitude Andean landscapes.08:00 a.m. | Breakfast in Phinaya: Arrive at the community ($4,700 \text{ m}$ above sea level) for a nutritious 1-hour breakfast.Glacier Hike: Drive 45 minutes to the base, followed by a 30-minute hike. Along the trail, you will spot high-altitude lagoons, streams, vicuñas, and the Vilcanota mountain range. Note: Horseback riding is not available.11:00 a.m. | Quelccaya Exploration: Spend 50 minutes exploring the glacier's surroundings, reaching an altitude of over $5,600 \text{ m}$ to take photos and admire the massive ice formations.02:00 p.m. | Lunch: Return to Phinaya for a local lunch.04:00 p.m. – 09:00 p.m. | Return to Cusco: Depart the highlands, concluding the tour one block away from the main Plaza de Armas.
Meeting and pickup information
- Please wait near the fountain in the plaza; the guide will contact you a few minutes before the tour begins.
- Wait in the lobby of your hotel; the guide will contact you in a few minutes.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Machupicchu Tours Peru
Accessibility and practical details
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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