TourismCusco

Tours & experiences

Full Day Group Tour to Quelccaya Glacier

About this experience

What makes this experience truly special is the opportunity to explore the breathtaking Quelccaya Glacier, the largest tropical glacier in the world, far from the crowds of more conventional routes. This tour combines raw natural beauty with authentic cultural encounters, taking you deep into remote Andean landscapes where few travelers venture.

You’ll enjoy a carefully planned journey with scenic stops, encounters with wildlife like vicuñas, and a visit to the stunning Sibinacocha Lagoon, known for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings. With small groups, personalized attention, and meals in local communities, this experience offers a perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and genuine connection with the Andes near Cusco.

At a glance

  • Duration: 18 hr

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Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Full Day Group Tour to Quelccaya Glacier
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour18 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 18 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What is included

  • Trekking poles
  • Hotel pickup (within Cusco’s Historic Center)
  • First aid kit included
  • Traditional local lunch
  • Oxygen tank available
  • Buffet breakfast
  • Tourist transportation (round-trip)
  • Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish)

Not included

  • Entrance

Itinerary and highlights

03:00 a.m. | Hotel Pickup (Cusco)
Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Travel for about 2 hours to Cusipata for a local breakfast.

Scenic Drive through the Andes
Continue the journey with a stop at Abra Jahuacate, the highest point of the route, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes, snow-capped peaks, and wild vicuñas.

Quelccaya Glacier – Suyuparina Sector
Drive approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to reach Quelccaya Glacier, the largest tropical glacier in the world. From the trailhead, take a short 15–20 minute walk to admire the glacier and surrounding landscapes.

Lunch in Phinaya & Sibinacocha Lagoon
After the visit, head to Phinaya for a traditional lunch. On the way back, stop at Sibinacocha Lagoon, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery.

Return to Cusco
Arrival in Cusco between 8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., ending near Regocijo Square.

Meeting and pickup information

  • The passenger must leave the WhatsApp number with the country code in their reservation to have better communication.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Zarate Adventours

Accessibility and practical details

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 18 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
The passenger must leave the WhatsApp number with the country code in their reservation to have better communication.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 11–17; Youth tickets: age 18–24; Adult tickets: age 25+; Senior tickets: age 50+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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