Qelccaya Glacier (Full Day Tour)

Itinerary

Detailed itinerary:

Cusco – Phinaya – Qelccaya Glacier – Phinaya – Cusco

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 3:00 am and begin a scenic drive of approximately four and a half hours to the remote Andean community of Phinaya (4,730 m / 15,420 ft).

Upon arrival, we enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast, which is ideal for preparing for the day and helping with acclimatization before continuing deeper into the mountains.

After breakfast, we drive for about one more hour to the starting point of the hike at approximately 4,900 m / 15,974 ft. From here, we begin the short but rewarding walk toward the impressive Qelccaya Glacier.

Hike to Qelccaya Glacier

The hike takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your pace and weather conditions. As you move through this remote high-Andean environment, you will be surrounded by snow-covered peaks, glacial landscapes, and stunning turquoise lagoons.

This route is ideal for travelers who want to experience a glacier in Peru without committing to a multi-day expedition. The final viewpoint reaches over 5,100 m / 16,626 ft, where you can admire the immense ice mass of Qelccaya and appreciate the silence and grandeur of the Andean mountains.

Wildlife and Scenery

One of the most special aspects of this experience is the chance to observe native wildlife in its natural habitat. Depending on the season and luck, you may see vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, wild rabbits, Andean condors, Andean flamingos, and other species of high-altitude birds.

Lunch and Return via Sevinaccocha Lake

After enjoying the glacier and the surrounding scenery, we return to the Phinaya community, where we enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by local families using fresh and local ingredients.

On the way back to Cusco, we make a stop at the spectacular Sevinaccocha Lake (4,880 m / 15,908 ft), one of the most beautiful lakes in the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Its deep blue waters and mountain setting make it one of the visual highlights of the tour.

We then continue our return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 8:00 pm.

The Qelccaya hike is an excellent option for travelers who want to combine a short trekking experience with extraordinary natural beauty, remote Andean culture, and one of the most iconic glacier landscapes in Peru.

Tour Package Details

Inclusions:

• Private transportation: Tourist-authorized vehicles equipped with safety features, including a first aid kit and oxygen tank.
• English-speaking tour guide: Experienced local guides specialized in adventure, culture, history, flora, and fauna of the region.
• First aid kit: Carried by the guide at all times for minor emergencies.
• Oxygen tank: Available for safety and comfort if needed.
• Breakfast: Nutritious breakfast in the Phinaya community before the hike.
• Box lunch or traditional lunch: Prepared to help you recover energy after the adventure.
• Snacks: Complimentary snacks during the hike.
• Walking sticks: Provided for additional support and stability.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco and return at the end of the tour.
• Briefing: Information meeting one day before the trip.
• Blanket: Provided during the early morning drive for extra comfort.
• Customer service: Emergency phone support available 24 hours a day.

Exclusions:

• Personal snacks: We recommend bringing extra snacks such as energy bars.
• Tips (optional)
• Entrance ticket to Qelccaya Glacier
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses

What to bring:

• Backpack for personal items, snacks, and water bottle
• Hiking boots strongly recommended for wet or slippery sections
• Waterproof pants (optional during the rainy season)
• Spare clothes (optional during the rainy season)
• Warm jacket
• Rain jacket and rain poncho
• Wool hat
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Extra cash for snacks, drinks, and entrance fees
• Gloves
• Basic medication prescribed by your doctor
• Portable charger

Important Information:

• During the rainy season, weather conditions can change quickly in the high Andes, so proper rain gear is essential.
• This hike is recommended for travelers who are already acclimatized to the altitude.
• It is best to spend 2 or 3 days in Cusco before this tour to adapt to the elevation.

Geological history of the Qelccaya Glacier:

Qelccaya Glacier is located in southeastern Peru and is one of the most studied tropical glaciers in the world. Scientific research on its ice cores has provided valuable climate records spanning many centuries, helping researchers understand past environmental changes in the Andes.

Qelccaya is also an important natural symbol for local Andean communities, who associate these mountain landscapes with sacred beings known as Apus. Today, the glacier is also an important example of how climate change is affecting tropical ice masses in South America.

Why choose this hike with Inka Expeditions?

With Inka Expeditions, your Qelccaya Glacier hike is led by an expert local guide who shares knowledge about Andean culture, the sacred worldview of the mountains, and the flora and fauna of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Our groups are limited to a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a more personal and safer experience.

Important Tips for this Qelccaya hike:

• Difficulty level: Moderate. Good acclimatization is highly recommended.
• Health note: Not recommended for travelers with serious heart problems.
• Minimum age: 10 years old
• Best time to go: April to October for clearer skies, although the tour operates year-round
• Maximum elevation: 5,100 m / 16,626 ft
• Minimum elevation: 3,440 m / 11,214 ft
• Walking distance: 8 kilometers in total
• Total duration: 17 hours
• Departure: Monday to Sunday

Prices

Private service:

This is a private tour organized exclusively for you and your family. It includes private transportation and a professional tour guide to provide you with the best experience, greater flexibility, and personalized attention.

Price 2026:

Why choose a private tour?

• Flexible pace and more personalized service
• Ideal for couples, families, and small groups
• Greater comfort during long transfers
• Better support for a high-altitude experience

Booking Information

Booking deposit required – Online payments

You must pay a booking deposit of US$ 50 + 6% per person through PayPal.

Final Payment: The remaining balance of the tour must be paid in cash upon arrival in Cusco.

Cancellation Penalties:

Cancellation of the tour after the booking deposit has been paid and the reservation has been confirmed results in the loss of the booking deposit. The US$ 50.00 deposit per person is non-refundable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Qelccaya Glacier Tour

How do I prepare for altitude sickness on the Qelccaya Glacier tour?

The Qelccaya Glacier trek reaches 5,100 m (16,626 ft), so it is recommended to acclimatize for 2 or 3 days in Cusco before this tour. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol before the trip.

How difficult is the Qelccaya Glacier hike?

The trek to Qelccaya Glacier is considered moderately difficult and requires proper hiking boots, good acclimatization, and a reasonable level of physical fitness.

Is it safe to travel to the Qelccaya Glacier during the wet season?

Yes, the tour operates during the wet season, but trails can be slippery from November to March. Waterproof hiking boots and a rain poncho are strongly recommended. The dry season, from April to October, usually offers clearer views.

How does climate change affect the Qelccaya Glacier?

Qelccaya has been retreating over recent decades due to rising temperatures, which is why visiting this glacier is also an opportunity to better understand the environmental changes affecting tropical glaciers in the Andes.