Vista panorámica de la laguna glaciar al pie del Quelccaya con témpanos y terreno rocoso en Cusco

Quelccaya Glacier Trek

If you cancel your reservation up to 3 days before the start of the activity, we will refund you 100% of the reservation payment. No refunds will be issued on cancellation requests received after the indicated anticipation.

Free cancellation

You can reschedule your booking without any additional cost until 3 days before the beginning of the activiity.

Free rescheduling

Trek to the world’s largest tropical glacier at 17,060 ft (5,200 m) in the Vilcanota mountain range. Challenging level.


Duration:

17 hours

Times:

03:00 am to 08:00 pm


Included:

  • Pickup at your accommodation (urban area)
  • Shared transportation
  • Guide (Spanish or English)
  • Hiking poles

Not included:

  • Food
  • Entrance fee to Quelccaya Glacier (S/ 15 per person, cash payment the day of the tour)

Restrictions:

  • Not allowed for pregnant women
  • Minimum age required of 5 years old
  • Not allowed for people over the age of 70
  • Good physical condition

Weather:

In case of suspension for weather conditions, we will refund 100% of your payment.

  • Subject to weather conditions

Cancellation and rescheduling policy:

  • If you cancel your booking up to 3 days before the activity starts, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid to book. If you cancel with less notice, no refund will be issued.

What to bring:

  • Warm clothing
  • Hiking shoes
  • Hat to protect against the sun
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

Description

The Quelccaya Glacier is the largest tropical glacier on Earth, and reaching it means crossing the Cusco highlands on a five-hour drive through the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Along the way, you'll pass crystal-clear lakes, herds of wild vicuñas, and vast landscapes where the only sound breaking the silence above 16,400 feet (5,000 m) is the wind. The hike itself takes about 45 minutes each way and includes a stop at Sibinacocha Lake, one of the largest bodies of water in the Peruvian Andes, where sweeping mountain views make every mile worthwhile.


This trek is considered challenging primarily because of the altitude. The highest point reaches 17,060 feet (5,200 m), where you'll spend about an hour resting, taking photos, and enjoying the scenery. For this reason, spending at least a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before the trek is strongly recommended. Although the route follows non-technical Andean mountain terrain, the elevation requires good cardiovascular fitness. After your time at the glacier, you'll begin the five-hour drive back to Cusco.


Few glaciers in the world can be experienced this way, approaching them on foot through landscapes unlike anywhere else. Reserve your spot and take your Cusco acclimatization to the next level, literally.


Optional service

  • Breakfast and box lunch: S/ 18 per person.


Important notes

  • ​If you select the optional service, both breakfast and the box lunch will be served in the town of Cusipata.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There are no places to buy food along the route during the tour. We recommend bringing snacks and water or another beverage from Cusco so you can stay fueled throughout the activity.

  • To book Quelccaya Glacier Trek, you must choose the date and follow the steps on the website. You can add more tours to your cart before confirming your booking.
  • We accept bookings up to 1 days in advance, subject to availability. Therefore, we recommend booking as early as possible to secure your spot.