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A full day to Quelccaya, the largest tropical glacier in the world, at more than 5,000 meters. The route crosses the Andean plateau through rural villages and open landscapes, and a short walk on a gentle trail leads to the edge of the glacier.
The tour leaves Cusco very early in the morning, with a breakfast stop along the way. From there, the group continues for about 5 hours across the high plateau, through rural villages, herds of llamas and alpacas and lagoons, to the area where the walk begins. The group stops for lunch, and a short drive brings you to the parking area below the glacier. From there, a walk of about half an hour to 45 minutes uphill leads to the edge of the glacier, at more than 5,000 meters. There is time for photos and for looking at the ice and the lagoons it has formed. Afterwards, the group returns to Cusco. It is a long trip and best done once acclimatized, but the scenery is unique and there are very few visitors.
Trip details:
- Duration: a very long day, about 16–17 hours including driving
- Altitude: walking area about 4,700m, edge of the glacier about 5,100–5,200m
- Walking: about 30–45 minutes uphill, and back
- Difficulty: moderate, mainly because of the altitude and the long drive
- Recommendation: 2–3 days of acclimatization in Cusco
Day 1: Cusco → Quelccaya Glacier
- 3:00 AM – Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Drive, with a breakfast stop
- About 5 hours of driving in total to the glacier area
- Lunch stop
- Short drive to the parking area near the glacier
- Walk to the edge of the glacier and time for photos
- Drive back to Cusco (arrival between 7:00 and 8:00 PM)
What's Included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Breakfast and lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available)
- Professional guide
- First aid kit and oxygen
What's Not Included:
- Glacier entrance fee
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
What to Bring:
- Warm clothing (thermal, fleece)
- Waterproof windbreaker
- Hiking shoes
- Wool hat
- Gloves
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Camera.
