Additional Information
This full-day trek is for people who want hiking in Cusco without overnight camping. You explore the tropical Quelccaya glacier, the world’s largest ice cap of its kind (~42 km²), and dive into Andean culture in Phinaya. Combine this with Maras-Moray or Humantay Lagoon for a more complete trip. The sustainable focus means supporting local communities with homemade lunches and respecting the Pachamama.
Why Book with Machu Picchu Peru Travel?
With us, your Quelccaya tour is guided by local experts who share the Andean worldview around Apu Quelccaya. You get:
- Small groups: Maximum 8 people for personalized attention
- Multilingual guides: Spanish and English, trained in first aid
- Safety: Modern equipment (trekking poles, supplemental oxygen) for hikes up to 5,600 m.a.s.l.
- Sustainability: Lunches with Phinaya ingredients, supporting the local economy
Practical Tips
Trekking Gear
We use high-quality poles and supplemental oxygen, regularly inspected—ideal for high-altitude Quelccaya trekking. Rental available ($10-15).
Difficulty Level
Moderate, suitable for beginners with 2 days of Cusco acclimation. The Vilcanota Range hike requires good health (not recommended for heart conditions).
Minimum Age
12 years and up; younger kids and seniors can join as companions (no long hike). Contact us about the Quelccaya Cusco trek.
Best Seasons
May to September (dry season) offers firm trails and clear skies to view the tropical glacier. We operate year-round with rain gear (December-March).
Full Day vs. Traditional Tours
This tour combines short hikes (3-4 hours), exclusive views, and cultural connection, beating tourist buses with an immersive Vilcanota Range experience.
More Reasons to Book
Panoramic Glacier Views
Photograph the tropical Quelccaya glacier from exclusive viewpoints, with turquoise lagoons and snow peaks across the Vilcanota Range.
Cultural Experience in Phinaya
Learn about Apu Quelccaya and Andean traditions with local Quechua-speaking guides, connecting with highland life.
Sustainable Adventure
We support Phinaya with homemade lunches and eco-friendly practices, respecting the Pachamama during your Quelccaya Cusco trek.
Unique Experience
This Cusco trek mixes adrenaline, history, and landscapes—ideal for those seeking alternatives to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley.
History of Quelccaya Glacier: A 6,000-Year Natural Archive
Quelccaya glacier, located in the Vilcanota Range (southeast of Cusco, Peru), is a tropical ice cap formed over 6,000 years ago during the Holocene, when cold temperatures expanded Andean ice. Its Quechua name, Qoyllur Puñuna (“where the stars rest”), reflects its status as an Apu, a sacred deity for communities like Phinaya. During the Little Ice Age (14th-19th centuries), the glacier grew, leaving moraines visible today on your Quelccaya Cusco glacier tour.
In 1983, scientists from Ohio State University drilled ice cores 200 meters deep with a pioneering solar drill, revealing 1,800 years of climate history, including El Niño events. Since 1974, Lonnie Thompson has monitored its retreat, making Quelccaya the most studied tropical glacier in the world. At around 42.8 km² (equivalent to 9,000 soccer fields), it’s the largest tropical ice cap, though retreating due to climate change. On this full-day Quelccaya trek, Quechua-speaking guides connect these scientific stories with Andean cosmovision, offering a unique educational experience.
Useful Data: Quelccaya Glacier – Plan Your Adventure
Prepare for the 2025 Cusco trek with these facts, based on 2025 scientific monitoring:
| Aspect | Details | Practical Notes |
| Location | Vilcanota Range, ~250 km from Cusco (Phinaya, 4,700 m.a.s.l.) | Pickup at 3:00 AM; 5-hour minivan ride. Entrance: 10 soles (~$2.70 USD) |
| Dimensions | ~42.8 km², up to 200 m thick, summit at 5,680 m.a.s.l. | Views from viewpoint (touching ice prohibited for safety) |
| Fauna & Flora | Vicuñas, alpacas, Andean flamingos; lichens and grasses like Jarava ichu | Observe without disturbing; ideal for photography (photo tour available) |
| 2025 Climate | Days: 10-18°C; nights: -5°C; dry May-Sept; wet Dec-Mar | Bring layers; rains require poncho |
| Threats | Retreat ~0.57 km²/year; possible disappearance in 21st-22nd century | Water source for ~1M people in Cusco (Vilcanota, Sibinacocha rivers) |
| Sustainability | Supports Phinaya with local lunches; avoid February (maintenance) | Contributes to conservation; ~70% of tropical glaciers in Peru |
These facts make the Quelccaya Cusco glacier tour an educational and responsible experience, great for conscious travelers.
More Reasons to Visit: Biodiversity, Threats, and Tips
- Unique Biodiversity: Spot protected vicuñas, Andean condors, and flamingos at lagoons like Sibinacocha. The glacial U-valleys and Holocene moraines are heaven for photographers. Ask about our Quelccaya photo tour.
- Current Threats: Climate change accelerates glacier retreat (~0.57 km²/year), driven by El Niño and warming (0°C isotherm rises ~50 m/decade). Mining projects (lithium/uranium) are a risk; support its protection. Visit before it’s history.
- Practical Tips: Bring 50 soles for crafts (alpaca textiles, Phinaya salt). Dry season (May-September) for clear skies; hydrate to avoid soroche (~30% of visitors affected). Get our free guide when booking.
