Highlights
Reasons to Book with Machu Picchu Peru Travel
Why choose our Full Day Quelccaya Glacier Tour? Here are 5 reasons to book in 2026:
- Sustainable Adventure: We support Phinaya with homemade lunches and eco-friendly practices, respecting the Pachamama. Your visit strengthens local communities protecting Apu Quelccaya.
- Expert Guides: Small groups (2-8 people) with Quechua-speaking guides who share Inca history and scientific data (1,800-year ice cores).
- Accessible for Everyone: Moderate 3-4 hour hike, ideal for beginners and families (12+ years). Includes oxygen, poles, insurance; acclimate 2 days in Cusco. Price: $85, competitive against multi-day tours ($100+).
- Climate Connection: Learn about glacier retreat (~14 m/year) and its role in Cusco’s water supply. Join conservation efforts, supporting Quelccaya National Park proposals.
- Real Reviews: “Epic views and amazing guides!” (TripAdvisor, 4.8/5, 2025). Combine with Rainbow Mountain or Maras-Moray for a complete trip.
Itinerary
Quelccaya Glacier Hike 1 Day Tour
3:00 AM – Departure
We start early. Really early. The 5-hour drive cuts through the Andean highlands, quiet and cold, toward the remote village of Phinaya.
When we arrive, you get an Andean breakfast—something warm to help you adjust to the altitude. Then we continue by vehicle for about an hour, getting closer to Quelccaya, recognized as the largest tropical glacier on the planet.
From where the road ends, it’s a 20-minute walk to the glacier. Along the way you’ll see crystalline lagoons, small streams, vicuñas doing their thing, and the imposing mountains of the Vilcanota range.
Back in Phinaya, lunch is ready—local dishes made with ingredients from the area. After that, we board the vehicle again for the return to Cusco, with a stop at Sibinacocha Lagoon, one of the biggest and most striking in the highlands.
We arrive back in Cusco around 7:30 PM.
Important Details
- Hotel pickups happen in central locations around Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
- If your hotel is far from the historic center, we meet at the plaza fountain
- Exact pickup time confirmed one day before
- Tour ends at Plazoleta Regocijo, one block from Plaza de Armas
Inclusions
- Tourist transport
- Local breakfast
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish – English)
- Local lunch
- First aid kit
- Extra meals
- Entrance fee (10 soles)
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Travel insurance
What Travelers Say About this Tour
Our clients trust us, and their glowing reviews on TripAdvisor speak for themselves. Discover why so many travelers choose us for unforgettable experiences in Cusco.
Pricing Options
At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we offer personalized Quelccaya Glacier Hike 1 Day, designed to match your interests and preferences. With expert local guides and customized itineraries, explore the beauty of the Andes. Check out our pricing options for a memorable adventure.
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Ready to experience Machu Picchu? Let our expert team take care of every detail, from entrance tickets and train arrangements to transportation and guidance, so you can focus on enjoying one of the world most breathtaking destinations. With years of experience, personalized assistance, and hundreds of happy travelers every year, we make your visit simple, safe, and unforgettable. Reserve your Machu Picchu tour today and secure your place at Peru’s most iconic wonder before availability runs out.
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