Quelccaya Glacier: 1-Day Tour from Cusco with Sibinacocha Lagoon

Cusco Full Day

Availability Daily departures
Transport Hotel pickup
Languages Español, Inglés
Service type Not specified
Cancellation policy Not specified
Maximum altitude 5,250 m (17,225 ft) m.s.n.m.

Summary
Itinerary
Inclusions
Recommendations
FAQs
Reviews
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About this activity

Itinerary

Day 01

Full Day: Cusco – Phinaya – Quelccaya Glacier – Sibinacocha Lagoon – Cusco

3:00 a.m. – Hotel Pickup in Cusco. Your guide picks you up directly from your hotel within Cusco's tourist zone in a comfortable tourist vehicle to begin the journey south.

5:30 a.m. – Breakfast En Route. After a couple of hours along the Southern Longitudinal Highway connecting Cusco and Puno, we stop at a local restaurant for a hearty buffet breakfast.

8:00 a.m. – Arrival in Phinaya. We reach the small, picturesque Andean village of Phinaya, home to alpaca- and llama-herding families, sitting at 4,715 m (15,469 ft).

9:00 a.m. – Toward the Foot of the Glacier. We continue for another hour by vehicle, approaching the base of the imposing Quelccaya.

10:00 a.m. – Trekking to the Ice Giant. At around 5,250 m (17,225 ft), we begin a short hike of approximately 30 minutes, passing streams, small lagoons, and vicuñas, until reaching the foot of the world's largest tropical glacier.

12:30 p.m. – Return and Lunch in Phinaya. We head back to Phinaya for an à la carte lunch featuring local ingredients — the region's trout is one of the most recommended dishes.

2:30 p.m. – Photo Stop at Sibinacocha Lagoon. We begin the return to Cusco with a special stop at Sibinacocha Lagoon, a vast turquoise mirror of water formed by the meltwater of the Quelccaya and Suyuparina glaciers.

8:00 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco. Tour ends with a drop-off at a central, easily accessible point in the city.

What's included

Inclusions

Included
- Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- Tourist transportation throughout the tour.
- All entrance fees and park tickets.
- Professional mountain guide.
- Emergency oxygen.
- First-aid kit.
- Buffet breakfast.
- À la carte lunch in Phinaya.

What's Not Included

Not included
- Dinner.
- Guide tips/gratuities.
- Travel insurance (we recommend purchasing this in your home country).

Recommendations

Clothing: dress in layers — windproof jacket, rain jacket, thermal base layers, warm trekking pants, and proper trekking footwear.
Acclimatization: we don't recommend doing this tour the day after arriving in Cusco — spend at least 2 to 3 days acclimatizing first.
During the hike: even though the walking section is short (about 1 km), go slowly from the very first minute.
What to bring: personal medication, a legible copy of your passport, a small daypack with rain cover, at least 1 liter of water, extra snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and cash in Peruvian soles.
Warning signs: if you feel a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath, tell your guide immediately.
Best season: the tour operates 365 days a year, though the dry season (April–September) generally offers better visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Quelccaya Glacier tour from Cusco?

Approximately 17 hours: departure is in the early morning (around 3:00 a.m.), with return to Cusco expected around 8:00 p.m.

How much walking is involved at Quelccaya Glacier?

Very little — the main hike is approximately 1 km, a short 30-minute stretch from the base of the glacier. The tour's difficulty comes from the altitude, not the distance.

How difficult is this tour?

It's easy in terms of physical effort and distance, but moderate to challenging due to altitude, which reaches between 5,100 and 5,250 m.

How high is the Quelccaya Glacier?

The area around the glacier sits at roughly 5,100 m, with the start of the hike at around 5,250 m. Phinaya sits at 4,715 m.

Do I need to acclimatize before this tour?

Yes. We recommend not doing it the day after arriving in Cusco, but rather after at least 2 to 3 days of gradual acclimatization.

Can I do this tour privately?

Yes — in addition to group departures, we offer a private option with flexible timing and personalized attention.

What makes this tour different from other mountain excursions in Cusco?

It combines the world's largest tropical glacier, the pastoral landscape of Phinaya, and the photo stop at Sibinacocha Lagoon into a single day.

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