Voyager Tours Peru
Overview
Our Quelccaya Glacier Tour takes you beyond the traditional routes of Cusco and into the heart of the Peruvian Andes, where vast landscapes, remote communities, and towering snow-covered mountains create an unforgettable high-altitude adventure. From the moment we leave the city behind, the journey becomes part of the experience, crossing open valleys, traditional Andean villages, grazing alpacas, and dramatic mountain scenery that reveals the natural beauty of southern Peru.
As we approach the Quelccaya Glacier area, the landscape transforms into an extraordinary world of ice, rock, and highland lagoons. Surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range, you will have the opportunity to admire the immense glacier, take in the silence of the Andes, and appreciate one of the most remarkable natural environments in the Cusco region. The contrast between the deep blue sky, the white ice formations, and the rugged mountains creates a setting that feels both powerful and peaceful.
This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a more authentic connection with nature and a different perspective of Cusco beyond its famous archaeological sites. Along the way, there will be time to enjoy panoramic views, capture memorable photographs, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Andes. The Quelccaya Glacier Tour is a journey of landscapes, altitude, and emotion, leaving you with lasting memories of one of Peru’s most impressive natural treasures.
What’s included
Included
- Round-trip transportation from Cusco
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- First-aid kit
- Basic tourist assistance throughout the tour
- Stops at scenic viewpoints and designated visit areas
- Coordinated tour logistics and assistance
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers, or local staff
- Purchases not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Snacks, drinks, or additional food not listed as included
- Travel insurance
- Any service or activity not expressly stated in the “Included” section
Meeting and pickup
Hotel pickup and meeting point
Hotel pickup included
Itinerary
Day 1Day 1: Quelccaya Glacier Full Day Tour
Day 1: Quelccaya Glacier Full Day Tour
Hotel Pickup: Pickup from your accommodation in Cusco around 3:00 AM. We begin an early journey towards the southern highlands, leaving the city behind and traveling through traditional Andean villages, open valleys, and impressive mountain landscapes.
Transfer to Sibinacocha Lagoon: Travel through the remote landscapes of the Cusco highlands towards the beautiful Sibinacocha Lagoon. Along the way, you will see grazing alpacas, local communities, high-altitude plains, and panoramic views of the Andes.
Visit to Sibinacocha Lagoon: Arrival at Sibinacocha Lagoon, one of the most scenic high-altitude lagoons in the region. We will make a stop to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, admire the mountains reflected in the water, take photographs, and appreciate the natural beauty of this remote Andean destination.
Transfer to Cusipata: Continue the journey to Cusipata, passing through local communities and dramatic landscapes shaped by the high Andes.
Breakfast and Community Visit: Enjoy breakfast in Cusipata, followed by a short rest. Depending on timing and local conditions, there will be an opportunity to appreciate the local community environment and learn more about daily life in this part of Cusco.
Transfer to Quelccaya Glacier: After breakfast, continue towards the Quelccaya Glacier area. The route offers increasingly dramatic views of snow-covered peaks, rocky valleys, high-altitude plains, and the imposing Vilcanota mountain range.
Arrival at Quelccaya Glacier: Arrival at the glacier area, where the experience becomes a true encounter with one of Peru’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Surrounded by ice formations, mountains, and open Andean scenery, you will have time to explore at your own pace.
Exploration of Quelccaya Glacier: Enjoy approximately 2 to 3 hours to walk around the glacier area, admire the massive ice formations, visit the ice caves when conditions allow, take photographs, and experience the unique atmosphere of this high-altitude destination. Your guide will provide assistance and important recommendations throughout the visit.
Return to Cusipata: Begin the return journey towards Cusipata after the glacier visit, with time to rest and enjoy the changing landscapes along the route.
Lunch in Cusipata: Enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Cusipata after the high-altitude adventure. This is also a good opportunity to rest, hydrate, and reflect on the experience before returning to Cusco.
Return to Cusco: After lunch, we continue our return journey to Cusco. Arrival is expected between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, depending on road conditions, weather, and the group’s pace.
Recommendations and preparation
Before Booking
- Please verify your preferred travel date and availability before making your reservation.
- This tour operates with daily departures, subject to prior coordination and weather conditions.
- Due to the high altitude of the destination, we recommend that travelers spend at least one or two days acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour.
- Participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable with long road journeys and high-altitude environments.
- Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions, allergies, medical conditions, or special requirements.
- Bring a valid passport or identification document for registration purposes.
- The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, or operational considerations in order to ensure the safety of all travelers.
Before Travelling
- Wear warm, layered clothing, as temperatures can be very low, especially in the early morning and near the glacier.
- Bring a waterproof or windproof jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and comfortable trekking shoes with good grip.
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and a reusable water bottle.
- We recommend bringing personal medication, snacks, and any items you may need during the journey.
- Because of the altitude, avoid heavy meals and alcohol the night before the tour, and stay well hydrated.
- Please be ready at the agreed pickup point and time to avoid delays.
- Keep in mind that weather conditions in the Andes can change quickly, so proper clothing and preparation are essential.
Cancellation policy
Non-refundable
Frequently asked questions
Is the Quelccaya Glacier Tour suitable for everyone?
The tour is recommended for travelers in good physical condition, as it takes place at a very high altitude and includes walking near the glacier. We strongly recommend spending at least one or two days acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour. This experience may not be suitable for travelers with serious heart, respiratory, or mobility conditions.
What should I bring for the tour?
We recommend wearing warm, layered clothing, a waterproof or windproof jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and comfortable trekking shoes with good grip. You should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, water, snacks, personal medication, and a valid passport or identification document.
What time does the tour start and when will we return to Cusco?
Pickup from your accommodation in Cusco is around 3:00 AM. The full-day tour includes visits to Sibinacocha Lagoon, Cusipata, and Quelccaya Glacier, with breakfast and lunch included. Return to Cusco is expected between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, depending on weather conditions, road conditions, and the group’s pace.
Traveler rating and reviews
Real traveler feedback, photos and direct replies from our team.
What our guests say
Quelcacya
Muy Buen servicio con Voyager Tours Perú
Voyager Tours Peru repliedGracias Oskar
