QUELCCAYA GLACIER TOUR | 1 DAY
Group Size:
Up to 10 people
Difficulty:
Moderate
Type Service:
Group / Private
Departures:
Daily
Transport:
Van
Max Altitude:
17,060 ft
Quelccaya Glacier Tour | 1 Day is an unforgettable journey into the high Andes of Cusco, offering the opportunity to explore the spectacular Suyuparina Glacier, located near the Quelccaya Ice Cap. Travel from Cusco to the high-altitude village of Phinaya, located at 4,730 m / 15,518 ft above sea level, before continuing to the starting point of your hike.
This full-day experience combines breathtaking mountain landscapes, impressive ice formations, and the chance to observe alpacas and llamas in their natural environment. Enjoy an approximately 20-minute hike along a mostly flat trail to reach Suyuparina Glacier, located at 5,200 m / 17,060 ft above sea level, where you can admire towering ice walls, crevasses, ice caves, and penitente formations.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you will explore this remarkable high-altitude glacier and enjoy the surrounding Andean scenery. After the hike, return to Phinaya for lunch before continuing your journey back to Cusco, with a short stop at the impressive Sibinacocha Lake, located at 4,873 m / 15,988 ft above sea level.
ITINERARY
***QUELCCAYA GLACIER TOUR | 1 DAY
At 3:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin our Quelccaya Glacier Tour. We will travel for approximately 5 hours to the high-altitude village of Phinaya, located at 4,730 m / 15,518 ft above sea level, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue our journey for approximately 1 hour to the parking area, from where we will begin our hike toward Suyuparina Glacier.
From the parking area, we will begin an approximately 20-minute hike along a mostly flat trail until we reach Suyuparina Glacier, located at 5,200 m / 17,060 ft above sea level. During the hike, we may have the opportunity to observe alpacas and llamas while enjoying the spectacular high-Andean landscapes. Upon reaching the glacier, we will admire its impressive ice walls, with sections reaching approximately 20 meters in height, as well as crevasses, ice caves, and penitente formations. We will have time to appreciate this spectacular high-mountain landscape and take photographs.
After visiting Suyuparina Glacier, we will begin our return hike along the same route to the parking area. There, we will board our vehicle and return to Phinaya to enjoy lunch at the same place where we had breakfast in the morning. After lunch, we will continue our journey back to Cusco. Along the way, we will make a short stop at the viewpoint of the impressive Sibinacocha Lake, located at 4,873 m / 15,988 ft above sea level, where we can admire its majestic beauty and the spectacular Andean landscape surrounding it.
Afterward, we will continue our journey back to Cusco, where we will drop you off at Regocijo Square, located next to the Plaza de Armas, at approximately 8:00 p.m., marking the end of your Quelccaya Glacier Tour.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
INCLUDED:
- Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- Tourist transportation.
- All entrance fees.
- Breakfast and lunch.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- All applicable taxes.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Meals not mentioned.
- Extra expenses.
- Tips (optional).
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
The tour is available every day. Prices are listed in US dollars (USD) per person and are available for both shared and private services. You can choose the option that best suits your travel preferences and budget. Availability is subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
GROUP PRICE
ONLY US$110 PER PERSON
PRIVATE PRICE
1 PERSON: US$340 PER PERSON
2 – 3 PEOPLE: US$200 PER PERSON
4 – 6 PEOPLE: US$135 PER PERSON
7 + PEOPLE: US$110 PER PERSON
WHY CHOOSE CALLANGA FAMILY EXPLORERS?
Because we are a local, family-owned travel company with roots in Cusco and a deep connection to the people, culture, and landscapes of Peru. Our story began in Cusco, shaped by a profound connection to the culture, landscapes, and traditions of our region, and by a passion for sharing the authentic spirit of Peru with travelers from around the world.
We believe travel should be about much more than visiting beautiful places. It should create meaningful connections, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the destinations we call home. That is why we combine personalized service and authentic experiences with a strong commitment to responsible tourism.
When you travel with Callanga Family Explorers, you are not simply discovering Peru-you are traveling with a company that cares about its people, communities, and the natural heritage that makes every journey possible.
OUR PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDES
Our professional tour guides have extensive experience and knowledge. They will accompany you throughout your journey, sharing valuable insights into history, culture, nature, and local traditions while ensuring you enjoy a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
SMALL GROUPS
At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe that smaller groups create more meaningful travel experiences. To ensure personalized service, greater comfort, and a closer connection with our guides, our shared tour groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers. This allows us to provide a more flexible, enjoyable, and authentic experience, while giving every guest the attention and care they deserve throughout their journey.
OUR COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
We believe tourism can create a positive impact beyond the journey itself. Through our community and environmental initiatives, we support children and schools in rural Andean communities, organize environmental clean-up campaigns, contribute to reforestation initiatives, and participate in projects that help protect the natural areas of the Cusco region.
Our commitment goes beyond words. Each year, we continue developing initiatives that support local communities and contribute to caring for the landscapes and environments that make Peru such a special destination. We also dedicate a portion of our tour revenue to community development initiatives, allowing our travelers to become part of this positive impact simply by choosing to travel with us.
For us, responsible tourism means giving back to the people and places that make every journey possible and helping build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PAYMENT METHODS
To confirm your reservation, we offer two secure payment methods. Full payment (100% of the total tour cost) is required to secure your booking.
Payment Link: We accept credit and debit cards. We will send you a secure personalized payment link through Izipay, allowing you to complete your payment quickly and safely.
PayPal: You can make your payment directly to our PayPal account at info@callangafamilyexplorers.com. If you prefer, we can also send you a secure PayPal payment request by email, allowing you to complete your payment safely and conveniently. Your reservation will be confirmed once the full payment has been received.
Before confirming your reservation, we require the following information for each participant in your booking:
- Full name
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality
***Please also send us a clear copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather during the Quelccaya Glacier Tour can change quickly due to the extreme altitude and high-Andean environment. Early mornings are generally very cold, especially during the journey from Cusco and at higher elevations. Once the sun rises, temperatures may feel more comfortable, but strong winds and sudden changes in weather are still possible near the glacier.
The rainy season from November to April can bring rain, snow, cloud cover, and stronger winds, while the dry season from May to October generally offers sunnier days, clearer skies, and very cold mornings. Weather conditions can change throughout the day, particularly around Suyuparina Glacier at 5,200 m / 17,060 ft above sea level, so it is important to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation.
We recommend wearing warm layers, a waterproof jacket or poncho, gloves, a warm hat, and sturdy hiking shoes to stay comfortable and prepared for changing high-altitude conditions.
ARE TIPS MANDATORY?
No. At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe in rewarding our staff through fair wages and responsible working conditions. Our staff are paid fairly for their professionalism, dedication, and hard work.
If you feel that our team has exceeded your expectations and would like to show your appreciation, tips are always welcome but are never expected or mandatory. Any gratuity is entirely at your discretion and is greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for exceptional service.
WHAT TO PACK
-Original passport.
-Cash in Peruvian soles (PEN).
-Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip.
-Warm fleece or thermal jacket.
-Warm gloves.
-Warm hat or beanie.
-Sun hat or cap.
-Sunscreen.
-Sunglasses.
-Drinking water.
-Small backpack.
-Light snacks.
-Camera or smartphone.
-Extra warm layers.
-Waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially during the rainy season from November to April.