Overview
Experience the raw majesty of the world’s largest tropical glacier on this immersive two-day journey into the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range. This off-the-beaten-path adventure takes you through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, past crystalline turquoise lagoons, and directly to the base of towering ancient ice walls. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurous souls, this trek offers a unique opportunity to witness a disappearing natural wonder while spotting native wildlife like alpacas and vicuñas in their pristine habitat. It is a profound and rewarding experience that combines physical challenge with the unparalleled serenity of the high Andes.
Summary
CUSCO – PITUMARCA – PHINAYA – CAMP BASE
Embark on a breathtaking journey through the high Andes, where sacred peaks and roaming wildlife lead you to a serene night at base camp.
THE GLACIAL FORTRESS OF THE ANDES
Stand before the world’s largest tropical glacier and witness the majestic ice walls of Quelccaya on a breathtaking journey through the high Andes.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – PITUMARCA – PHINAYA – CAMP BASE
We will leave Cusco very early (around 3:00 a.m.) and head toward the town of Pitumarca
(3,570 m / 11,712 ft), where we’ll make a brief stop to stretch our legs and have breakfast (not
included — you may request a boxed breakfast from your hotel in advance). We’ll then
continue our journey for another five hours until we reach Phinaya (4,890 m / 16,043 ft),
and from there, drive one more hour to the end of the road, where we’ll enjoy a light snack
before beginning our hike.
The trek begins with a gradual 3-hour ascent, offering spectacular scenery and stunning
views of Ausangate (6,385 m / 20,948 ft) — the highest mountain in the Cusco region — as
well as Jahuaycate (5,070 m / 16,633 ft). Along the way, we’ll encounter herds of llamas,
alpacas, and wild vicuñas roaming freely across the high Andean landscape. Finally, after
several hours of travel and hiking, we’ll arrive at our Base Camp (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), where
we’ll enjoy dinner and take in the magnificent panoramic views that surround us.
DAY 2: THE GLACIAL FORTRESS OF THE ANDES
We will wake up very early, around 4:00 a.m. After breakfast, we’ll begin our hike, walking
for about an hour across the rocky moraine. Soon, we’ll reach the base of the glacier,
where we’ll have time to explore and take in the impressive scenery before continuing
our trek across a vast snowy plain.
From this point, we’ll be able to admire the towering ice wall of Quelccaya — the largest
tropical glacier in the world. We’ll ascend until we stand directly in front of this
magnificent ice formation at an altitude of 5,300 m (17,388 ft), where we’ll take some
time to enjoy the breathtaking views and capture memorable photos.
Afterward, we’ll begin our descent, walking for about an hour back along the moraine
trail to Base Camp, where lunch will be served. Finally, after this unforgettable
experience, we’ll board our vehicle for the return trip to Cusco, arriving at approximately
10:00 p.m.
Details
What Trip Includes
What Trip Excludes
Packing List
What to bring?
Additional articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Route Map
Contact Us
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