QUELCCAYA TREK

Day 1: Cusco – Phinaya – Quelccaya

We begin the adventure at 06:30 am, departing Cusco in private transportation. Our route follows the Cusco–Puerto Maldonado road, offering wide open Andean landscapes throughout the 4-hour drive. We then arrive in the remote village of Phinaya (3,900 m / 12,664 ft), a quiet Andean community surrounded by pristine high-mountain scenery.
From here we continue 1 hour to Pascata, where we meet our wranglers and horses. After enjoying lunch in this peaceful setting, we start a 4-hour hike toward the lagoon located near the Quelccaya Ice Cap. Along the way, the imposing white mass of the glacier comes into view, giving us our first breathtaking panorama of the world’s largest tropical ice cap. After spending time appreciating the lagoon and the scenery, we hike back to our campsite, where we’ll spend the night under the immense Andean sky.

Day 2: Visit the Quelccaya Ice Cap

After an early breakfast, we begin a 4-hour hike toward the heart of Quelccaya. As we approach the ice cap, the scenery becomes more dramatic—carved ice formations, endless white surfaces, and towering frozen cliffs create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Peru.
We then continue hiking for 1 additional hour to reach the spectacular ice caves, crystalline lagoon, and the immense ice wall. Here, we will have plenty of time to explore, walk along the glacier’s edge, and capture incredible photographs of this rare and powerful natural wonder. After enjoying this unforgettable moment, we return on foot for 4 hours back to camp.

Day 3: Quelccaya – Phinaya – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

After a nutritious breakfast, we take our private transport back toward Cusco—but the adventure continues. On the way, we detour to visit the famous Rainbow Mountain, one of the region’s most iconic natural attractions. The hike takes approximately 3 hours, during which you will be able to appreciate panoramic views and take stunning photos of the multicolored formations.
After the visit, we return to the bus station for lunch, and in the afternoon we continue our journey back to Cusco.
We arrive in the city at approximately 18:00 hrs, ending a truly unique high-Andean expedition.