Highlights
- Hike to the Suyoparina Glacier, the largest tropical glacier in the world
- Enjoy a traditional homemade breakfast in the small community of Phinaya.
- Learn about the glacier's environmental importance and climate change.
- Savor a specially prepared Andean picnic with direct views of the glacier.
- Stop at a viewpoint overlooking Lake Sibinacocha, a freshwater reserve.
Description
Begin your private tour with an early pickup at 3:00 AM directly from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center. Travel in private tourist transportation accompanied by a professional guide throughout the entire experience.
Head south for approximately 5 hours, passing through rural landscapes and spectacular high Andean scenery until reaching the small community of Phinaya. Here, stop to enjoy a traditional homemade breakfast prepared with local ingredients. You will also have time to use the restrooms and visit small community shops.
After breakfast, continue driving for about 1 additional hour, crossing a scenic inter Andean valley where alpacas and llamas roam freely, until you arrive at the starting point of the hike.
From the parking area, take an easy 20 minute walk along a mostly flat trail to reach the Suyoparina Glacier, one of the most accessible glacier tongues of the Qelqaya Ice Cap, the largest tropical glacier in the world.
Observe an impressive mass of permanent ice, with towering blocks reaching over 20 meters in height, along with visible crevasses, green tinted ice caves, and striking penitente formations, characteristic of tropical glaciers.
Your guide will provide an engaging explanation about the glacier, its environmental importance, and the visible impacts of climate change on this fragile high-mountain ecosystem.
After the guided visit, enjoy a specially prepared Andean picnic served at a scenic location with direct views of the glacier. This is a perfect moment to relax, take in the spectacular surroundings, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the high Andes.
Following the picnic, return to Phinaya, where you take a short walk through the community. During this visit, stop at the local church, known for its traditional religious paintings displayed inside.
On the way back, make a scenic stop at a viewpoint overlooking Lake Sibinacocha, one of the largest lakes in the Cusco region and an important freshwater reserve that supplies approximately 54% of the region’s population.
Afterward, continue the return journey to Cusco, which takes about 5 hours. Arrival at your hotel is expected around 8:00 PM.
Includes
Pickup from the Sacred Valley
Andean breakfast
Visit to Quelccaya Glacier
Traditional local lunch
Visit to Sibinacocha Lake
Visit to traditional Andean textile center
Return to Cusco
Excludes
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
