TREK QUELCAYA ICE CAP 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Trekking in the beautiful remote region of Qelccaya, which is the biggest glacier in South America and does not require any special permits from the government for now. The region is famous for its beautiful sceneries, its peculiar wildlife and stunning views of the high peaks of Andes, including the mighty Ausangate 6370m and Sivinaccocha, the biggest lake (29km2). Qelqaya is often described as the most beautiful glacier in the world and our journey includes some incredible days to reach the glacie. The Qelqaya Trail is relatively young since it opened in 2010. It is a journey back in time and offers all who travel it a very traditional and authentic experience.
ITINERARIO
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Paqchanta- Jampa span>
Early morning at 05:30 we leave the city of Cusco in a private transport, and drive 3hrs. along the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado highway on the way we pass through Urcos, Cattca, Ocongate, after an approximated 3 hours drive, we arrive in Tinki, (3800m/12464ft). then We continue 1 hr. to Paqchanta where We can enjoy of the hot springs the lunch place, we meet our wranglers and horses here. After the lunch We start our trek initiating a slight climb that crosses through puna (dry, high area with little vegetation) From here we already have beautiful views of the sacred Ausangate peak (6372m/20900ft).We hike 6 hrs. to reach our campsite in Jampa Valley at 4400m/14432ft. (A,C)
Day 2: Jampa – Huayruro Pass – Rittiqocha
After breakfast, our hike begin ascending for 4 hours to reach the Huayruro pass (4850m/15908ft). We then descend 1 hrs. to our lunch place, crossing an area of vizcachas. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pukacocha, HatunPukacocha, and Qomerqocha) and spectacular views of the surrounding snow peaks. After lunch, we continue on a long and slow ascent that will take us, after about 2 hours to our next camp site Rittiqocha laggon (4350m/14500ft). ( D,A,C)
Day 3: Rittiqocha – Sibinaqocha lake
After breakfast, our hike begin ascending for two hours to reach the Anantapata mountain pass (4900m/16072 ft). We then descend 1 hr. to Alqatarwi community our lunch place, After lunch, we continue on a long and slow ascent that will take us, after about two hours, to our campsite at Anantapáta (4440m/14563ft). (D,A,C)
Day 4: Sibinaqocha – Phinaya – Quelccaya ice cap
We hike 2 hrs. to reach the Yayamari mountain, We will be able to enjoy the view of numerous mountains around as well as of Phinaya community where the people have camels in their natural environment. The trek lasts for about 1 more hours until we get to the stunning landscape and the Quelccaya glacier, here we will have about one hour to relax and take amazing pictures of this natural wonder, We continue to our next campa site near the glacier. (D,A
Day 5: Sibinaqocha – Phinaya – Quelccaya ice cap
After the breakfast We hike 2 hrs. to reach the glacier or ice cap of Quelccaya and the beautiful lagoons, We will be able to enjoy the view The trek lasts for about 1 more hours until we get to the stunning landscape, Here we will have about 2 hours to visit and explorer the ice cap and take amazing pictures of this natural wonder, We continue to visit the red valley mountains, We then hike 2 hrs.to camp site for the lunch in the afternoon We return to Cusco arriving at approximately 19:00 (D,A)
INCLUYE:
- Private transportation to head of trail
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- and camp staff
- Meals 4B, 4L, 4D
- (Vegetarian option available)
- Double-occupancy tents and camping equipment
- (includes dining tent,kitchen tent, and latrine tent)
- botiquín
- Cocinero
- Horses to carry personal gear and equipment..
- Return bus to Cusco including transfer to your hotel
NO INCLUYE
- Sleeping bag
WHAT PASANGER MUST BRING:
- Original passport
- Sleeping bag
- Bottle water
- Sun block
- Sun glasses
- Hat
- Basic clothes change
WHAT PASANGER MUST BRING:
- Original passport
- Sleeping bag
- Bottle water
- Sun block
- Sun glasses
- Hat
- Basic clothes change
Without a doubt, Peru is a country where you can find almost all the ecosystems in the world. A clear example is the Quelccaya glacier in Cusco, considered one of the wonders of the country.
There are many things to take into account before visiting this tourist attraction in the Vilcanota mountain range, considered the largest tropical glacier in the world, measuring 5,600 meters high and 44 kilometers long. The temperature reaches below zero at night.
Now we will give you some tips to make your trip as favorable as possible:
Acclimatize. This wonder is located between 5,650 / 4,900 meters above sea level, so it is necessary to stay in the city of Cusco two days before your journey. Also, avoid heavy food, especially so you can be as light as possible for the walk.
Solar radiation. The weather is quite cold, but the radiation is very strong. Wear a good sunscreen and special glasses. Similarly, load up with a face cream and lip moisturizer, as these can become critically dry.
Necessary implements. Being an adventure, you need a backpack with nylon strings, compass, map, flashlight, whistle, knife, first aid kit, documents and repellent. All this will help you to ensure that your experience is not affected.
Travel on your own? When talking about a place with extreme temperatures, it is best to hire the services of a travel agency that allows you to have a guide and everything to avoid an accident.