Quelccaya Ice Cap Trek With Homestay 4d / 3n
Hiking Quelccaya Glacier in Peru
The tropical Quelccaya Glacier is in Southern Peru and has been scientifically studied because the snow is quickly melting and expect the snow cap will soon cease to exist like many glaciers in the world. Kallpa cares and takes care of the environment, thus provides tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Hike through the striking Quelccaya ice cap in the Ausangate region, gazing at the stunning turquoise lagoons and amazing glacial mountains. Come up front with the Quechua people living in this area and experience their traditional customs.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
| Day 1 | Cusco – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Qeseuno (L, D) |
| Day 2 | Qeseuno – Phinaya – Ausangate Circuit Homestay (B, L, D) |
| Day 3 | Lake Sibinacocha Peru (B, L, D) |
| Day 4 | Tropical Quelccaya Ice Cap – Cusco |
Day 1: Cusco – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Qeseuno (L, D)
Today, you will come up close with Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain, in Peru.
We start off from Cusco in the morning and drive towards the village of Pitumarca, where we will have time to buy any last-minute items before we set off on our amazing journey across the Andes Mountains of Peru. Arrive at the parking lot where our vehicle will wait for us. Here we begin our hike of 1.45 hours on flat ground and then hike up the first hill for about 25 minutes catching your breath frequently as the air is thin here. Then reach the platform which puts you up close to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, but you still have another 25 minutes to make the second climb to the top to take fabulous pictures of the multicolored mountain. In a clear day you will see spectacular views of the snowcapped Ausangate looming down. After, exploring the area and taking many pictures it is time to retrace our trail back to our waiting vehicle. Luckily it is all downhill now, so you can take it easy. We will explore the natural beauty before camping by the canyon.
Day 2: Qeseuno – Phinaya – Ausangate Circuit Homestay (B, L, D)
After a hearty breakfast, we will head off to the fascinating Nevado Ausangate one of the peaks in the Cordillera Vilcanota located in the Peruvian Andes. Explore the beauty of nature hiking a section of the breathtaking Ausangate Circuit which is blessed with turquoise lagoons, lakes, and snow- capped mountains. On arrival at Phinaya, a small community which stands at over 5000 meters in altitude, a wonderful family from the area will be waiting to greet us with a hot tea before we continue along the trail to the Ausangate mountain park, where our private vehicle awaits us and where we can appreciate the incredible mountain views. After hiking this section of the Ausangate trail, we will return to the homestay family for a delicious lunch prepared with fresh ingredients from the area and relax for the rest of the afternoon. We will be able to visit the local colonial church and enjoy an evening meal and hot drinks before we retire to our private rooms, in preparation for the next day’s activities.
Day 3: Lake Sibinacocha Peru (B, L, D)
Today, we will head off to Lake Sibinacocha located in the Cusco region, ranked 22nd highest in the world. Lake Sibinacocha (4873mt.) is situated in the Vilcanota range and is a massive lake with clear water. We will explore this gorgeous lake hiking around it and heading to an alpaca farm where we can compare the differences between vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas. This is the perfect spot to have a delicious lunch, surrounded by glacier mountains and the remarkable lake Sibinacocha in the Peruvian Andes. Following our venture,, we return to our homestay to relax and enjoy dinner.
Day 4: Tropical Quelccaya Ice Cap – Cusco (B, L)
After an energizing breakfast, we will be ready to continue our trek to the tropical Quelccaya ice cap, in the Andes of Peru. Quelccaya was the largest tropical ice cap in the world but with the progressive ice melt, it has been surpassed by the glacial ice remaining atop the higher volcanic peaks of Nevado Coropuna (6425 mt.). We are fortunate to explore this beautiful area before the snow caps disappear. After a fantastic time discovering the world´s largest tropical ice caps in the Peruvian Andes, we will return to our homestay to have a warm lunch. We will say goodbye to our host family, Mama Julia, and Mama Mariela, and thank them for their warm hospitality. Return to Cusco.
- Tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Luxury tour to Machu Picchu including the best hotels in Aguas Calientes.
- Cycling tour in The Sacred Valley of the Incas and traditional lunch with mama Nancy.
- One Day Culinary tour in the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a local family.
- Tour on horseback in The Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Alpaca Blessing Ceremony Tour with Papa John and his thousands of alpacas of Peru!
Included:
- Professional English Spanish – Quechua speaking guide
- Briefing before the start of the tour
- Tour as per Itinerary
- Private transport for your excursion
- 1 night camping
- 2 nights Homestay
- All admissions
- All meals on the itinerary (B= Breakfast L= Lunch, D= Dinner). Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free meals on request at no extra cost. (Home cooked meals during the homestay using organic fresh ingredients from the region)
- First-aid kit and oxygen
Services NOT Included:
- Domestic Flights (we can book for you)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Meals not mentioned on itinerary
- Any unforeseen expenses
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned on the itinerary
- Gratuities