What to Pack:

Quelccaya Glacier Trek Packing Guide
 

Clothing – Pack Smart, Stay Comfortable

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Waterproof Jacket & Pants – Be Ready for Anything
The weather in the mountains can change in an instant, so make sure you have a waterproof jacket and pants to stay dry during unpredictable showers.

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Thermal Jacket – Stay Warm at Night
The nights can get pretty cold, so a thermal jacket is a must to keep you warm when the temperatures drop.

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Quick-Dry Layers – Light and Dry
Avoid cotton—it holds moisture and doesn’t dry quickly. Instead, bring quick-dry layers that keep you comfortable, no matter the conditions.

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Fleece Jacket or Warm Sweater – Essential for Evenings
As the sun sets, temperatures can drop. A fleece jacket or warm sweater will be your best friend during chilly evenings.

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Trekking Pants – Tough and Ready for the Trail
Choose lightweight yet durable trekking pants to tackle rocky terrain without weighing you down.

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Hat, Gloves, and Scarf – Keep Cozy in Cold Mornings & Nights
A hat, gloves, and scarf are essential for those brisk mornings and frosty nights.

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Sun Hat or Bandana – Shield Yourself from the High-Altitude Sun
At high altitudes, the sun can be intense. Protect your face and head with a sun hat or bandana.

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Sturdy, Waterproof Hiking Boots – Trek with Confidence
To tackle rocky paths and streams, you’ll need sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. They’ll give you the grip and protection you need.

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Lightweight Camp Shoes – Relax After the Day’s Trek
After a long day of trekking, treat your feet to lightweight, comfortable camp shoes. You’ll appreciate the break!

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Thick Hiking Socks – Stay Warm & Dry
Pack wool or synthetic socks that wick moisture and keep your feet warm and comfortable.

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Personal Gear – All the Essentials You’ll Need

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Waterproof Daypack – Carry What You Need
Bring a waterproof daypack to carry your essential items, keeping them dry and accessible.

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Hydration System – Stay Hydrated
You’ll need at least 2L of water per day, so bring a hydration system like a camelback or water bottles to stay refreshed.

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Camera – Capture the Breathtaking Views
You’ll want to document the beauty of the glaciers and mountains, so don’t forget your camera with plenty of memory cards.

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Headlamp with Extra Batteries – Don’t Get Caught in the Dark
Be prepared for any early morning or late evening activity with a headlamp. Extra batteries are essential!

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Sunglasses – Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
The sun can be harsh at high altitudes. Bring sunglasses with UV protection to keep your eyes safe.

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Sunblock & Lip Balm – High-Altitude Protection
The sun at high altitudes can burn you fast, so pack sunblock and lip balm for protection.

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First Aid Kit – For Peace of Mind
Carry a basic first aid kit along with any personal medications you may need.

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Trekking Poles – Extra Support
Trekking poles are optional, but they’ll help on those steep inclines and declines.

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Other Essentials – For a Smooth Trek

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Snacks – Keep Your Energy Up
Pack energy bars, trail mix, or other snacks to keep you energized throughout the day.

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Wet Wipes – Stay Fresh
Since showers may be hard to come by, wet wipes are a lifesaver for a quick clean-up.

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Camera Memory Cards – Capture Every Moment
Make sure you have extra memory cards for your camera—you won’t want to miss a thing!

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Cash in Soles or USD – For Small Purchases
Bring cash in soles or USD for tips or any purchases in remote towns.

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This trek isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about embracing the rugged beauty of the Andean heartland. Each day offers a chance to push your limits, take in awe-inspiring views of glaciers, and connect with nature in ways you’ve never experienced before.

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Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let’s hit the trail!

Before You Embark on

This Epic Adventure: Know Before You Go

 

Altitude Awareness – Take It Slow, Stay Safe

The Quelccaya Glacier trek reaches extreme high altitude, with viewpoints up to around 5,500 meters (18,045 feet). To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, we strongly recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before the trek to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water, walk at a steady pace, and pay attention to how your body feels. Common symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea are signs to slow down and rest—this is a journey to enjoy, not a race.

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Weather & Conditions – Expect the Unexpected

Mountain weather is always a bit of a gamble! During the day, you’ll enjoy warm, sunny skies (around 18°C/64°F), but don’t be fooled—nights can get cold, dipping down to -5°C (23°F) or even lower. Afternoon rain showers are common, so be ready for all kinds of weather, from bright sunshine to unexpected downpours. Layer up and bring that rain jacket!

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Physical Preparation – Get Ready for the Adventure

This trek is not too technically difficult, but the high altitudes and rugged terrain demand a moderate fitness level. You don’t need to be a marathon runner, but comfort with long days of hiking on steep inclines is key. A little bit of pre-trip cardio and leg-strengthening exercises will make a huge difference, helping you feel strong and ready for the adventure ahead.

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What’s Included – All You Need, No Extra Stress

We’ve got you covered! The guides, porters, food, and camping gear are all taken care of. You just need to pack your personal essentials. Keep your gear light and smart—especially when it comes to warm layers for chilly nights and gear for high-altitude conditions. You’ll be set to trek with ease, and all you need to worry about is enjoying the adventure!

Day 1: Cusco to Phinaya – Gateway to the Ice Cap

You’ll leave Cusco early, climbing steadily into the vast Andean highlands where alpacas and vicuñas roam across wide, golden plains. The drive passes remote villages and high-altitude lagoons before reaching Phinaya (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), one of the most isolated communities in southern Peru. After meeting your trekking team and enjoying a hot meal, you’ll begin hiking toward Comercocha Lake, a striking glacial lagoon set beneath the icy flanks of the Quelccaya Ice Cap. Tonight, you’ll camp in true high-Andean solitude, with the glacier looming above and silence all around.

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Highlights:
Scenic drive through remote Andean plateaus
Cultural encounter in the highlands of Phinaya
Camp beside Comercocha Lake with glacier views

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Distance: ~10 km (6.2 miles)
Starting Elevation: Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft)
Ending Elevation: Comercocha Lake (5,000 m / 16,404 ft)
Elevation Gain: ~200 m (656 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate – gradual ascent in high-altitude terrain

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Day 2: High-Andean Landscapes and Glacier Viewpoints

You’ll wake to crisp mountain air and reflections of snow peaks dancing across Comercocha Lake. Today is about immersion in the wild, glacial world of Quelccaya. The hike leads across rolling moraines, open high plains, and hidden meltwater lagoons, gradually revealing the immense scale of the ice cap. From panoramic viewpoints, you’ll take in sweeping views of snowfields and rugged Andean peaks while your guide explains the geology and fragile ecosystem of this remote region. You’ll return to camp in the afternoon for another quiet night beneath a sky filled with stars.

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Highlights:
Hike through pristine high-Andean wilderness
Panoramic viewpoints of the Quelccaya Ice Cap
Remote glacial lagoons and dramatic moraine landscapes

Distance: ~12 km (7.5 miles)
Starting / Ending Elevation: Comercocha Lake (5,000 m / 16,404 ft)
High Point: ~5,200 m (17,060 ft)
Elevation Gain/Loss: ~300 m (984 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging – sustained hiking at high altitude

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Day 3: Quelccaya Ice Cap – Return to Cusco

After an early breakfast, you’ll set out for the highlight of the expedition: a trek to the edge of the Quelccaya Ice Cap (5,500 m / 18,045 ft), the largest tropical glacier on Earth. The trail crosses moraine fields and frozen streams before opening onto a dramatic world of towering ice walls and endless snowfields. Here, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and learn about the glacier’s rapid retreat and its importance to Andean water systems. After descending back to Comercocha Lake for lunch, you’ll continue to Phinaya, where your vehicle will be waiting for the return journey to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

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Highlights:
Stand at the edge of the world’s largest tropical glacier
Spectacular ice formations and high-Andean panoramas
Scenic return through remote mountain valleys

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Distance: ~18 km (11 miles)
Starting Elevation: Comercocha Lake (5,000 m / 16,404 ft)
High Point: Quelccaya Glacier Edge (5,500 m / 18,045 ft)
Ending Elevation: Phinaya (4,800 m / 15,748 ft)
Elevation Gain: ~500 m (1,640 ft)
Elevation Loss: ~700 m (2,297 ft)
Difficulty: Challenging – high-altitude trekking with glacier approach