Qelqaya Trekking 3 Days 2 Nights

• TIMING: 3 days 2 nights.
• STARTING & ENDING POINT: Cusco Hotel.
• TYPE OF TOUR: Adventure, Cultural and History.
• TRANSPORT: Trekking and bus.
• DIFFICULTY: Does involve some narrow trails, so sturdy footwear is required to help you enjoy it fully. Moderate to Challenging.
• WHEN TO GO: Best from April to October
• DAY TEMPERATURE: 10 ºC to 25 ºC / Night temperature: 4ºC to -10º C
• REMARK : 2-days acclimatization required.

Short Trek itirerary

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Depart from Cusco and hike to Phinaya, passing through Sivinaccocha, before reaching Quehuar.
• Day 2: Explore the captivating Qelqaya Glacier and return to Quehuar.
• Day 3: Return from Quehuar to Cusco.

This concise itinerary outlines the key destinations and activities for your short trek.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Our 3-day Qelqaya Trekking , have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

Day 1.- Cusco – Phinaya – Sivinaccocha – Quehuar.

Embark on an exciting trek starting from the vibrant city of Cusco. Our journey begins bright and early at 5:30am, where we’ll pick you up from your hotel. If you’re joining us from other locations, please coordinate at the time of booking. Traveling in our private car, we’ll head to the charming village of Pitumarka, a two-hour drive from Cusco, where a delectable breakfast awaits. Take this opportunity to grab any essentials for the trip.

Continuing our adventure, we’ll travel for approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes through breathtaking landscapes until we reach the magnificent Sivinaccocha lagoon, standing proudly at 4,600 meters above sea level. As the largest lake in the region, it offers awe-inspiring mountain views that are perfect for exploration and capturing beautiful photos. Our journey then takes us to our campsite at Quehuar, nestled at an elevation of 4,850 meters above sea level. Here, we’ll set up our comfortable tents.

Throughout the trek, you will be treated to satisfying meals. Lunch and dinner will be provided on this journey. Accommodation will be based on two people per tent, ensuring a cozy and enjoyable experience. The maximum altitude reached during this trek is 4,850 meters above sea level at the camp in Quehuar, while the minimum altitude is 3,400 meters above sea level in the city of Cusco. The approximate walking time for this trek is around 2 hours.

Join us on this thrilling trekking experience, where you’ll immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the region and create memories to last a lifetime.

• Meals: L – D
• Accommodation: 2 People per Tents
• Maximum Altitude: 4,850masl the camp at Quehuar
• Minimum Altitude: 3,400masl the city of Cusco
• Approximate Walking Time: 2 hours

Day 2.- Quehuar – Explore Qelqaya Glacier – Quehuar

Embark on an exhilarating trek through majestic rocky formations and ice-water rivers, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks along the way. Our morning adventure will lead us to the magnificent Qelqaya Glacier, where we will explore its enchanting ice caves and conquer its towering heights. After our exploration, a delicious lunch awaits us by the serene lake adjacent to the glacier. We will then make our way back to the welcoming community of Quehuar, where we will spend the night in cozy tents. Get ready for an unforgettable trekking experience!

•  Meals: B – L – D
• Accommodation: 2 People per Tents
• Maximum Altitude: 5,600masl the top of the glacier
• Minimum Altitude: 4,850masl the camp at Quehuar
• Approximate Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours

Day 3.- Qehuar – Cusco.

After experiencing a breathtaking sunrise, it’s time to savor a delicious breakfast before making our way back to Cusco. The anticipated arrival time in Cusco is approximately 2:00pm.

•  Meals: B – L

Qelccaya Trekking Includes

• Pre Trek Briefing
• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Private transport from Cusco to Quehua camp (the trailhead) and return at the end of the trek
• Entrance fees.
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide
• Tents – 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
• Thermarest
• Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
• Toilet tent
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes).
• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
• Tents for our staff to sleep in, sleeping bags & mattresses plus a budget for their meals.
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle – but not blister treatments as known in western countries.

Not Included

• SLEEPING BAG: Can be rented in our office for US $15
• Optional Tips for the crew

Recommendations

• Sleeping bag (you can rent at SUNRISE office).
• Bottle of mineral water.
• Rain gear and/or plastic poncho (can be purchase in Cusco).
• Hiking boots.
• Warm jacket or fleece, t-shirts, shorts, long pants, sun hat and wool hat.
• Flashlight.
• Sun block.
• Insect repellent.
• Toilet paper and garbage bag.
• Small towel and bathing suit (hot springs optional).
• Camera, extra film and extra batteries.
• Snacks, chocolates, energy bars.
• Emergency money.
• Walking stick (optional).

Cost of the tour

PRICE: US$

Private price:

2 person US$ 3 person US$ 4 person US$ 5 person US$

Payment details

For 3-day Qelqaya Trekking we require a non-refundable trek deposit of US$100 per person. The deposit can be sent by a WESTERN UNION or to our BANK ACCOUNT money transfer. This is the fastest and most secure form of payment in Peru. The money transfer should be in the name of SUNRISE PERU TREK TOUR OPERATOR E.I.R.L. Once you arrive in Cusco you must pay the remaining balance in cash prior to beginning your tour. We accept both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles (local currency).

 Important info

For 3-day Qelccaya Trekking, the night before your trek there will be a pre-trek talk (briefing) in our office or in your hotel at either 6 or 7pm (exact time will be confirmed on arrival to Cusco).

Best time to do Qelqaya Trekking.

You should know that Cusco is Located in the Andes. Like most treks in the region of Cusco, the best time to do 3-day Qelqaya Trekking is from May to October, during the months is dry season in the Andes, allowing for sunnier weather and clearer days to enjoy the scenic beauty. The driest months of the year are between June and August. The dry season is also the high season for the region, so Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail tend to be more densely populated. Fortunately, the remote Qelqaya Trek is a unique option, avoiding the crowds year-round, even during peak season.

The rainy season in the Andes is between November and April, with the rainiest months being from January to March. During this time, especially in February, the rains can be torrential, which can lead to trail closures. It is best to stick to the dry season or the low season (mixed weather) of April and October. Throughout Qelccaya Trekking, temperatures range from 10-25 ° C during the day if the weather is good, to 05-10 ° C during the day if there is no suny. Given the high altitude of the campsites, temperatures drop considerably in the afternoon and especially at night, when they can drop to -10 ° C or even lower in the dry season. Therefore, warm clothing is particularly in demand for this hike.

Getting the Qelqaya glacier.

The Quelqaya Glacier awaits your exploration! To embark on this adventure, it is important to acclimate for at least 2 days in Cusco. The day before the trek, make sure to prepare everything you need. Rise early at 5:30 am and head to the Cusco Bus Terminal on Huayruuropa Avenue. From there, catch a bus to Sicuani. Upon arrival, indulge in a hearty breakfast and gather any necessary supplies. Then, hop on a taxi or bus to Phinaya village.

During your journey, prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring landscapes of the region. Upon reaching your destination, embark on a two-day glacier hike. If hiking is not your cup of tea, don’t worry! The locals offer horseback riding options that you can avail. Along the trek, you will stumble upon camping spots where you can spend the night, continuing your adventure the following day.

The Quelqaya Glacier.

The Quelqaya Glacier is a vital source of water for the Cusco region in Peru. This glacier sits high up in the mountains, nestled in the Vilcanota Range and acts as an underground water reservoir. From this glacier flow two important bodies of water – the Vilcanota River and the Sibinacocha Lagoon – vital to local life and important ecosystems.

The glacial meltwater is also used for nearby towns, providing people with fresh drinking water without which they would struggle to obtain it from alternative sources. As climate change accelerates, however, more access routes have been opened up to the glacier for research purposes – so that scientists can keep track of changes to its size and melting rate over time.

In addition to supplying fresh drinking water, Quelqaya Glacier supports many species of animals and plants that are unique to this area only found there due its Arctic-Alpine conditions with extreme temperatures in much higher altitudes than other places on earth can accommodate. For instance, you’ll find rare birds like flamingos or upland geese flocking around Sibinacocha Lagoon – which has risen thanks almost entirely due to concentrated glacial meltwater coming from Quelqaya Glacier!