The snowy Quelccaya, is located in the Vilcanota mountain range at 5,710 meters above sea level. It has 44 square kilometers of extension of palnicie (plateau) as a particular characteristic, this makes it the largest tropical glacier in the world. For the inhabitants of this area, this snow-capped mountain is considered one of the main Apus of this chain due to its breadth, there are also lagoons of glacial origin, rock formations, rivers, waterfalls and, above all, a scenic beauty expressed in the mountain range majesty of In the Peruvian Andes, you can also see a large amount of native wildlife from the highlands such as: deer, condor, vicuñas, Andean fox, vizcachas, wild cats, and a great variety of birds, likewise you can see common flora of this area such as the ichu, maychas, iru ichu, urtica and others. The geologist specialized in glaciers Lonney Thompson, awarded the National Medal of Science in 2007, is the one who has currently been carrying out different studies on these glaciers in Peru since 1974.
Discover the incredible Quelccaya Glacier
The Quelccaya glacier is located in the southeast of Peru, in the Vilcanota mountain range. It is characterized for being the largest tropical glacier in the world due to its 5,600 meters high and 44 square kilometers in length, approximately. In addition, it is one of the favorite destinations for professional mountaineers, who manage to conquer its peak.
For its part, this tourist attraction is of great importance for the region since it feeds the Vilcanota River and the Sibinacocha lagoon. However, this glacier has shrunk drastically in recent decades due to climate change. For this reason, the environmental authorities are working to control this problem.
An unforgettable scene
Cusco is one of the most amazing destinations in Peru. Here are incredible places like the Quelccaya glacier, which is ideal for practicing adventure sports and appreciating nature.
Numerous species such as alpacas, llamas and vicuñas inhabit this majestic glacier, which are of great importance to the nearby populations of this area. Likewise, it is made up of U-shaped valleys, glacial striations in the volcanic rocks and beautiful lagoons.
On the other hand, in this territory you can carry out some recreational activities such as trekking and ice climbing or “andinismo”, which have been carried out in this area for some years. It is recommended to be accompanied by a guide to avoid any inconvenience.
Meet the peasant community of Nevado
Some peasant communities live near the Quelccaya glacier, who, through their knowledge and traditions from their ancestors, seek the conservation of this sacred place. According to some of its inhabitants, Quelccaya is of great importance for their gratitude rituals.
Likewise, during your visit to this wonderful glacier you will be able to meet and interact with some of these communities and acquire several of their handicrafts made with Alpaca. Likewise, you will have the opportunity to listen to the different myths and legends that are part of their oral tradition.
Recommendations for visiting the Quelccaya Glacier
To make your experience in this magical destination perfect, here are some tips.
- Choose the right clothing
For outdoor activities it is necessary to be prepared for the weather, for which it is essential to wear the appropriate jacket, it must be waterproof and windproof. Likewise, you should wear waterproof shoes suitable for trekking and, above all, comfortable. - Protect yourself from solar radiation
Even if the weather is cold and you don’t feel the sun directly, it is necessary to protect yourself, because in this place the radiation is very strong. For this reason, we recommend you take a good sunscreen with a UV filter of factor 30 or higher. Also, do not forget some special sunglasses for these climates. - Includes the necessary accessories
For this adventure in the largest glacier in the world, it is necessary to bring a backpack with the following accessories:
– Multipurpose nylon rope
– Map
– Flashlight
– Knife or razor
– First aid box
– Flashlight with new batteries or spare batteries
– Cash
– ID card or passport
– Repellent - Do not forget the camping implements
If you are going to camp in the middle of the glacier, you must take the necessary utensils to spend a pleasant night.
– Double roof tent.
– A special mattress for trekking to combat and insulate the cold from the ground. In addition, you can take a cover to place between the tent and the ground.
– Hooded sleeping bag.
– A small stove, special for camping.
– Kitchen accessories for heating, eating and drinking. - Bring a camera
If you are going to tour the majestic Quelccaya glacier, you cannot forget to bring a good camera. Here you will be able to photograph the most beautiful landscapes from the heights of the glacier. Likewise, you will have the opportunity to record your experience in the middle of this mountain and share it with your friends and family. If you want, you can take a wide angle lens to record all its beauty.
Finally, we recommend that you carry out all the activities under the supervision of an expert, in order to avoid any setbacks.
Why is the Quelccaya Glacier important?
For some decades, scientists, residents and tourists have detected the reduction of its ice cap, product of global warming. For this reason, the environmental authorities have set off their alarms to combat this phenomenon, turning it into a protected zone.
This territory is of great importance for the water sources that feed thousands of peasant families in the region, due to its large aquifer reserves that continuously release water as the glacier melts. In addition, it is a research field for those who study the effects of climate change in this part of the country, such as Professor Lonnie Thompson of Ohio University.
Although the Quelccaya ice cap has decreased in recent decades, it is still one of the largest glaciers in the world. However, its protection and conservation must be a joint task. For this reason, if you are going to visit the Quelccaya, we invite you to do responsible tourism.
How to get to the Quelccaya Glacier?
From Lima you can take a direct bus to Cusco. Some of the companies that carry out this route are: Tepsa, Oltursa, Civa, Transportes Cromotex and Movil Bus. Then, you must start a tour of the road that leads to Puno. At the height of Sicuani, the detour towards the peasant community of Phinaya begins. The trip lasts an average of 5 hours, but you can take advantage of the trip to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the region.
After reaching this indigenous community, you will have to take a long walk to the Quelccaya glacier. It is advisable to go with a tour guide or follow the recommendations of the inhabitants of this area, since the path is somewhat complex and requires the knowledge of an expert.
Finally, there are some camping areas for those who come to visit this natural attraction.
#The Fact
Cusco is considered the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, which has a great historical and architectural legacy.
The Quelccaya glacier is considered by the inhabitants of the high Andean zone as one of the main Apus of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Quelccaya is a perfect attraction for hiking and enjoying its enigmatic landscape.
To tour the Quelccaya you can rent a mule.
Glaciers are a source of water, energy and agriculture.
The best destinations in Perú
Once you decide to visit Palccoyo Mountain, you could add the best destinations to combine the history and experience for your trip to Peru. Peru offers the most beautiful destinations, culture and naturals. we recommend to extend your holidays and choose these best destinations and prepare your itinerary:
- Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu
- Amazon Rainforest Peru
- Cusco
- Lake Titicaca
- Colca Canyon – Arequipa
Best Peru Treks
- Inca Trail 4 days
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- Short Inca Trail
- Short Inca Trail with Camping
