Cusco is recognized as the 'Archaeological Capital of America'.
Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are the names by which the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is known. It is a center for archaeological scholars from all over the world who come to Peru to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu and the other ruins scattered throughout the valley.
It was an important administrative center for the Spanish Empire (Viceroyalty of Peru), and can be seen in the large number of manifestations of colonial art and architecture that can be found throughout the city and especially its Plaza de Armas. Today, Cusco is the largest tourist center in the country, receiving more than one million visitors a year.
Cusco is the oldest urban settlement in all of the Americas, more than 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic samples have been found as old as 5,000 years. The origins of the first inhabitants of the city are lost in legend. Inca legends say that the founders of the city were Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq.
At the top of the mountain, large and impressive stone blocks joined together, the most important political and religious center of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the sacred Inca citadel built around 1450 and discovered in 1911, still hides enigmas and mysteries about its real purpose that remain hidden to this day and arouse the interest of both visitors and archaeologists from around the world.
Due to its strategic location on top of a high mountain, there are several theories about what it could have meant to the Incas. Some argue that it was built as a great mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec, while others claim that it was an important administrative and agricultural center whose cultivated areas were used for the sustenance of its inhabitants. However, it is also considered that it was used as a necessary link between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon or as a resting place for the Inca governor.
The truth is that Machu Picchu is one of the greatest symbols behind the impressive architecture and engineering of the Inca Empire. Although its origin is still under study, the value and transcendence it represented in its time, as well as its imposing design, have earned it to be considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
The tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, is one of the most classic and incredible tours, where you can explore small villages outside the city of Cusco and also its archaeological sites.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 15 km (9 miles) north of the Inca capital of Cusco at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The Sacred Valley was once the Inca empire’s main point for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas for corn production in Peru.
We have to admire the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas and their system of andenería (terraces): system of platforms composed of small groups of farmland, arranged in the form of tiers on the hills, where crops are planted. The valleys were also a place of worship to the Pachamama (mother earth).
The Sacred Valley is a must-see destination in Peru and has become one of the most important tourist centers in the country. There are numerous impressive Inca ruins, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisaq and Moray. The Sacred Valley also has two of the most important handicraft markets in the Cusco region: Pisaq and Chinchero.
The Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu was connected by a network of roads known as Qhapaq Ñan.
The great adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for those who live passionately, always looking for a new experience!
The Inca Trail is a fascinating dream to fulfill and is the most famous trek in all of South America. The beauty of the views and the archaeological sites surrounding the Inca Trail are unsurpassed.
This tour is ideal for those who are full of energy to hike to Machu Picchu on the trip of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights.
The Inca Trail Peru is a well established trek that takes travelers from km. 82 (the starting point 40 minutes from the town of Ollantaytambo) to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku).
Se trata de la montaña de los Siete Colores, también conocida como Vinicunca o Arcoíris.
Also known as the “Hill of 7 colors”, vinicunca, and colorful mountain, gift of nature for the enjoyment of our eyes. This unique mountain is located more than 100 km from the Imperial City of Cusco, belonging to the town of Pitumarca, is one of the main tourist attractions of Peru recently discovered and made known in 2016.
Vinicunca means “mountain of colors”. It is also known as Rainbow Mountain, Cerro Colorado or in English as Rainbow Mountain. It is located at 5200 meters above sea level and belongs to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
Its coloration is natural due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow (7 colors).
Although it is commonly called Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado or Seven Colors Mountain), its real name is Vinicunca, which comes from Quechua.
If you are looking for a hike out of the ordinary, here are the hikes you are looking for
In Cusco you will find countless activities and tourist routes that you can explore; many of them include a visit to Machu Picchu, whether you are looking for a quiet and classic tour or adventure experiences with a touch of immersion with the coexistence with local people.
Live exciting moments in real contact with nature that remains untouched by the hand of man, all well preserved; walk in contact with nature, and the local fauna; if you are patient you will see many animals that come out to walk trusting; since each one is prohibited.
Enjoy hikes of 2 to more days; enjoy good food along the route; professional local guides and discover the magic of visiting this beautiful country that awaits you.
Exciting adventures, all over Peru, wide variety of experiences.
Peru has become in recent years the most fashionable destination in South America. There is no shortage of reasons: an impressive variety of ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities full of history, culture, traditions, beaches, fauna, flora… and, of course, its delicious and famous gastronomy.
From the Amazon to the desert, from the high peaks of the Andes to the Pacific, passing through the valleys and high plateaus, the country enchants with its incredible contrasts. Although the reasons to visit the country are really endless, we want to show you some compelling arguments for you to embark on the exciting adventure of discovering it. Are you up for it?
Every place on Earth is fascinating and unique, but Peru is one of those countries that manages to be above average. This place has so many natural and cultural treasures that have fascinated people for hundreds of years, and still fascinate them today. There are thousands of reasons to go to this great destination, here are just some of the reasons why you should visit Peru.
3 Days from $ USD 100.00
Tour Quelccaya Glacier Trek Camp
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.
Today Cusco we can not only enjoy the history of our legacy or the great citadels like Machupicchu and Choquequirao. Cusco also generously gives us great natural attractions, such as the Quelccaya Glacier.
The Quelccaya glacier is located in the southeast of Peru, at more than 5600 meters above sea level and sits on the Vilcanota mountain range, being an extension of the Andes mountain range. It is considered the largest in the entire tropical zone of the world. This white giant is also called the Quelccaya Ice Cap, with a length of more than 17 km, a surface area of 44 km² and an ice layer 200 m thick.
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.
We depart by private transport to the city of Pitumarca where we will have a good breakfast. Then we continue the route to the Chilca viewpoint and the Sibinacocha lagoon. At this last point, we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we head to our first camp at Mormorani. Then we will go to the Yayamari farm and we will see an incredible landscape. Then we go up to the pass of the same name, from where we have a more complete view of the Chumpe and Yayamari glaciers.
Later we will go to the camp near the Laguna de Cáscara. We then travel through the extensive Phinaya Valley until we reach our noon point and see the world’s largest tropical glacier, the famous Quelccaya. After contemplating this magical place, we will return to the camp and from there with unique memories of our adventure in Cusco.
Quelccaya is a magnificent glacier in Cusco that generously offers us great natural attractions; such as the Quelccaya Glacier, the largest glacier in the entire tropical zone of the world. Also known as Quelccaya Ice, this white giant is more than 17 km long, covers an area of 44 km² and has an ice sheet 200 m thick.
Altitude of the Quelcaya Glacier
Quelccaya is located at more than 5100 meters above sea level southeast of the city of Cusco in the Vilcanota Mountain Range between the provinces of Canchis (Cusco) and the province of Melgar (Puno).
1, Easy
That day, we leave very early with a delicious breakfast, then we start our trek on Cerro Huancanay (5,150 m above sea level – 15,450 ft) and follow the same route to the edge of the real ice cap of the Quelccaya Glacier.
We will have the pleasure of exploring the magnificent glacial landscapes during the day before returning to Bajo Huancanay camp at night.
Walking time: depending on your mood
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
1, Easy
Our last day begins with breakfast in the morning and then the return trip to the municipality of Cochas begins where our private transport will be waiting for us to return to the city of Cusco.
In the early afternoon we will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.
Duration: 4h30 / 11km
Meals: B, L
1, Easy
Wear clothing that is UV and liquid resistant and made of durable, lightweight materials.
Due to the low temperature of the place, take a breathable polo shirt first, then a garment with an insulating layer (fleece lining), then a down jacket and finally a raincoat. Don’t forget a synthetic hat, gloves and socks.
Waterproof walking shoes with smooth soles are required.
Camping equipment: thermal tent, sleeping bag, blanket, mattress, headlamp, stove and three-season tent.
the important thing
Do not forget sunscreen with a UV filter factor of 30 or more and special sunglasses for these climatic zones, glare can damage your eyes.
Solar charger.
A backpack made of materials such as nylon or polyamide: they are lighter, more resistant and waterproof.
Bring a camera so you can capture all those unforgettable landscapes you love.
Finally enjoy this amazing adventure and connect with Apu Quelccaya.
Quelccaya glacier is the largest tropical glacier in the world. The glacier is more than 17 km long, reaches an altitude of 5,600 meters, has a surface area of 44 km2 and an ice layer more than 200 meters thick.
Wear clothing that is UV and liquid resistant and made of durable, lightweight materials.
Due to the low temperature of the place, take a breathable polo shirt first, then a garment with an insulating layer (fleece lining), then a down jacket and finally a raincoat. Don’t forget a synthetic hat, gloves and socks.
Waterproof walking shoes with smooth soles are required.
Camping equipment: thermal tent, sleeping bag, blanket, mattress, headlamp, stove and three-season tent.
the important thing
Do not forget sunscreen with a UV filter factor of 30 or more and special sunglasses for these climatic zones, glare can damage your eyes.
Solar charger.
A backpack made of materials such as nylon or polyamide: they are lighter, more resistant and waterproof.
Bring a camera so you can capture all those unforgettable landscapes you love.
Finally enjoy this amazing adventure and connect with Apu Quelccaya.
Quelccaya glacier is the largest tropical glacier in the world. The glacier is more than 17 km long, reaches an altitude of 5,600 meters, has a surface area of 44 km2 and an ice layer more than 200 meters thick.
To get to the Quelccaya Glacier, you must first acclimatize for at least 2 days in Cusco, acclimatize one day before the trek, prepare everything you need, the day of the trek you must get up very early at 5:30 and Cusco Bus Terminal Departs from Sicuani on Huayruuropa Avenue. Here you will board the bus to Sicuani, upon arrival you can have breakfast and do some shopping on the way, you will need to take a taxi or bus directly to Phinaya village.
Along the way you will discover the magnificent landscapes of the region. When you arrive, you must take a two-day glacier hike.
If you don’t feel like hiking, you can ride a horse, which you can hire from the locals. During the trek you will find camps where you can spend the night and continue the trek the next day.
Quelccaya Glacier is an important underground water reservoir that gives life to various natural creatures and feeds the Vilcanota River and the Sibinacocha Lagoon.
It also supplies water to nearby towns in the Cusco region, since most of the water produced by melting glaciers flows there. a situation that is accelerating due to the effects of climate change. For this reason, there are different access routes to the glacier for scientific research and the study of local climate changes.
Residents of the nearby glacier community say their ancestors saw a figure running towards them on the slopes of Quelccaya Glacier. It was a man dressed in a white poncho, which was associated with an unusual appearance, so people did not dare join him. This person is considered the zone defender.
Quelccaya – Glacier is located in the municipalities of Sallani and Phinaya, in the district of Pitumarca, in the province of Canchis and in the region of Cusco. It belongs to the Vilcanota chain and has geographical features that make it a popular destination for professional climbers.
Quelccaya is located at more than 5100 msnm southeast of Cusco, at the foot of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
A current measure to reach the glacier is acclimatization in the city of Cusco, which must be done at least two days before the trip. After that, everything necessary for the trip must be ready and at 5:30 am departure to the bus station for the Sicuani neighborhood on Avenida Huayruuropa. Once in this area it is possible to have breakfast in the different restaurants and stock up on food for the road; So you have to hire a private taxi or pick it up from Phinaya town. During this trip, you will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes.
After this hike, you have to walk for two days to reach the glacier, or you can ride a horse rented from the locals. Along the way you will find campsites where you can spend the night and continue your journey at dawn.
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by South Winds Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
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