Quelccaya stretches like a frozen sea over the heights of the Vilcanota range. From afar, it appears as an immense white savannah resting on the mountain, shining under the radiant sun. Up close, the landscape transforms, revealing deep blue crevices, fractured ice, and sharp ridges.
It is located in the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range, one of the most important chains in the Peruvian Andes. It is situated in southern Peru, within the department of Cusco, specifically in the province of Canchis, district of Pitumarca.
You can reach Quelccaya on your own by taking transportation to the town of Checacupe, which is 3-4 hours away by road. From Checacupe, continue to the community of Huito, and from there begins a demanding hike that can take between 5 to 7 hours, depending on the visitor's pace and acclimatization.
Please note that there is no official tourist signage to reach Quelccaya, so it is essential to visit accompanied by a specialized guide. At cuscoperu.com, we have the necessary experience to ensure you enjoy this adventure safely and memorably. Contact us and our advisors will help you plan your trip.
The name Qelqaya comes from the Quechua language, “qillqay” or “qelqay,” meaning “writing” or “to write,” and “ya,” indicating a place. Thus, Qelqaya translates to “the place where it is written” or “the one who writes.” This name reflects that it is a climate manuscript, whose ice layers act as pages preserving the region’s climate history over centuries. Quelccaya is much more than a simple block of ice: it is a living archive that “writes” and preserves the planet’s memory.
The stories and legends surrounding the Quelccaya glacier reflect the rich cultural tradition of the Andean peoples. Shamans from the Huito community claim that, at nightfall, Quelccaya emits sounds similar to thunder, which do not come from the sky but from within the glacier. It is said these noises are laments, a sign that people have lost respect for it.
Another local legend tells that, centuries ago, Quelccaya was a wise being who wrote the world’s secrets in ice. The gods, seeing that humans could not read them, decided to make it disappear slowly, so only those who truly listen to nature would understand its message.
The Quelccaya glacier has been retreating rapidly in recent decades, evidencing the real impact of climate change. It shows that global warming is altering our environment and alerts us to the urgent need to act to reduce its effects.
As it loses much of its ice, Quelccaya not only changes the Andean landscape but also affects ecosystems and communities that depend on its waters. The reduction in river flow emerging from this glacier is limiting access to water, causing great concern among local inhabitants.
The best season to visit Quelccaya is during the dry months, from May to September, as conditions are more favorable for hiking.
Leave early in the morning to take advantage of the soft light and enjoy the landscape with fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful experience in contact with nature.
Quelccaya is more than ice. It is a silent guardian of natural history that warns us it is about to vanish forever. Visiting it is a glimpse into a world where time seems to stand still, but also where the fragility of nature in the face of climate change is felt. Cuscoperu.com invites you to discover this great treasure.
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