Early Morning – Pick-up from Cusco
We begin with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 03:30 and 04:00, traveling by private transport toward the Cordillera Vilcanota and passing through Andean valleys, traditional villages, and high-altitude landscapes.
Breakfast Stop
Along the route, we stop for a local breakfast at around 07:30, allowing time to rest and prepare for the high-altitude hike ahead.
Drive through the Sibinacocha Region
Continue toward the Sibinacocha area between approximately 08:30 and 10:30, one of the most remote regions in southern Peru. Enjoy panoramic views of open puna grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and possible sightings of Andean wildlife such as vicuñas and alpacas.
Arrival at Trailhead & Guided Hike
Arrive at the trailhead near 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) at around 10:30. From here, begin a guided hike of approximately 1.5–2 hours toward the Qelqaya Glacier viewpoint. The pace is steady and adapted to altitude conditions.
Qelqaya Glacier Visit
Reach the Qelqaya Glacier viewpoint between 12:30 and 13:15, where you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and learn about the glacier’s formation, importance, and visible retreat due to climate change.
Lunch
After the hike, enjoy a local lunch at approximately 13:30, prepared by community hosts or our support team.
Return to Cusco
Begin the return journey to Cusco around 14:30, arriving back at your hotel in the early evening (18:30–19:00).
FAQS
The Briefing
Your briefing will take place the night before your trip, at our office at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation email details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
Can i store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu, you can store your main luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
How many people are there per group?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are between 2-6 people. Apple Travel Peru specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides personalized service.
Tipping
If you’re pleased with the services you’ve received from our staff, we welcome any gratuities you may wish to offer. While tipping may not be a standard practice in your home country, it is an essential part of the tourism industry in many destinations we operate in. Tipping inspires our staff to provide exceptional service, and it is greatly appreciated. The amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you and should be based on the quality and duration of your trip. We want to emphasize that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given if you feel you’ve received excellent service.
Are we sustainable?
Absolutely! Apple Travel Peru is committed to being a responsible tourism operator that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement. We believe in following universal principles of tourism that protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism while respecting their culture and beliefs. To ensure that we achieve this, we have extensively trained all our local staff to understand, appreciate, and respect the local communities and places we visit.
