Phinaya: Natural beauty at the foot of Quelccaya and the Sibinacocha Lagoon
The Quelccaya Glacier is a destination that awakens intense emotions and will make you feel unique. It’s a place where adventure blends with calm: you’ll be dazzled by landscapes that invite exploration, by the vastness of the ice, and by the warmth of the people of Phinaya. Here you don’t just gaze at a majestic snow-capped peak—you connect with Pachamama, giving thanks and showing respect for the life that surrounds us—and discover a lagoon and wildlife that make the visit an unforgettable experience. You’ll want to stay and stare for a long time, absorb every detail, and take home the memory of a pure and sacred corner.
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Quelccaya is located between Puno and Cusco — in the Cusco region, Canchis province, Pitumarca district — within the community of Phinaya. Its approximate altitude is 5,100 meters above sea level; the climate is cold and dry, with variations that can range from −17 °C to 17 °C. Upon arrival, you will be struck by the enveloping silence and a sky of intense blue that seems closer; that same silence makes room to hear the streams and the whisper of the wind, sounds that pull you away from urban routine and invite contemplation.
The pure air is a protagonist: you will breathe without pollution, feel the cold on your cheeks, and sense the lightness of a landscape that knows no hurry. As you walk, the surroundings gift you scenes of Andean life: llamas and alpacas grazing, vicuñas watching from afar, and vizcachas jumping among the rocks. You can also see tracks and traces of wild animals such as deer, foxes, and Andean birds; that coexistence of fauna and landscape reinforces the feeling of being inside a living ecosystem that we must protect.
Community Of Phinaya.
In Phinaya, the human presence harmonizes with nature: the community preserves traditions and has a chapel that represents faith and collective memory. Likewise, the locals welcome you with simplicity and hospitality; their way of life reflects a respectful relationship with the land, and this cultural coexistence adds a human dimension that enriches the visit — you don’t just admire the landscape, you learn from the people who inhabit this territory. Additionally, the rural community is home to 180 families.
Natural Resources and Medicinal Plants of the Phinaya Community
The Phinaya Community is home to the largest water reserves in its snow-capped mountains Kellqaya, Chimboya, Vilaqara, Ch’umpi, and Puka Lum. Its territory is crisscrossed by lagoons and streams. The community has natural grasslands with a predominance of chillihua, q’oya, simp’i, junkuna, phistuca, sillusillu, and totorilla. There are also medicinal plants such as sasawi, huamanripa, pupusa, salluqa, plukia, sutuma, and thurpa; these plants are medicinal and natural, so there is no need to buy medicines. We know that these medicinal plants are effective because they have different functions—for example, they prevent coughs or colds, stomachaches, fevers, and sore throats, among other things—and are part of the community’s traditional knowledge.
Climate in Phinaya: Rainfall and Seasons
The climate in Phinaya has rainy months between December and March, decreasing from May to October; however, this tends to change every year, so in recent years there have been days with very high rainfall and the period of highest rainfall has been reduced to the months of February and March.
Quelccaya: the majestic glacier and its freshwater reserve
The Quelccaya Glacier, in addition to its scenic value, is an important reservoir of fresh water. Its surface features extensive ice strata and a semi-flat topography in certain areas; ice caves and icicles form in its depths and on its sides, glistening when touched by the sun. Walking near these formations inspires awe and a sense of smallness in the face of the force of nature, but also a deep desire to conserve this vital resource.
Sibinacocha Lagoon: a blue-green Paradise
Nearby is Lake Sibinacocha, a clear-water lake measuring approximately 16 km by 4 km. Its blue-green color, size, and snow-capped mountain backdrop make it a paradise-like setting. The lagoon was formed by the melting snow from nearby peaks such as Chumpe and is surrounded by mountains such as Janapapunta, Apucuchu, Misti Chumpe, and Q’elcaya. Watching ducks swim in its waters and feeling the breeze blow across the shore brings a deep sense of peace; it is an ideal place to stop, reflect, and reconnect.
Conclusion
If you are looking for tranquility, adventure, and an authentic connection with nature, Quelccaya is calling you. It is a refuge where you can leave behind the noise of everyday life and listen to your own breathing alongside the breathing of the earth. Live the experience with respect: take care of the environment, honor local traditions, and allow this landscape—so generous and fragile—to continue to exist for future generations. Dare to answer the call of the mountains and discover one of the most memorable experiences that nature has to offer.
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