Misti Volcano 2D & 1N.
The Experience
Misty Volcano
The city of Arequipa is a base for a two-day climb of the Misti volcano in Arequipa. From Arequipa, the volcano is clearly visible from many places in the city.
The volcano el Misti is not to be missed because of its perfect shape, a symmetrical cone and always snow-capped peak. The 5822 meter high volcano is the most famous of Peru. It is located between the two volcanoes Chachani Peru (6075 meters) and Pichu Pichu (5669 meters). The Misti volcano near Arequipa is considered one of the easiest volcanoes to climb at this height. However, you should not underestimate the climb.
NB: We climbed this volcano ourselves (and reached the top!). It is important to take enough time for a good altitude acclimatization, in addition to being in good shape. For advice on an ideal altitude acclimatization, we are happy to think along with you!
What's Included
- Hotel pickup in Arequipa (Day 1 at 8:00 am).
- Transportation in a 4x4 jeep from Arequipa to Pampa Los Pastores and return from base camp to your hotel.
- Professional mountain guide for the entire trek.
- Guided hike (approx. 6 hours) to “Nido de Águilas” base camp at 4500 m (Day 1).
- Dinner at the base camp (Day 1).
- Overnight stay in tents at base camp.
- Early morning ascent to the summit of Misti Volcano (Day 2 starting at 3:00 am).
- Descent to base camp and transportation back to your hotel in Arequipa (arrival in the afternoon).
What's Not Included
- Breakfast and lunch (not specified for either day).
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag.
- Warm clothing or personal mountain gear.
- Snacks and drinking water.
- Any entrance fees or permits (if applicable, not mentioned).
- Travel insurance or accident insurance.
- Tips for the guide and driver.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
At 8:00 AM, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa for the start of the climb up the Misti volcano. You will be taken by 4x4 jeep to Pampa Los Pastores, a site at an altitude of 3,400 meters. Here begins the hike of approximately 6 hours to Nido de Aquilas, the base camp at 4,500 meters. You will walk on sandy ground with traces of volcanic ash. As you ascend, the surroundings and climate change. The volcanic landscape and the sunset over the city of Arequipa provide stunning photo opportunities. The temperature at the base camp is usually between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius. Dinner is provided at the base camp. Afterwards, you will quickly head to your tent to lie down in your warm sleeping bag and hopefully get a few hours of sleep.
At 3:00 in the morning, you set off again for the summit of the Misti volcano. The hike to the volcano's crater at 5,825 meters takes about 6 hours. The path to the top is sandy at first, but becomes increasingly rocky and steep, requiring quite a bit of stamina. During the hike, it slowly gets light and you see the sun rise. Around 9:30, you reach the Iron Cross at the summit, and from here you have a magnificent panoramic view of the city of Arequipa, Lake Salinas, and various other volcanoes in southern Peru, such as Chachani, Pichu Pichu, and Ampato (where the ice mummy Juanita was found). The descent to the base camp takes about 2 hours. Here, the jeep will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel. You arrive there in the late afternoon.