El Misti volcano (5825M) haves symmetrical cone of considerable scenic beauty, is located in southern Peru near of Arequipa city, the second largest city in the country, lies at the foot of El Misti in a fertile valley located 2400M above sea level. El Misti is a Quechua name, means the gentleman. El Misti volcano stands at 5825M and lies between the mountain Chachani (6075M) and the volcan Pichu Pichu (5669M), these impressive mountains, located northeast of Arequipa, are visible almost year-round, but especially during winter (April-December).
Misti has been active numerous times since historic records began. The last strong eruption of Misti is thought to have occurred between 1438 and 1471. Many other eruptions have been reported since the mid-15th century affected Inca inhabitants living near the volcano. The last eruption of this volcano was in 1870. Also the archaeologist found several Inca mummies near the crater. Most of the city's colonial buildings were constructed from El Misti's white volcanic stone (sillar).
One day trek to volcan Misti is one of the most strenuous chasing pathways with loose stones and sandy sections on the way up. Welcome to test your trekking skills at one of hardest and high altitude trekking in Peru.
TREKKING ITINERARY TO SUMMIT MISTI VOLCANO
At 00:00HRS (midnight) you will collected from your hotel by experienced and certified mountain guide and 1 hour of travel in our 4x4 truck from the city to the trailhead (3400M), this is the highest point reached by the 4x4. Trek on stony path climbing through bushes and Andean tree forest as known Queñuales and Andean grass. This climbing will during the night following sandy path and sometimes will be necessary to climb small section of rock walls like 1 or 2 meters high.
After 7-9 hours of hard climb you will arrive to the small crater of the Misti volcano (5730M), hike around the crater to see the deepest point of the volcano, you will appreciate volcanic activity of sulphuric gas coming out.
After amazing break we continue climbing to the highest point of the volcano following a sulphur track, where is planted iron cross looking to Arequipa. The highest point of Misti volcano is above 5825M - At the top of Misti volcano you will stay around 30 minutes for picture and spectacular views of volcanic and snow-capped range of south of Peru and the amazing view of Salinas lagoon.
Fast downhill following a dark volcanic sand trail to meet our 4x4 truck located at the bottom of the volcano. Aboard the jeep and drive for about 1hr and drop-off at hotel in Arequipa. End of this adventure.
BEST TIME TO CLIMB THE MISTI VOCANO
April to December, on the rain season same days are with good weather (blue sky) permiting to climb this volcano. before to book your tour please see the weather report - Between June and September is the dry season in all the Andes and the coldest season during the night and we recommend to bring good sleeping bag to stay warm during the night.
