Is this trip for me?

Fitness LevelGood physical condition required.
Max Altitude5825M.
Best SeasonDry Season from April -Dec.

2days trek to Misti volcano by the northeast face is the best and easy way up to the summit, climbers have 90% possibility to get the top of Misti volcano. The trip runs throughAguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve, where are wild animals protected such as Vicuñas and Guanacos, also climber can have panoramic views all over the reserve and the backside of Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes located next to Volcan Misti.

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 Mountain Chachani (6075M) and the volcano of 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 white volcanic stone (sillar).

Trekking and hiking trips to volcan Mysti-

Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 1: AREQUIPA - CABRERIAS - PAMPAS CAÑAHUAS - PURUÑA ROCK FOREST FORMATION - AGUADA BLANCA DAM - MISTI BASE CAMP (4700M)

At 8AM at your and travel in our four wheel-drive, for 3 hours from Arequipa. On the way up to Misti Volcan, we stop in the national reserve of Aguada Blanca and Salinas, where it is possible to observe the wonderful animals called Vicuñas, Guanacos, Eagles, Viscachas, Deer and sometimes Condors. Living at 4000 meters above sea level, they are protected species by the government and all the communities surrounding the reserve and Misti volcano.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION (Puruña Rock Forest). This will be to visit a forest of rock formation as known as Puruña will be available only if time permit and paying 7 soles or $2 USD per person for entrance ticket. This is located inside the National reserve of Aguada Blanca y Salinas but very rarely visited by hikers or climbers. The rock formation valley is thanks to the white ash from the eruptions of Chachani. The visi to this place and enjoy great views of this natural wonder and practice a short hike before you go up to 5200M (base camp).

Then we continue 4x4 off-roading across the reserve to Aguada Blanca dam and continue driving on dirt road passing some small volcanic dunes until arriving at 4200M by our 4WD - There we packing all equipment’s as tents, mats, sleeping bags, headlamp, water and all you need expend the night at base camp - Before start the climb you will get cold lunch (box lunch) with nice view of volcan Misti - Around 1PM begins the challenge trek following a gradual and sandy path through rocky sections up to the base camp at 4760M as known as Monte Blanco - From this point you will get more panorama of surrounding mountains as Chachani, Picchu Picchu, Ubinas volcano and vast area of National Reserve of Aguada Blanca and Salinas - Around 5:30PM will be time to appreciate spectacular sunset on the mountains making unforgettable memories about this trip. Around 6:30PM we enjoy hot and tasty diner server by your tour guide/porter also you can get plenty hot drink as coca tea - The end of the day will be with a resting until next early morning (L - D).

DAY 2: BASE CAMP - ATTACK THE SUMMIT OF MISTI VOLCANO - AREQUIPA

At 2AM or 4AM wake-up time depending on how is the weather and after a hot energetic breakfast we start the climb to the summit. If Misti is completely covered with snow, we take all our necessary climbing equipment such as ice axe and crampons. From the base camp to Misti summit (5825M) takes between 4 - 5 hours of slow steps and battling with the altitude and following single serpentine trail. After reaching the top, there we stay for a nice time getting spectacular views of the landscapes of Chachani, Pichu Pichu, Coropuna, Ampato, Hualca Hualca, Sabancaya, Misti, Ubinas, Salinas salt lake, Arequipa valley, etc. If the time permitting descend into the mayor crater from where is possible to see the activity of this volcano or short walk over the top around the biggest crater of this volcano.

After stay at the top of Misti, one hour of downhill to our base camp for lunch, packing all the camping equipment and continue descending to the private 4WD.

At 1PM come back to Arequipa and end of our trip (B - L).

Pricing

Group Service.

1+ Participants.
$260 USD.

Private Service.

1 Participant.
$560 USD.
2 Participants.
$620 USD. ($310 USD/person)
3 Participants.
$680 USD. ($227 USD/person)
4 Participants.
$720 USD. ($180 USD/person)

Organized Groups.

5+ Participants.
Price under request only.

Group Service prices are per person. Private Service shows total group price — per-person rate is indicated. Contact us for group discounts and custom itineraries.

What's Included & Not Included

Included

  • 8AM pick-up from hotel in Arequipa.
  • Mountain guide for Misti volcano.
  • Private 4x4 jeep for whole adventure.
  • Camping gear (Tent and sleeping pads).
  • Meals; 2 lunches, 1 dinner and 1 breakfasts.
  • Permit to enter to volcan misti by Aguada Blanca dam.
  • Trekking by the backside to summit of Misti volcano.
  • Drop-off at your hotel in Arequipa around 4PM (2nd day).

Not Included

  • Travel and accident insurance-
  • Soft and alcoholic drinks-
  • Extra batteries for your headlamp-
  • Sleeping bag -5ºC (can be hired from our office of Arequipa $7 USD per day).
  • Breakfast on the first day/snacks.
  • Wind proof jacket or wind proof pants (can be hired from our office of Arequipa $5 USD per day each thing).
  • Personal trekking and camping gear (70lt backpack, sleeling bag, headlamp, etc.).
  • Waterproof climbing boot (can be hired from our office of Arequipa $7 USD per day).
  • Personal Medical Oxygen Bottle, this can be hired from our office.
  • Tipping and gratuities for our field staff.

How to Reserve

Contact us to book this tour or ask any questions:

What to Bring

Backpack 70Lt minimum to carry all your personal gear and equipmets
Sleeping bag -5ºC (can be hired from our office in Arequipa $7 USD per day)
Windproof jacket/pants/gloves.
Strong comfortable and waterproof boots.
One complete change of clothing.
Sweater and thermal pants and everything you can have to be warm.
6 liters of water per person minimum.
Hat or cap and sun block to be protected from intense sun.
Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, etc.
Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries.
Walking poles, fleece, windproof gloves and other personal gear.
Sunglass is strongly recommended to protect your eyes from the snow and sun.
Your personal medication.

Recommendations

IMPORTANT BEFORE YOU BOOK A TREK TO EL MISTI VOLCANO

PERU ADVENTURE TOURS as a certified tour operator never works as intermediaries or pass our customer to other local operator to develop this adventure - We sell our treks/tours/services and we develop them according our own logistics (transportation, guides, equipment's, camp staff and others) without compromise with other tour companies - We really recommend to take lot care before you book a cheap trek to Misti with other "tour company" because easily they can cancel the depart if they don't get more than 4 participants to make a group or they can change the date of your trek to join other later group or they will refund your money saying fake excuses to avoid any responsibility as intermediaries.

RAIN SEASON

December to March. Somedays blue sky with good conditions to climb.

ADVICE FOR CLIMBERS - TREK DIFFICULT

To have good acclimatization, good physical conditions and good quality winter clothes. One day before all the climbers will have meeting with the mountain guide at our office or in the hotel, who will give a BRIEFING about this climb and also you can check the quality of the climb gear will be used on the mountain.

THE TREK TO VOLCAN MISTI IS ONE OF THE HARDEST TREK EVEN DURING THE WET AND DRY SEASON - THE WAY UP IS VERY SANDY AND STEEP MAKING HARDER, COLD, HOT, DUSTY, WINDY AND YOU WILL AWARDED WITH NICE VIEW AROUND - TO ALL CUSTOMERS WE RECOMMEND TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE TO GET THE SUMMIT OTHERWISE OUR CAMP STAFF COULD NOT HELP YOU.

HIGH ALTITUDE MEDECINE – DIAMOX (Acetazolamide)

Diamox (Acetazolamide) is used for the prevention or lessening of symptoms related to mountain sickness in climbers attempting rapid ascent and in those experiencing mountain sickness despite gradual ascent.

The most common symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are headache, GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite), dizziness, fatigue and sleeping difficulties at high altitude. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on speed of ascent, strenuous activity at or reaching high altitude, time spent at high altitude and previous history of AMS. Take one 125 mg tablet twice a day. Begin this medicine 24 hours before arriving at high altitude and continue for 48 hours while at high altitude. You may continue taking Diamox up to 48 hours longer if your symptoms indicate you need for additional pills.

3 Rules for High Altitude Travelers

1- Learn the early symptoms of altitude illness and be willing to recognize when you have them.

2- Never ascend to sleep at a higher altitude with any symptoms of altitude illness.

3- Descend if your symptoms are getting worse while resting at the same altitude.

Contraindications

You should NOT take Diamox if you are allergic to acetazolamide or other sulfa drugs.

Do not take Diamox if you have kidney disease, liver disease or severe lung disease (COPD, CHF, Asthma, etc.).

Do not take this medication if you are taking high dose aspirin therapy or have sodium or potassium disturbances, or if you have glaucoma or diabetes.

This is just information without any medical prescriptions. Any case we recommend to discuss the use of Diamox with your doctor.

Schedule

Every day between April & Dec.