HALF DAY TREK TO VOLCAN MISTI

ADVICE FOR CLIMBERS

We really recommend to have good physical condition and use to be to high altitudes and wear winter clothes - The half day trek to volcan Misti could be easy or hard.... everything depends how fit your are and if you have good acclimatization to altitude will be great for better performance during your uphill trek - The entire trip takes around 6 hours including round trip transfer but the timing for trekking will be 3hrs of uphill trek and 1 hour downhill to return to the jeep and drive back to Arequipa.

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.

HOW HIGH YOU WILL GET IN 3HRS?

The trek start at 3400M (11154.86 ft) and If everything is going well you will get 4200M (14763.78 ft) in 3HRS of uphill trekking on a steep path (4KM) - The paths is mostly snady and rocky, lot bushes and andean trees as known as Queñuas - For slow hikers the altitude to reach will be less but everyone need to know/consider this trek was designed to enjoy the serenity of the place, enjoy the view of landscapes and of course have good time (this is no competion).

HOW WILL BE THE WEATHER?

If is not raining season during the morning till early afternoon will be hot (28°C +-) but after 3PM normally the temperature goes down - For late afternoon we advice to wear windproof jacket - During the raining season (December to March) we really recommend to bring rain gear (Waterproog boot, jacket, etc).

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HOW DIFFICULT IS THIS TREK?**

The trek is suitable for everyone like to hike - This is not technical hike but will be hard thanks to altitude - This option is no available for travelers suffering heart problems or knee/ankle operations on the way down - We recommend to hike slow to safe energy for the last uphill section and the way back to the jeep.

OUR TREK GUIDES RECOMMEND TO BOOK THIS TREK AT 12M (Midday Departure) TO ENJOY NICE SUNSET OVER THE CITY OF AREQUIPA, BUT BEFORE TO BOOK CONSIDERE THE WEATHER CONDITION.

So, be ready for challenge and have fun time hiking on the slopes of active volcano near of Arequipa.

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TIPPING IN THE TOURIST INDUSTRY**

Our online prices doesn't includes tips. As a general rule, you should consider up to 10% of the service cost. Remember, these amounts are strictly meant to be used as guidelines. However, many factors will influence this figure, so there is no true “one size fits all” answer. Feel free to tip more if our field staff were exceptionally kind and helpful. Of course you can tipping them in either Soles or US Dollars, and for sure they will share your gratitude in equitative way. We hope this advise will be help you to understand the tipping modality.

RAINING SEASON - BEST TIME FOR HIKING TO MISTI VOLCANO

From December to March - Some days could be blue sky with good conditions for nice trek to volcan Misti - We recommend to book this trek for the morning to avoid rain but some days could very cloudy without panorama.

From April to November will be good weather for trekking to Misti volcano - After the raining season from April to June will nicer to trekking because will be green, snow on the mountains and volcanoes, less dusty, new flora and fauna around) - We advice to check the weather condition around Misti if you plan to hike the this volcano during the wet season.