General Information
With the Misti Volcano Trekking Tour, you can make a high altitude climb and climb the MISTI VOLCANO which is located at the foot of the Chili Valley at 2,400 meters above sea level within the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca. To climb this volcano no technical preparation is needed since it is not a technical mountain, it is a strato volcano composed of ashes and volcanic lava. This tour is ideal for extreme sports lovers.
The only difficulty to climb MISTI VOLCANO will be the volcanic ashes and sand that in some cases form dunes. The fact that we find these elements in the volcano makes our ascent a little more difficult and forced. Its age dates back approximately 800 thousand years and it is said that in colonial times it was known as “volcano without a name”. According to the myths, the ethnic groups that lived near the crater had to flee their lands because of the explosion of the volcano and when they returned home they took its name as a kind of reprimand. All this you can do in the Misti Volcano tour.
It is also said that it was called Machu Putina which in indigenous languages means “Old volcano”. This is due to the duality in the Andean cosmovision, since 40 kilometers away is the Huayna Putina, which means “young volcano”. However, it is not known since when it began to be called Misti, which in Quechua means “Creole or white man”. It is said that it was given this name because the city of Arequipa is called “The White City”, due to its buildings made of white ashlar.
MAIN POINTS OF VISIT
- Arequipa (2,335 masl)
- Chiguata (2,930 masl)
- Base Camp (4,700 masl)
- Misti Volcano (5,822 masl)
Itinerary
- 08:00 hrs: Pick-up from your hotel. We will immediately board the 4×4 vehicle and head towards Chiguata, traveling to Las Pampas del Misti (approx. 1.5 hours). The elevation here is 3,450 meters above sea level.
- 09:30 hrs: Arrive at the entrance to the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve at 3,400 meters. From this point, we will begin our trek, which will take about 5 to 6 hours until we reach Base Camp at 4,650 meters above sea level. During the hike, we will take a break for lunch.
- 15:00 hrs: We will set up our tents and organize camp with all necessary equipment, including the dining tent. Afterward, you will have time to acclimatize.
- 18:30 hrs: Dinner and rest overnight to recharge for the ascent the following day.
Overnight: Base Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (Agency), Dinner (Agency)
- Early Morning: After breakfast, we will begin the ascent to the summit. The hike will last approximately 5 to 6 hours, bringing us to 5,825 meters above sea level.
- Upon reaching the summit, you will be able to view the Misti Volcano crater, where fumarolic activity can be observed. The breathtaking landscape at the top is a sight to behold. We will spend around 1 hour exploring the crater.
- Return to Base Camp: After visiting the crater, we will descend to base camp (approximately 1.5 hours). Once there, we will pack up our belongings and head to the meeting point where the transportation will be waiting for us (another 1.5-hour ride).
- 15:00 hrs: Estimated arrival back in Arequipa. We will drop you off near the main square.
Meals Included: Breakfast (Agency), Lunch (Passenger), Dinner (Passenger)
Exclusive Services
Include
- Round-trip 4×4 transportation
- Certified high mountain guide
- Full camping equipment (tents and mattresses)
- Cooking gear
- Climbing equipment (crampons, ice axes, and safety ropes) — provided only if snow is present on the summit
- Meals (1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast)
- Oxygen bottle (stored inside the vehicle)
- First aid kit
- Communication equipment
Not Included
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Trekking shoes
- Backpack
- Walking poles
- Flashlight
- Any items not explicitly mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
- Tips
What to bring
- Backpack (minimum 70L capacity)
- At least 5L of water per person
- Personal medications
- Trekking poles
- Waterproof jacket or poncho (especially from December to April)
- High-quality trekking shoes
- Flashlight
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Snacks such as chocolates, dried fruits, etc.
- Sunglasses
RESTRICTIONS:
- Not recommended for individuals with altitude-related health issues
- Not allowed for pregnant women
- Not suitable for individuals with heart conditions
- Must be in good physical condition
- Weight between 30 and 100 kg
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions About the Misti Volcano Hike
What safety measures are taken during the ascent of Misti Volcano?
During the ascent of Misti Volcano, several safety measures are in place. Guides are trained to assess both the weather conditions and the health of participants. Essential mountain equipment, such as ropes and helmets, is provided. If a participant shows signs of altitude sickness or discomfort, immediate action is taken, including administering supplemental oxygen and, if necessary, ensuring a safe return to Base Camp.
What type of mountain equipment and clothing should be brought for this ascent?
Participants should bring appropriate clothing for cold weather, including jackets, waterproof pants, gloves, hats, sunglasses, and sturdy mountain boots. While essential mountain equipment is provided, participants should ensure they bring personal clothing. Guides will provide further details prior to the ascent.
Is supplemental oxygen provided if needed during the ascent?
Yes, supplemental oxygen is carried in case participants experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Guides are trained to administer oxygen safely, prioritizing participant safety.
What are the usual weather conditions at Misti Volcano?
The weather at Misti Volcano can vary, but generally, it is cold, especially at night and at the summit. Guides will provide updated weather forecasts before the ascent.
Is prior mountaineering experience required to join this tour?
No prior mountaineering experience is required to join this tour. However, participants should be in good physical condition and have a positive attitude toward the challenge. Guides will provide instructions and support throughout the ascent.
Is there an age limit to participate in this tour?
There is no specific age limit, but participants should be in good health and physical condition. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before joining, especially if you have any medical concerns.
Where is Misti Volcano located, and what is its altitude?
Misti Volcano is located at the foothills of the Chili Valley, near Arequipa, at an altitude of 5,822 meters (19,101 feet) above sea level.
Can the Misti Volcano erupt while we are climbing?
While an eruption is not expected during the climb, it is important to note that Misti Volcano is active. Should an eruption occur, it could release a smoke column reaching altitudes of up to 20,000 meters, and ash could travel distances exceeding 200 kilometers. However, this would not pose a risk to nearby populations.
What is the best season to do the tour?
The best time to undertake the Misti Volcano Hike is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, weather conditions are more stable, with less chance of rain or snow, making the hike safer and more comfortable.
