Climbing Misti (best seller!)
Climbing Misti is perhaps the most well-known symbol of Arequipa, so much so that the people of Arequipa call themselves "Mistianos." The starting point is 18 km from the Plaza de Armas, and local mountaineers sometimes even compete in a race to the summit, with the record being under 5 hours.
We will ascend with great patience. We found Misti to be a fascinating adventure, both for its volcanic origin and geological history, as well as for its incredible views. It hasn't erupted in 500 years, the crater is active and can be observed (without any problem or concern) from the summit.
Misti has been free of permanent snow for quite some time, which makes the hike to the top easier. Many people with a reasonable level of strength and acclimatization should be able to reach the summit, or at least the crater itself, without difficulty.
Itinerary
Day 1: AREQUIPA - MISTI BASE CAMP
We begin our journey between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. with a one-hour drive to the starting point of the hike at 3,300 meters above sea level. The ascent takes approximately two hours to reach base camp at 4,400 meters above sea level. From there, we can enjoy a beautiful sunset with a cup of hot beverage. In the evening, during dinner, we'll have a view of Arequipa with the city lights in the distance as we prepare for rest.
Overnight in tents
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: BASE CAMP - MISTI SUMMIT - AREQUIPA
Early morning departure (approximately 3:00 a.m.) We will have breakfast accompanied by coca tea (made from coca leaves, which will help us counteract the effects of altitude). We will then begin the ascent, which will take approximately 5 or 6 hours along a rocky path. We will reach the summit of the Misti volcano at 5,825 meters above sea level, where we can appreciate a view of the snow-capped peaks of Chachani and Pichu Pichu, the Aguada Blanca Reserve, the Salinas Lagoon, the city of Arequipa, small towns, and, of course, the volcano's unique and beautiful crater.
After a rest at the summit, we will begin the return to base camp along a sandy path for about an hour. Once at the camp, we will collect our equipment and begin the descent to our vehicle, which will take us back to the city of Arequipa, arriving around 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
INCLUDES:
-Transportation
-Official Tour Guide
-Camping equipment (2-person tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag)
-Mountaineering equipment (crampons, ice axe)
-Kitchen equipment (dining tent, tables, chairs, lamp, cooking utensils)
-Meals during the expedition (dinner and breakfast)
Meals include soups, creams, pasta, rice, fruit, and cereals, all rich in carbohydrates necessary to compensate for physical exertion, as well as hot drinks, including coca tea, which is excellent for altitude sickness.
Please note that you must carry your own equipment.
If you prefer not to carry your own equipment, you can hire a porter (please inquire about pricing with the agency).
NOT INCLUDED:
- Trekking poles
- Daypack or daypack
- Food in town
- Personal clothing and hiking gear (Gore-Tex pants, jacket, gloves, hats, sunglasses, headlamp, trekking shoes, rain poncho, water bottle, hats for heat and cold, sunscreen, etc.)
RECOMMENDED ITEMS FOR THE MISTI CLIMB:
- Trekking boots
- Trekking socks (synthetic fibers: Coolmax, etc.)
- Thermal socks
- Thin microfiber gloves
- Fleece or wool gloves
- Sun hat
- Warm hat (fleece or other)
- Microfiber and thermal base layers
- Fleece jacket
- Padded anorak (down or synthetic)
- Waterproof windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or other)
- Trekking pants
- Fleece pants Fleece
-Waterproof snow pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
-Waterproof jacket
-Altitude goggles (with side protection)
-Daypack or awning
-Water bottle
-Headlamp (with spare bulbs and batteries)
-Sunscreen (for lips and skin)
-Personal first-aid kit
-Camera equipment
-Toiletries and towel
-Plastic bags
-5 liters of water