The Misti volcano (5,825 m.) have a symmetrical cone of considerable scenic beauty, it is located in southern Peru near Arequipa, the third largest city in the country, it lies at the foot of El Misti in a fertile valley located 2,400m above sea level. El Misti is a Quechua name meaning "the gentleman". El Misti volcano stands at 5,825 m. and lies between the mountain Chachani (6,075 m.) and the volcano Pichu Pichu (5,669 m.), these all 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 El Misti is thought to have occurred between 1438 and 1471. Many other eruptions have been reported since the mid-15th century that affected Inca inhabitants living near the volcano. The last eruption of this volcano was in 1870. Also the archaeologists found several Inca mummies near the crater. Most of the city's colonial buildings were constructed from El Misti's white volcanic stone (sillar).
MISTI VOLCANO TREK ITINERARY:
DAY 1: AREQUIPA - CHIGUATA - MISTI BASE CAMP (4,600 M)
At 8 am we pick you up at your hotel and travel 1 1/2 hours in our 4-wheel drive vehicle to the base of the volcano. We arrive at the West part of the base of the Misti.
At 10 am, arrival to Los Pastores (3,400 masl) which is the maximum point for our 4-wheel drive and we begin our ascent. This is six-to-eight hours to the Eagles Nest base camp (4,800 m). This is a hard day as we walk up the sandy and slippery trail. You need to be in a good physical condition and acclimatized to the altitude.
At 5 pm, arrival to our base camp; energetic dinner, tents pitch and rest.
DAY 2: MISTI BASE CAMP (4,600 M) - ATTACK THE SUMMIT OF MISTI VOLCANO - DOWNHILL - AREQUIPA
At 3 pm, arrival at the Base Camp, we have lunch, pack up camp and descend to find our transportation waiting for us at the base of the volcano.
At 4 pm. transfer back to Arequipa, driving one and a half hours.
MISTI VOLCANO TREK INCLUDES:
1. Experienced English-Speaking mountain guide.
2. Porters to carry the foods & camping gear (tents & mattresses).
3. Personal porter to carry the items of each participant (Private VIP Service only).
4. Private 4-wheel drive (4x4) from Arequipa up to 4,200m.
5. Camping equipment (4-season mountain tent & mattresses).
6. Dining & cooking tents (Private VIP Service only).
7. Cooking gear.
8. Experienced cook (Private VIP Service only).
9. Climbing equipment such as crampons, ice axe & rope, only if it is snowing on the top.
10. Meals on the mountain (2 lunches - 1 hot dinner - 1 hot breakfast).
11. Plenty of hot Coca tea.
12. Oxygen bottle and First-aid kit for the participants & our camp staff.
13. Communication system, guides climb with their mobile phones.
14. Tents and food for our camp staff.
15. Headlamp, Windproof gloves, Wool hat, walking sticks or poles (Private VIP Service only).
RECOMMENDATIONS:
If this is your first time going to the Andes or High Mountains, we recommend getting information about the ALTITUDE SICKNESS, see below some websites recommended by High Mountain Doctors & scientists from all over the world:
ISMM – International Society for Mountain Medicine.
MEDEX – Medical Expeditions Volcanic Activity of Misti Volcano, Peru.
NOT INCLUDED:
1. Alcoholic drinks.
2. Drinking water.
9. Waterproof climbing boots (can be hired from our office in Arequipa, $5 USD/day).
RAINY SEASON
December to April. Some days blue sky with good conditions to climb.
BEST TIME TO CLIMB THE MISTI VOLCANO
April to December, on the rain season same days are with good weather (blue sky) permitting to climb this volcano, before booking your tour, please, see the weather report.
ADVICE FOR CLIMBERS
Have a good acclimatization, a good physical condition with 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 climbing gear that will be used on the mountain.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING/CARRY
1. Backpack 70 lt, minimum.
2. Sleeping bag @ -10ºC (can be hired from our office in Arequipa, $5 USD per day).
3. Windproof jacket.
4. Headlamp with plenty of extra batteries.
5. Strong, comfortable, waterproof boots.
6. One complete change of clothing.
7. Sweater & thermal pants, and everything you can have to be warm.
8. 5 lt of water per person, minimum.
9. Hat or cap and sunblock to be protected from the strong sun.
10. Toilet paper.
11. Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, etc.
12. Camera, plenty of film/memories and spare batteries.
13. Sunglass is strongly recommended to protect your eyes from the snow & sun.
14. Your personal medications.
PORTER will cost $45 USD per day, to carry your personal items. You will need to carry with you a daypack with your camera, water bottle, snacks, a fleece or something warm and a poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season but as a precaution) and anything you will need before lunch as porters do not walk alongside you. Your bag will be waiting for you in your tent at campsites. Please note that there are fines if you give an excess of 18 kg, so try to underpack rather than overpack. You can hire a porter from Arequipa to carry your pack over to the base camp.