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Climbing Misti Volcano in very exciting. The Misti Volcano 5822-meters-high volcano looms over Arequipa and is the most popular local climb. It is technically one of the easiest ascents of any mountain of this size in the world. Nevertheless it is hard work and you normally need an ice axe and, sometimes, crampons. El Misti Volcano is an active volcano towering over the white city of Arequipa (2380m), the second largest city in Peru. This area was an important settlement area since before the Inca. The Spanish founded the city in 1545. Since the region has a history of earthquakes and eruptions it was only a matter of time before Arequipa was impacted. It was severely damaged in 1600 and then rebuilt. El Misti, thankfully, hasn't had a major eruption since the 1400's. The Misti Volcano is snowless for much of the year, and it's therefore a good steady trek to the top. Most people with a reasonable level of fitness and acclimatization should make it to at least the crater. |
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We will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa and transport in a private car to start our excursion to Misti volcano . The landscape changes dramatically with increasing altitude due to the different stresses on the plant life. We will camp at 4300 metres. In the night we can observe Arequipa City with the lights of the city in the distance and the lights of the stars overhead, while the light of the camp stove provides a warm cup of tea and a cooked meal. (L,D). |
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Very early we have a hot energetic breakfast . After breakfast we start the 5 to 6-hour climb to the summit. The top is a natural observatory - in the distance you can see the Chachani and Picchu Picchu volcanoes, the national Reserve of Aguada Blanca, Lake Salinas, the city of Arequipa, small pueblos and of course, the unique and beautiful crater of Misti itself. All the energy you expend climbing Misti is returned to you on the descent. If you wish, you can run, ski or slide down the mountainside, which is comprised mostly of sand which cushions your steps and allows you to stop easily when you need to. We pack up the campsite and then descend for two more hours to the place where
our transportation left us the day before. We return to Arequipa. (B,L).
B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner
Daily Departures: Departures are available along the year although due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is April to November. |
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