Misti Volcano Climbing 2 Days
Thinking about climbing Misti Volcano? Awesome! This two-day trip is a real challenge, designed for people who’ve already done some hiking up high where the air is thin. You’ll be heading way up to the summit at 5825 meters (that’s about 19,111 feet!). It’s tough, yeah, but the views from the top? Totally chévere (cool/awesome)! Just know that altitude can hit anyone, so being prepared is super important.
Getting Ready (The Day Before)
So, the day before your climb actually starts, you need to swing by the tour company’s office or storage spot. This is when you’ll try on all the gear they lend you – like sleeping bags, maybe jackets – to make sure it fits okay. You’ll also meet your guide, the person who knows the mountain and will lead the way. It’s a good time to ask any last-minute questions you have.
Alright, Day 1 starts around 8 AM. A private car will pick you up right from your hotel or hostel in Arequipa (around 2,335 meters / 7,661 feet) – no need to figure out buses, which is nice. You’ll drive for about three hours, heading towards the volcano. The car will drop you off at the starting point of the trail, already pretty high up at 3,400 meters (about 11,155 feet).
From here, the real work begins! You’ll start hiking up towards the base camp. This trek usually takes about 4 to 5 hours, climbing steadily. It’s a decent climb, about 1,100 meters uphill, so take your time, pace yourself – aguanta nomás (just endure/hang in there)! You’ll reach the base camp spot at 4,500 meters (around 14,764 feet).
Once you’re there, you’ll set up your tents for the night. Dinner will be cooked up – usually something simple and warm like soup, maybe some pasta or chicken, and tea. They keep the meals light because eating heavy stuff makes dealing with the altitude harder. If the night is clear, the view from base camp is amazing. You can see the lights of Arequipa twinkling down below and the stars are incredibly bright up there. Time to get some sleep before the big push tomorrow!
This day starts super early, like probably around 1 AM, way before sunrise. You’ll have a quick breakfast – think bread, maybe some local cheese, coffee, and definitely some mate de coca (coca tea), which locals swear helps with the altitude. Again, keeping it light is key.
Then, with headlamps on, you begin the climb to the summit. This is the toughest part, climbing about 1,300 meters more in the dark and cold. It usually takes about 5 to 6 hours of steady walking, often on loose gravel or scree which can be tiring. Reaching the summit at 5,825 meters (19,111 feet) as the sun comes up is an incredible feeling!
Take some time at the top to catch your breath, enjoy the insane 360-degree views (you might even see other volcanoes like Chachani and Pichu Pichu), look into the crater (it’s active!), and take plenty of photos. It can be freezing cold and windy up there, so you won’t stay forever.
After soaking it all in, it’s time for the long trek back down. You’ll head all the way down past base camp to where the car dropped you off yesterday. Going down can be faster but tough on the knees – those trekking poles really help here! The private transport will be waiting to take you back to Arequipa. You’ll likely get back to the city center, dropped off a couple of blocks from the main square (Plaza de Armas), sometime between 1 PM and 2 PM, totally exhausted but feeling pretty stoked about what you just did. You conquered Misti!
What’s Included (The Stuff They Cover)
Camping Gear: They provide the tent (usually shared), a sleeping pad (mat) for insulation, and a warm sleeping bag suitable for cold mountain nights. They also include windproof jacket and pants (good backup!) and all the cooking equipment
What’s NOT Included (Stuff You Need to Sort Out)
What You Should Pack (Don’t Forget This!)
At Arequipa Andean Explorer, we are passionate about showcasing Arequipa’s natural beauty through responsible tourism. We offer personalized tours—from scenic hikes to classic adventures—designed to match your unique preferences.
