Arequipa's guardian volcano, El Misti is a formidable workout for hikers, towering 5822m above the city. It is technically one of the easiest ascents of any mountain of this size, but it’s hard work nonetheless. Just before the summit, a hissing sulfurous crater challenges you to reach the top, where rewarding views across Reserva Nacional Salinas and the white city can be yours.
Know Before You Go
This trek is for experienced hikers, and hiring a guide is highly recommended. No routes are clearly marked, and local knowledge will ensure you are properly equipped. Guides provide equipment, meals and much-needed experience. Some tours provide all meals, while others don’t offer lunch, so you need to pack your own. Ask in advance about what you need to bring.
El Misti is best climbed from July to November, with the later months being the least cold.
The Routes
The ascent can be approached by many routes, some more worn-in than others, most of which can be done in two days. The Chiguata route is the most popular, but your guide will choose the path that’s best according to the current weather and activity status of the volcano. The Chiguata route begins with a hard eight-hour slog uphill to reach base camp (4500m). The Aguada Blanca route is restricted to a handful of official tour operators and allows climbers to arrive at 4100m before beginning to climb.
Getting the Gear
The day before the climb, your tour operator will get you fitted for equipment, including gloves, a parka, pants, a sleeping bag and mat, a tent, and an ice axe and crampons if necessary. Walking sticks are also a good idea, and operators have them available for rent or purchase if you don't have your own.
On the morning of your tour, you'll meet your group at the tour office at 8am or 9am and head out on your drive to the volcano. You’ll probably have a quick pit stop to buy snacks and other items. Ask your guide exactly what you need. The drive to the mountain is about an hour but may vary depending on your tour operator and how far they take you up the mountain before you start your ascent.
Hitting the Trail
The hike gets steep and challenging almost immediately, and it stays that way until the last step. You’re walking through ash and sand, so your feet sink a little with every step, and you're carrying a sizable backpack. It’s fun, but it's not for the faint of heart. You’ll stop for a 30-minute lunch. Afterward, power through until you reach base camp (4500m) to spend the night. Be sure to photograph the glowing lights of Arequipa at night down below.
Sunrise & the Summit
After dinner and an overnight at camp, you will have a 1am wake-up call and embark on a journey into the darkness with headlamps. This leg of the hike is where the burn really starts in your thighs and calves, and you will get the workout of your life. You also get to enjoy the sunrise, chugging through the ash to the peak (5822m) by about 9am. Take some pictures to celebrate and view El Misti’s colorful crater hissing with gas.
Head back down, slipping and sliding over the ash (usually via a different route than you came from) back to civilization.
