El Misti Southern Peru 5,822 meters - Climbing - Trekking - Hiking
Company used for the climb:
Many thanks to our guide José and his assistant Elvis.
El Misti is an active and very symmetrical volcano towering over the white city of Arequipa (2380 meters), 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. In 1998 several mummies were discovered inside the crater rim of the volcano, confirming its sanctification under the Incas.
El Misti is known as somewhat of a tourist mountain because many travelers to Arequipa see this spectacular mountain and decide to give it a try. Five to ten people a week climb up its dusty slopes, though the percentage of people who actually make the summit is pretty low because of acclimatization issues.
In general one needs two days to make it to the top, for that reason a tent, etc. are necessary. To make it in one day one should be perfectly acclimated and in high physical condition. Few can do the climb in one day.
Qhapaq Ñan Vilcashuaman - Pomacocha
Tramo del Qhapaq Nan Principal Se inicia en Vilcashuaman (Ayacucho) y finaliza en Pomacocha Distancia - 15K