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Climbing to Misti (2 days)
Length: 2 Days 1 Night
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 1:
A private vehicle picks you up from your hotel at 8:00 am and two hours later we arrive at the base of Misti (3300 mts/10700 ft). The landscape changes dramatically with increasing altitude due to the different stresses on the plant life. We camp at 4300 meters (14000 ft) to acclimatize.
The view of Arequipa at night is beautiful 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.
Day 2:
An early breakfast includes the option of maté de coca (a herbal tea made from cocoa leaves which helps with the effects of altitude). 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 by 6 pm.
Included
- Private transport
- Professional mountain guide
- Climbing equipment (tent, mattresses, and, although almost always not necessary, ice pick and crampons)
- All meals while on the mountain (one breakfast, one lunch, one dinner)