It’s an early pick-up from the hotel and then drive to Aguada Blanca reservoir.
From here, we start trekking to the camp at Monte Blanco, at 4,800m/15,748ft.
Make camp on arrival, eat well and get an early night, in preparation for an early wake-up call for the summit.
Today we set off trekking very early from Base Camp, between 0100-0300, the guide’s decision being based on weather and group conditions.
The walk to the summit (5,825m/19,111ft) takes around 5 – 6 hours. Go slowly, small paces, one after the other.
After seeing the sun rise and feeling its warmth, we get to the top. From here, we visit Misti’s crater and enjoy the superb views.
Return to camp, pack up and return to Arequipa.
Note: This is a long day of trekking, and could be 9-12 hours in total.
Camping.
You will carry your personal items such as clothes, sleeping bag etc. You need to take a backpack for the items you want to carry. This MUST be waterproof – or pack your things inside plastic bags. Keep the weight down as much as possible.
In order to get the most out of the tour you should be in very good physical condition and very well acclimatised to high altitude.
It is preferable to attempt Misti after a long, high altitude trek such as Huayhuash.
It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for the trek, since it is a subjective matter.
However, we have classified this trek as strenuous.
Vegetarians and many other dietary requirements are catered for without problems. Please let us know in advance of any requirements you have.
On trekking days you wake early, usually around 06.00. Breakfast is served in a dining tent, and consists of hot drinks, porridge, toast, jams and bread, and your guide will explain the day’s trekking plans. It’s usually cold in the morning mountain air, and, after eating and then packing your backpack, we set off walking, usually for a couple of hours at a time, with breaks to rest.
On summit days, breakfast will be a basic snack as we leave the tents around 01.00-03.00, depending on conditions.
Lunch is usually around 13.00 and can feature soups and pasta, with vegetarian options and hot drinks too. We aim to get to camp about 16.00 on most days, and your tent will be set up for you, although you may be asked to help out if conditions have been bad and the team needs help. It’s hard for gas to burn at high altitudes, so meals tend to be basic.
Dinner is served around 19.30, and will feature pasta, mashed potatoes, rice and/or vegetarian options, followed by hot drinks and a pudding. Most people go to bed fairly early after a long day trekking, to recover energy for the morning, or to be ready for the early summit attempt time, where we leave the tent around midnight to 03.00, depending on conditions.
Local drivers will take you to and from the mountain in private cars, and all logistics are taken care of in Arequipa.
Your guide will be a professional, qualified and English-speaking guide, who knows the route well and how to get you to the summit.
A flawlessly organised trip through Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich culture. Every detail ran smoothly, making for an unforgettable adventure.
A truly rewarding Inca Trail adventure shared between mother and daughter, with passionate guides, amazing porters, and the unforgettable first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
For those wanting to climb Misti (5,822m/19,101ft), the volcano is accessed from Arequipa.
It is suitable for mountaineering beginners, but is also an excellent peak to challenge yourself.
Misti is the smallest in the range of three volcanoes in the area – Chachani (6,075m/19,931ft) and Ampato (6,310m/20,702ft) the other two.
It is no less imposing though, and its near-perfect conical shape is beautiful when seen on approach from the valley.
From: $1800 per person
Duration
6 days
Being at altitude, especially in the tropics, is usually a pleasure as it isn’t so hot, there are few insects and the air is clear.
However, when gaining altitude, air pressure drops and the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs is reduced. Although we build plenty of acclimatisation time into our itineraries, certain ill-effects are possible. Nevertheless, all of these can be minimised or prevented if care is taken.
On reaching heights above 2,500m (approx. 8,200 ft), especially when ascent has been straight from sea level, heart pounding, mild headache and shortness of breath are normal, especially on exertion.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a syndrome known locally as soroche, whose symptoms can include of bad headache, dizziness and nausea).
To avoid AMS, you should:
Peru is made up of 3 distinct geographical areas: the coast, the mountains and the jungle.
The costa or coastal region is a narrow ribbon of desert 2,250 km long, crossed by fertile river valleys flowing from the Andes. It takes up 11% of the country and holds more than 40% of the population.
The cold Humboldt current gives rise to a blanket of mist – the garua – which hangs above coastal cities like the capital Lima from May to November.
Heading east, you’re soon climbing above the garua and into the Andes. The sierra, or mountainous region, covers some 25% of Peru’s territory and contains 50% of the population. The sierra inhabitants are mainly Indigenous or Mestizo, and many still speak Quechua or Aymara.
The sierra contains dozens of 6,000-metre snow peaks and volcanoes, including Huascaran (6,768m) the highest mountain in the tropics. The deep valley basins contain most of the towns and arable land; the terracing and canal systems of the Incas and pre-Incas are often still used today.
The eastern Andes are heavily forested up to 3,350m and sweep down into the Amazon Basin.
Peru’s selva or jungle makes up almost two thirds of the country’s area, but holds only about 6% of the population: the only towns with significant populations are Iquitos and Pucallpa.
Peru is the perfect holiday destination for adventure travellers that want an amazing variety of activity, geography and cultural travel experiences.
The breadth of travel experiences in Peru is breathtaking – from trekking in the Andes to Machu Picchu to the tropical jungle of the Amazon, and plenty in between.
The people of Peru make it a special destination too, with its colourful and traditional street life and friendly locals.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
When planning for the varied climatic conditions encountered, layering is the most practical and versatile clothing system. It’s worth remembering that our clothing keeps us warm by retaining and isolating the heat we ourselves create.
To best maintain body heat, several layers of lightweight, warm and quick-drying clothing are far more efficient than one or two thick layers. Layers should have the following qualities:
First (base) layer: This layer wicks the sweat away from our skin, thus helping keep the body dry and warm. To this end, synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene should be used.
Mid layers: These isolating layers should also be synthetic (e.g. the known polar linings such as polartec or windblock, which are light and insulate twice as well as wool). Very important layers for retaining body heat.
Outer layer / shell: Finally, the vital layer which protects us from climatic adversities. A breathable, wind-proof and waterproof anorak, such as Goretex.
Give plenty of thought to kit selection, and try to keep weight down.
We also carry an extensive first aid kit & oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only.
Below is a more detailed kit list.
A flawlessly organised trip through Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich culture. Every detail ran smoothly, making for an unforgettable adventure.
A truly rewarding Inca Trail adventure shared between mother and daughter, with passionate guides, amazing porters, and the unforgettable first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
