Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru. Very interesting, a little less European, not so modern. For me as a mountains lover it is unique from another reason. Here, apart from my beloved Cusco, you can test your body on high elevation. Chachani, Misti or Picchu Picchu are three volcanos which makes local landscapes very unique. Do you know that you can climb each of them within 1 or 2 days?
Do you love mountains? Do you want to test yourself on elevation higher than 5500 m. above sea level? This article is for you. In few words I will tell you about three volcanos in white city of Arequipa and possibilities to climb them.
Three volcanos, which one is for you?
PICHU PICHU 5664 m above sea level
Pichu Pichu volcano is located 32 km in a straight line from Arequipa. This range is made out of 7 peaks, where the highest one is 5664 m. above sea level. The easier to reach is the one located on 5515 m. above sea level. On Pichu Pichu till today you can see ceremonial platform, where Inca were making offerings. There were three children mummies discovered here as well. One of them is being presented in San Augustin International University archeological museum Jose Maria Morante and it is called Pichu Pichu. Peaks of this volcano reminds person profile (sleeping Indian), lying on the back, which can be seen from many points in the city.
“Pichu” word is coming from Quechua language and means mountain, peak.
MISTI 5822 m above sea level
Misti volcano is located around 17 km from Arequipa. It is different from Chachani and Picchu Picchu, because of two things. First of all, it is more difficult to climb, because of the trekking time and steepness (unless you will take expensive, 1 day trip with 4×4 car will take you quite high). Secondly, on contrary to two others, it is active volcano. Last eruption took place in 1985.
CHACHANI 6,057 m above sea level
Chachani is the highest volcano in Arequipa region. It is located the farthest among others, because you need to drive 55 km from the city center. Even though it is the highest, climbing is not so difficult (except elevation itself). In order to climb it, you take a car on almost 5000 m. above sea level and from here you start trekking.
“Chcchani” word comes from ajamara language and means brave.
Summary of climbing volcano Chachani can be found in another article Climbing Chachani volcano – 6075 m. above sea level worth the effort. Enjoy reading and who knows, maybe you will decide to climb it. I can highly recommend it!
Do you want to climb one of the volcanos in Areqiuipa? Contact us and we will organize this trip for you. We will also prepare you to this climb by few acclimatization trekking in Cusco region.!
