Arequipa is an amazing city and a place I have loved spending time. The first time I visited I was there for 3 months before continuing on with my travels and I feel I got to know the city very well. My second visit I spent a month there before going to Cusco for Christmas and New Year and exploring the Pisac ruins. This was the year when I finally conquered El Misti Arequipa on my second attempt.
I recommend this hike, though it is not an easy hike and if you have no experience hiking then you will struggle to make it to the top. The tour companies do not tell you that many people only make it to Misti base camp as they are affected by the altitude and the time it takes carrying so much weight, as you have to carry your tent and your supplies up to basecamp. If you are experienced at hiking and are in a good physical condition or have attempted hikes in Peru before then you should be able to make it to the summit and enjoy the beautiful views.
About El Misti Arequipa
El Misti Arequipa volcano is one of sixteen volcanoes in Peru and is located in the South of Peru, 16km away from the town of Arequipa. It is Peru’s best known volcano and most active. It has the perfect shape of a volcano as it is symmetrical and is exactly how you expect a volcano to look.
Is El Misti Active?
El Misti Peru is an active volcano though it is dormant at the moment. The last eruption occurred in 1985, though the last major eruption was about 2,000 – 2,300 years ago. An El Misti eruption is not expected at the moment and it is considered safe to do this hike.
What type of Volcano is El Misti?
El Misti is a Stratovolcano, with it’s symmetrical cone shape. It has different layers caused by ash and pyroclastic flows.
How high is Misti?
El Misti altitude is 5,822 metres compared to an Arequipa altitude of 2,335 metres. There is another volcano next to Volcan Misti called Chachani which is slightly higher at 6,057 metres, though this is less of a hike as you drive higher up this volcano to start the hike. There is also a 2 day hike to Pichu Pichu Volcano in Arequipa which is 5,640 metres and is a tough hike to the summit. El misti volcano is located in the middle of these volcanoes.
El Misti Trek
I have personally attempted the Arequipa volcano hike to the summit of El Misti volcano in southern Peru twice, the first attempt I got to around 4,800 metres before having to head back down. At the time the summit was covered in snow and I was not going to make it there before sunrise which we needed to do for safety reasons, as it was not safe enough to go over the ice during the day as it partially melts. I think it is one of the Best Hikes In Ecuador, Peru & Colombia.
The 2nd attempt though, I was more physically and mentally ready as I had recently hiked Rainbow Mountain, the Colca Canyon Trek and to Choquequirao and this time there was no snow on the top of the volcano and so we were able to take our time summiting and I finally reached the top!!
El Misti Hike
At the time of my first attempt I had never walked more than 100 metres with 20kg of weight and was unprepared for hiking el misti elevation from 3,500 metres to 4,500 metres for 5 hours!! Previously I had visited Huacachina which is at sea level so I wasn’t ready for hiking at altitude. Despite frequently giving the content of my backpack to the rest of the group, my legs could not cope with the amount of weight hiking uphill for so long. By the time I reached basecamp at 4,500 metres my legs had had it but I was still determined I would make it to the top.
I recommend if you are going with a group of friends and you are not used to carrying that weight and they are more experienced or physically stronger, then try and get them to carry the tent or some water to make your bag a bit lighter, it really does make a difference to the first days hike.
Our group was made up of 2 girls and 2 boys. We had to leave one boy at basecamp as once we got to 4,000 metres, altitude sickness kicked in for him and he was unable to see properly or walk in a straight line. He got in the tent and did not appear again until we were ready to hike back down. I recommend if you are wanting to do this hike, to try and acclimatise before hand with some other hikes, or take some altitude sickness tablets before you start the hike.
At 1am you will get up and start your attempt to summit. You may be able to start later if there is no snow on the summit, but if there is snow you need to leave at this time to cross the ice before sunrise.
On my 2nd attempt of Mt Misti a few years later I knew that it would be more of a mental than physical challenge for me. I didn’t feel as physically fit as I was 4 years previously but I knew what to expect and I was used to carrying my heavy backpack for at least an hour and I had spent a lot of time in the previous years at altitude. I had also managed to get my tent partner to carry the tent and a few other heavy things!!
Climbing El Misti – Day 1
You will be picked up around 8am and taken to the agency to meet everyone else in your group and to get any supplies you need. You will need to have a minimum of a 60 litres rucksack with you, if not you will be able to hire one from the agency. You will be provided with a tent and can rent sleeping bags, boots, coats, hats, gloves if you are not travelling with these items. You will also need to carry 4 litres of water up to basecamp, this is not just for yourself but enough for the guide to cook with too.
As I had already hiked this volcano I had come prepared with my 4 season sleeping bag and no change of clothes or toothbrush/paste (as these add to the weight)!! I only had 3.7 litres of water and this time I was put in a tent with a boy who I decided looked fit enough to carry the tent!! Once we were all ready and had our gear packed, we headed out to the jeep and drove to the start of our hike, stopping on the way to buy coca leaves, for us to chew and help us with the altitude. They taste disgusting and you have to keep them in the side of your mouth, but surprisingly they help with the altitude and give you energy!!
I recommend getting some coca leaves before the hike and drinking coca tea beforehand and also to chew the leaves during the hike, it might not taste nice but it will help with the altitude sickness and also gives you a boost of energy during the hike.
After driving a few hours out of Arequipa and along a very bumpy dirt track you will reach the starting point. You will unload your bags and get ready to start hiking at the altitude of 3,415m. Most groups will hike to the basecamp at 4,500m though there is another basecamp a bit higher up, depending on how your group is finding the hike. The hike should take between 3-5 hours to get to basecamp.
Be prepared in Arequipa for hot and sunny days with not much cloud cover. You will be starting the hike around midday when the sun is at its strongest and there is no shade on any part of the hike. Make sure to be wearing sunscreen and a hat and to drink plenty of water during the hike.
The guides in the agencies will normally tell you that it is a 3 hour hike to basecamp, but I would say that is for people who are used to hiking in altitude a lot, both times I did this hike it took me 5 hours to basecamp, so be prepared to be hiking for this amount of time. Some of the guys in my group took 7 hours, so the guides estimates can be very wrong!!
The sunset from basecamp is amazing and beautiful to see and once it is dark you see the city of Arequipa sparkling in the distance.
Depending on the agency you book with, will depend on the quality of the meal you get at basecamp, but expect something basic. Normally you will eat dinner around 6-7pm before getting in your tent for a few hours sleep. For dinner my group was given soup with a piece of bread and some coca tea. We did ask for something else as we were starving and did get plain pasta too.
One of the signs of altitude sickness is insomnia, so it might be difficult to get to sleep in your tent, but it is good to rest for a few hours before you get up between 1-2am depending on whether the summit is covered in snow or not.
Both times I have done this hike, we had to leave people at basecamp due to altitude sickness, so it is not guaranteed that you will be able to attempt the hike to the summit, but if you are feeling well enough then you can attempt it. You will can leave nearly all your things at basecamp as you will return after the hike, so just take as few things as possible, some snacks, water and sunscreen.
It is freezing as you are hiking to the top, around zero degrees celsius, so make sure that you are wearing thick socks and have good quality gloves and hat to keep you warm.
Eventually after about 6 hours I could see the top of the old crater. Though it still seemed to take forever to hike that short distance, because at this point you around around 5,600 metres above sea level!!
It does not really look like a crater as its not deep, but from here we would see the flag in the distance showing where the summit is. The summit is about a 45 minute hike from the crater. 5 of us made it to this point, 2 decided not to summit but to go see the new crater that was steaming!! My tent buddy had already done both by the time we made it to the crater, so he headed back down while 2 of us decided to get to the summit.
It was a hard uphill hike to get to the summit at 5,822 metres and even a few steps away I had to stop for a break, but eventually I got to the top where I just sat down and cried!! At this altitude it is hard work and you are walking very slowly but keep taking breaks and you will make it to the top.
I couldn’t believe I had made it to the top, I was so proud of myself for having the willpower to get there, it had taken me 7 hours but I did it, and I got to see the amazing views!! Thankfully it was a clear day and we got to see the other volcanoes and Arequipa in the distance.
We had about 20 minutes at the summit, taking lots of pictures and selfies to prove we made it before we had to start our descent!! The guides thought we would be quick getting down as you go down the volcanic sand!!
It was funny to watch the guides just run down while I went quite slow, aware that if I fell and broke my wrist again I was only insured up to 4,000 metres and not 5,822 metres!!! From this point it will take you anywhere from 3-5 hours to get back to the start of the hike at 3,500 metres.
I eventually got back to basecamp to find my tent buddy had packed away the tent and my sleeping bag and eventually we started the descent back to the jeeps. Again we went down the volcanic sand, which by this time had heated up enough to melt the soles off my hiking boots!! It was great to hike the last hour over rocky ground with no proper soles on my shoes!!! I was so scared of slipping as I had no grips!! Eventually though I made it back to the jeep and looked back at Arequipa Misti, unable to believe that just a few hours earlier I had been stood on the top of it!!
What an achievement, I am so pleased I made it to the top, and I never need to do it again!! At times I did think I wasn’t going to make it and that I would be trying again in a few years but NO I made it, I got to see the amazing views and I know that I can cope with the altitude that high. I know that mentally I am strong and if I am determined I can do anything I challenge myself to.
El Misti Arequipa is not an easy hike, one of the hardest I have done because of the altitude, but if you are in Arequipa then it’s a great one to try. The agencies will tell you its an easy hike but it is far from it and not everyone will make it to the summit!!
Yes you need to be fit, and capable of carrying your backpack for 5 hours, but make sure you take as little as possible in your bag though you do need to take a certain amount of water, tent and sleeping bag. Â Clean clothes, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste are not essentials and you can do without for 36 hours!!
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Where to stay in Arequipa
Budget
Los Andes Bed & Breakfast – This is hostal I mainly stay in when I visit Arequipa, the staff are very friendly and helpful, they have a big common area, rooms are very clean and a great breakfast. It is half a block from the Plaza de Armas, which is a great location and a nice roof terrace with amazing views. There are options of private or shared dorm rooms. Click here for more details & prices.
Way Kap Hostel – Located behind the Santa Catalina Monastery, this brand new hostel that opened early 2019 is in a great location. There is a beautiful courtyard in the centre of the hostel where breakfast is served and people can hang out. The hostels has shared dorm rooms available. Click here for more details & prices.
Mid Range
Katari Hotel at Plaza de Armas – It is located on the Plaza de Armas across the street from the cathedral. It has an amazing terrace to watch sunset to relax on or eat breakfast. There is also a restaurant for lunch and dinner. The hotel also offers wellness facilities in case you need a massage after your day exploring the city. Click here for more details & prices.
If you have any questions about the hike then let me know below.
If you are planning a trip around Peru you might also find these guides useful:
- 4 Day Choquequirao Trek
- Day trip to Rainbow Mountain
- Visiting the Pisac Ruins
- Machu Picchu
- Visiting Ollantaytambo
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wow big respect to you that you made it to the summit! The way you describe it, it sounds really extreme, like REALLY and I find it amazing that you could overome all odds and difficulties and made it to the summit! It’s an experience for life and you are right to be very proud of yourself! Well done!
Thanks. Yes it was really difficult, one of the hardest treks I have done. More a mental challenge than a physical challenge!!
yeah, i can totally see that; most obstacles are requiring the mind rather than the body 🙂
Wow Claire brilliant- very well done. It was fascinating reading all about it. X
Marilyn, thanks, glad you enjoyed reading all about it 🙂
So so proud of you big sis, what a fantastic achievement and a really great read, which I’m sure will inspire lots of people out there!! We are all missing you lots but enjoying hearing about all your travel adventures, love u lots x x
Thanks little sis, glad you are enjoying reading about my travels, even though you wouldn’t like to do most of it!!! Miss you lots too, less than 2 months now!!
I have heard many good things about Arequipa, but I haven’t been there though. Sounds like it was a great hike! Would love to go sometime.
Arequipa is one of my favourite places in the world, I have been 3 times now, it’s such a great place. Hope you get there one day 🙂
I’ve done two volcanoes but they were in the range of 2000-2800 m. Impressive enough views from the top. I’m scared of heights so I don’t think I could do what you do.
It was quite scary looking down at the scree field and wonderig how I would get to the bottom, but actually when you are walking down it does not seem quite as steep!! I hate heights but I like to force myself out of my comfort zone!! Still not sure I would do a sky dive though!!
Well done! We had helpers to carry our bags when climbed the Kota Kinabalu Mt. But we didn’t have any help with the high altitude! Lots of people gave up and I was the last one in the group to make it to the summit! Its a challenge when climbing high mountains not physical but mental too!
My dad hiked that mountain and I know he found it really tough. If you don’t get altitude sickness then its more a mental game than a physical game. Well done on making it to the top 🙂
Gorgeous photos; I especially love the sunset ones! What an amazing accomplishment, congrats! There’s nothing like the feeling of setting out to hike your way to the top of a summit and making it and being able to enjoy the beautiful views from the top!
wow, not too sure I would be able to do it. What an awesome achievement. So cool that you went back to finally complete it:)
wow, not too sure I would be able to do it. What an awesome achievement. So cool that you went back to finally complete it:)
Wow, congrats on making it to the top! Looked like an epic journey. This made me miss overnight hikes and camping, it’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed the outdoors (hunkered down for the winter where I am).
Love your honesty in this post! Thanks for the inspiration, sometimes trying again really works. 🙂
Thanks. This time I was mentally prepared for what to expect and was so determined I would make it 🙂
You had me glued to my seat waiting to see if you made it up to the top of El Misti. That was quite an adventure and that you came in second both at base camp and the top is impressive. You did something most people only dream of doing in their lifetime. Well done!
Thanks, I was mentally ready this time for it, and just powered up there!! Am looking for something higher to climb now 🙂
Gosh, that sounds tough! I don’t think I’d be able to make it, especially on such little sleep. Those views are stunning, though, especially the sunset on the first evening!
Thanks, yes it was an amazing trek and the views were stunning 🙂
Well done. It goes to show the value of experience. I am sure everyone who climbs Misti volcano could do with a tent buddy! The pictures at the top were sure worth the climb!
Thanks. It’s always easier when you know what to expect!! I needed a few pics to prove I made it!!
Wow! This was an amazing post, thanks for really allowing your readers to come along for this experience with you. The scenery in Peru is really beautiful! Thank you for sharing, I cant wait to read more of your post.
What AMAZING photos of the sun and the mountains backdrops! So many strong and vibrant colour in a single shot. I am a huge mountaineering fan and I love wildlife and hiking (and climbing mountains). Peru is a lovely destination for that. One thing I always struggle with whenever I hike is all the packing I need to bring with me. I hope technology (maybe more lightweight items) will help us with this, because I’ve always felt that because of my packing I can’t truly feel “free”.
I always pack too much stuff, but surprisingly on this hike when I had to carry all my own things, I managed to pack barely anything!! Maybe one day I will learn to pack light or I will just buy a smaller bag!!
Wowza, this looks like a phenomenal experience! I don’t think I have it in me to accomplish this feat but I enjoyed reading about your journey! I particularly LOVE your sunset photos…thanks for sharing!
Wow, I felt like I was on the journey along with you! I was definitely cheering for you to make it to the top the entire time as well and I’m glad you did. 5,822 meters is no small feat at all so kudos for the effort, especially after not summiting the first try! Will you do it for a third time? 🙂
Twice is enough for me!! I was walking up thinking I really don’t want to have to give this another go!! There are other volcanoes in arequipa, so next time I will try one of the others 🙂
I would’ve loved to experience this side of Peru! I did a pretty touristy trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu back in May. I’d love to go back one day and do a trip like this!
Peru is so easy to get around on your own and there is so much to see. This is my 4th trip here and I still feel there is loads more to see!!
Dang you are a trooper! I don’t think I could’ve done that so major kudos to you for pushing through! The sunrise photos are phenomenal!
What an amazing accomplishment — no wonder you cried at the top! It was probably all the sweeter, this being a second attempt. When I was trekking in Peru, I chewed a lot of cocoa leaves and I think it helped. Now I want to do this hike!
There is so much hiking to do in Peru, it’s probably why I am back for a 4th visit!! The coca leaves certainly help and give you a boost to get up a difficult mountain!!
Wow! That seems like an incredible hike! I’ve been wanting to more hiking this year, but am a bit worried that I won’t be able to carry a heavy backpack for that long. I’d really like to do the West Coast Trail in Canada (75km long- about 5-7 days of hiking), but I may need to practice walking around with my backpack for a few days first! How long were you exposed to high altitudes before it felt like you were comfortable? I’ve mostly lived in lower altitudes my entire life and I’m very familiar with the “winded” feeling whenever I go for runs in the hills. And are the coca leaves unique to Arequipa?
You need to learn how to pack as light as possible and then train at this weight!! A few hours hiking with a bit of weight you will soon learn what is essential and what isn’t!! I would start with a few hours hike and then build up and also get used to different terrain. I have spent a lot of time in high altitudes so I get used to it fairly quickly now, the only symptom I have is lack of appetite, which is great for the wasteline!! Coca leaves are what is used to produce cocaine, very easy to find the leaves in Peru in the highlands as all the locals use them to combat altitude sickness!!
Congrats! What an incredible achievement. Those views would be worth it! Why do the coca leaves help with the altitude? I’ve never hike in altitude so I’m not sure how I would cope. Well done!
The locals use the coca leaves to help with all sorts of things. It used to be used as an anaesthetic and so numbs the pain but also gives you energy to get up to the top. No one knows how they will deal with altitude until they experience it, it has nothing to do with how fit you are, it’s all genetics!!
I LOVED Arequipa, although I didn’t do this hike. It looks like it was epic though! Great post 🙂
Wow, you can really be proud of yourself! Are you gonna continue hiking? I mean, now that you know that you are capable of reaching summits, are you going to try out other amazing hikes? If so, what would be your next goal? Amazing pics, by the way 😉
Last week I did the 5 day Salkantay trek in Cusco. I love hiking so I will be continuing to do lots. I am going to make my way up to Ecuador and do some hiking there 🙂
Amazing, so happy that you made it the second time around. I can’t imagine how spiritual the hike must have been and the mental strength it must have took to get to the top of El Misti! Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment!
Gorgeous photos and helpful written content; I especially love the sunset picture! What an incredible accomplishment, congrats!
Wow! I really enjoyed reading this. Props to you for making it all of the way to the top and back again. You must feel amazing knowing that you have done it!
Well … Peru looks fab! I really loved the pictures of the sunsets. The colours are incredible. I think the trek would be a lot of hard work but really worth it! A really good peace – thanks!
Wow this is so inspiring! Finally, you made up your mind to the summit. carrying the backpack for 5 hours of the hike up is definitely not easier as can be seen. The sunset vistas and the summit are incredibly beautiful and worth all the efforts to hiking.
That’s an awesome hike. The sunset views are incredible. I once hiked an old volcano in Edinburgh in Scotland! Reminds me of that trip.
Congrats on your second climb to Misti volcano! You must’ve felt such a rush and such exhilaration when you finally reached the top after all the effort you put into it. Carrying a backpack uphill for hours on end is a challenge in itself!
I was just relieved to get to the top, I was so exhausted!!
I’m the boy you left at base camp! Not actually, but when I attempted Misti in 2013 it was with my then-boyfriend and a random French couple. Massively overestimated my level of fitness and it was SUCH a struggle! My boyfriend contracted what we soon found out was a chest infection, and as soon as we got to base camp he realised it’d be absolutely ridiculous to carry on in his state so decided to stay. Obviously being the dutiful girlfriend I offered to stay and care for him… nothing to do with the fact I couldn’t feel my legs haha. Would love to go back and reattempt it some day! I can’t begin to imagine the feeling at the top. Good on you girl!
It is so hard and I don’t blame you for staying at basecamp, it goes 10 times worse from there!! I can’t believe they actually rate it as easy when so many people do not make the summit!! I guess though if its rated as easy they will get more people to do it and get more money. I am glad I got there and did it, but I certainly won’t be doing it again!!
I’m glad you made it to the summit because it means I get to see those awesome photos! I had no idea its harder to sleep at that altitude and I’d be the same way after the guides mention you have a harder time falling asleep. P.S. absolutely LOVE that sunset!
Love the shot of you with your hands in the air with the setting sun in the background. Never heard of Arequipa in Peru, but their food is my favorite in the Americas!
Thanks. Have you been to Peru? I love Arequipa it’s one of my favourite places in Peru. It’s the 2nd largest city in Peru!! I too love the food here 🙂
Most of all, congratulations for your experience. Looking at your pictures, all the environment seem so arid and lifeless which makes me think that in a way it may help in keeping people more focused in the hiking, did you thought about that or am I just being silly?
Yes it is very arid here in Arequipa, I have never been to a place like it before!! For the first 3 hours of the hike to the summit it was dark and after that I was just concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other!!! I was too exhausted to even take pics at sunrise!! The views though do distract you when you are having a rest, it’s a beautiful landscape, not sure though that the aridness kept me more focused though!!
I can’t believe that the information about the difficulty and duration for the hike are so misconstrued! But, good for you to go back and conquer this obstacle that eluded you so long ago. I have used the Coca medicine before as well to combat altitude sickness, if you find the candies rather than the leaves, they are much easier to handle!
You area a really brave girl! To make such a hiking takes not only physical fitness but also a very strong will and motivation.
WOW what an amazing thing to accomplish ! The altitude and the cold I am very impressed! Your photos of the sunset are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing your travel adventures! 🙂
You are so brave! I just couldn’t believe you’ll get all the way up. Good for you, girl!
Well done! You should be very proud of yourself. Hiking can be very challenging for people (like myself) not used to it but it gives you a satisfaction when you reach the destination that you’ll always remember.
You experienced such spectacular views during your trip. Great photographs too! You got some killer photography skills!
Hiking with that kind of weight is a very demanding type of travel. You need to be able to rough it out and be persevering to see it through. But I’m sure it was tremendously rewarding. Kudos to you!
Wow, this was really an amazing hike and it’s something that I would try in the future. Although you repeated several times that you don’t want to do this hike again, it only made me want to do it even more! I guess my brain works in mysterious ways 🙂
Congratulations!! You made it to the top. It’s a thrilling story. You even started trek at 2.30am in the morning!! And you witnessed such a beautiful sunset the day before. Totally worth the trek
I appreciate you for your perseverance. It’ i not easy to trek to such altitudes with such heavy luggage. I ‘m very glad you could do it. The sunset looks spectacular from the top and I really love the different colors of the soil on the mountains. Looks like the place is worth every effort you took to reach the summit.
Well done for achieving your goal. Having hiked at altitude I completely understand how much it takes out of your body and for them just to feed you soup is absolutely amazing. How did they expect you to continue the next day/early morning. It makes me very suspicious that they had the pasta with them yet it wasn’t offered at first. Whenever I have hiked something like this we have always had soup to start with to hydrate us, a lovely main course and something simple for pudding.
You have done really well. Thanks for sharing your incredible journey.
Yeah I was certainly expecting more food. I think they just couldn’t be bothered to cook!!
Wow!! What determination to reach the summit. How could you manage with so much hiking and just pasta? I know it would have been tough. The pictures of the sunset are simply stunning. Didn’t know that Peru is so beautiful.
It was certainly more a mental challenge than physical!!
So proud of you too! Can’t imagine hiking for 7 hours. That said, I miss being out in the wild!