Volcano Adventures in Arequipa
Arequipa is famed for many things, for the stunningly elaborate mestizo-baroque façades of its pearl-like volcanic sillar rock buildings, for its native son Nobel Prize-winning Mario Vargas Llosa, and for the resilience and hauteur of a people whose city has weathered various earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and great fires. One of its greatest claims to fame, however, are the 3 volcanoes which dominate Arequipa´s skyline are the white Chachani (Beloved), Picchu Picchu (Top Top), and the central, perfectly conical El Misti (The Gentleman). It’s the beautiful El Misti which has been adopted by Arequipeños as a symbol of the city, its people and its culture. It´s only erupted 4 times in 500 years, registering emissions in 1985 and a minor eruption 1948, but no major eruption since the 1400s. Although the city has been evacuated before due to eruption, Arequipa continues to develop even along its volcano-side and its routes are popular with hikers.
El Misti Volcano: Symbol of a People
The symmetrical shape of El Misti, forming 
a perfect cone, is typical of its type, a stratovolcano of lava, sand and ash in alternating layers. It rises more than 19,000ft, throwing its shade over sunny Arequipa, which places 1 million people in its sphere of influence. A sacred site in pre-Columbian times, a 1998 expedition discovered 6 mummies of sacrificed Inca youth near the inner of its 3 concentric craters along with other precious ritual offerings.
Going Up….Climbing El Misti Volcano!
Climbing El Misti Volcano is a 2 day/ 1 night affair. The adventure begins at the volcano´s base, 3,300 meters above sea level, and passes through various altitudinal zones with shifting plant life on the first day, stopping to set up camp at 4,700. During dinner you´ll learn about the history of El Misti, where a 1998 expedition unconvered 6 Inca mummies, as well as local legends- all against the backdrop of a crown of stars over nighttime Arequipa, the White City. The second day is a very early morning, and after a replenishing breakfast the journey to the summit continues. The surrounding landscape will come more into view through the approximately 6hr hike. The view from the peak is majestic: you´ll be able to gaze upon Chachani and Picchu Picchu volcanoes from a position of height and proximity, looking down over Aguada Blanca Dam, Salinas Lake, and the White City of Arequipa under the conic shadow of El Misti. On a clear summer day you can see as far as the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The real prize for your effort, however, will be the crater of El Misti.
Going Down…Downhill Biking along El Misti Volcano
If you want to experience the magic of El 
Misti and the wonder of its surrounding landscape but aren´t up for hiking, or just crave a more adrenaline-filled adventure, then a downhill biking trip may be the choice for you! The hurried will appreciate that El Misti Downhill is only a half-day tour, beginning around 8am and finishing around 1pm. It´s about a 1½hr trip from the city of Arequipa to our starting point along the slope of El Misti Volcano, and from there it’s a thrilling 2½hr descent along Chiguata Route, taking you across a distance of 12km and a fall of 1,200m.
The Icy Peaks of Chachani
Once you´ve properly acclimated to the altitude, you´ll be ready to conquer the three snow-covered peaks of Chachani Volcano; it´ll require some stamina, a good attitude, and perhaps an ice ax, but will be an adventure you´ll never forget. It´ll also win you some bragging rights back at the hostel bar!
Going Up….Climbing Chachani
The first day is only a 300m/2½hr climb to base camp, with some exploration around the level of base camp in order to adjust to the altitude and prepare for the main effort on the 2nd day. The ice and snow cap of Chachani has been disappearing through the years, so that it no longer has permanent glaciers of ice caps. This means that whether you´ll be breaking out the crampons and ice axe depends on the time of year. The 2nd day begins early, we´ll warm ourselves with breakfast and coca tea at 2:30am and tackle icy Angel Peak (5,825m) first, from where the city of Arequipa will come into view. From there it’s a zigzag along another snowy stretch to Fatima Peak (5,900m), from where we´ll be able to see the ultimate goal. The final stretch is a 5-6hr ascent to Chachani Summit (6080m), where the pastoral countryside and towns of the region of Arequipa will unfold beneath our eyes, along with the Arequipa City, and El Misti Volcano. The rest of the snowy mountain range, Coropuna, Hualca Hualca, Sabancaya, and Ubinas will appear in a whole new perspective. The descent will be quick, about 2 to 3 hours, so we´ll make it back to Arequipa by 2:00-3:00pm.
Going down….Biking Chachani
Chachani Downhill tour stops in some places 
of interest in the Cabrerias Zone between El Misti and Chachani before reaching the starting point, Azufrero (5,000 meters above sea level). The route is traditionally broken into 3 parts. The 1st part covers 10km of sand and stone, descending 1,000m, and winds such that riders with less experience are advised not to exceed 10-15km along curves. Caballo Muerto (Dead Horse), the 2nd part, is a 200m ascent over 16km along solid ground. The final and largest part, descending 2,000m along paved roads at up to 45km/hr, brings us to Arequipa City, finishing at Carmen Alto Lookout where transportation will be waiting. All in all, over a 5hr ride you´ll have dropped 2,700m over 60km.
Pirwa Can Get You There!
Aside from offering quality hostels and B&Bs throughout Peru and Arequipa, Pirwa also has its own travel service! Click here to learn more about Pirwa Travel´s tours in Arequipa, including El Misti and Chachani but also including Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons, the city and countryside of Arequipa, and a lot more! If you´re not sure about your travel schedule, it´s never to late to arrange a tour or transport- Pirwa Hostels and B&Bs all have travel desks where you can get answers to your travel questions or receive assistance in arranging an excursion.