Arequipa is synonymous with volcanoes, blue skies and endless plains. Known as the White City for the white volcanic ashlar stone used in its buildings, Arequipa sits at the foot of the western Andes. The city is the starting point for a number of ascents of variable difficulty, all characterized by a rare combination of breath-taking landscapes, easy access, and a significant cultural element. Ancient Peruvians chose Arequipa’s volcano summits for ritual human sacrifices to honor their gods, as shown by the recent discovery of Juanita or Little Jane, the mummified Inca maiden found in an exceptionally good state of preservation on the summit of Mount Ampato
Misti
volcano (5,825 m) is the main symbol of Arequipa. More than a climb, going up Misti
implies a two-day walk on often-loose ground up steep slopes. The most popular ascent
starts from the city of Arequipa itself and goes on to Tambo Inca and the base camp at
Nido de Aguilas (Eagle’s Nest) to reach the summit on the second day of ascent.
Chachani (6,075 m), the city’s other volcano, can be approached along a spectacular
gravel road that climbs toward the Pampa de Arrieros.
Four hours from Arequipa, the Colca Valley features stunning mountains that have also become popular among mountain climbers. They include volcanoes like Ampato (6,288 m) and Sabancaya (5,976 m), as well as the glacier at Hualca Hualca (6,025 m), among the most important. Lastly, the Coropuna (6,425 m), probably the most beautiful mountain in the Cotahuasi Valley, offers travelers an impressive view of the area. It can be reached from lake Pallarcocha, a little more than two days away from Arequipa by road.
Information about access to these and other mountains can be obtained from adventure travel operators in Arequipa who will also provide all the logistic services and make arrangements with local porters and guides.