Things to see and do Reserva Nacional De Salinas Y Aguada Blanca

The ascent of the Misti volcano (5,825 m) is the most practiced in the region. We reach the skirts of this volcano in 1h30 by car from Arequipa. The ascent (6h of ascent the^1st day and 4h the^2nd day) is rewarded by the fabulous panorama that the volcano reserves you..

The good agencies include transportation, food, tent, mattress and sleeping bag, jackets and pants, guide. Good boots, 6 liters of water per person, 1 large and 1 small bag are required.

The Misti by public transport, it is possible! You don't necessarily need to use a tour operator, but how do you go about it? You have to take a combi to Chiguata, to be dropped off at the foot of the volcano, at the crossroads. There, there is a large private property that closes the access to the volcano. Either we ask to open the door, or we prefer to go around by the downstream. We go up first the track frequented by 4X4 (count 2h to 2h30) then we follow the unique path. We walk 4 to 5 hours more to go to put the camp to 4600 m.

The following day, we put approximately 4h to reach the main summit. Count 1h more for the detour by the crater and its fumaroles. If there are still some snow on the track, the sticks or an ice axe can be very useful. Stay on the ridges on the way up, and for the descent, prefer the combes full of sand.

This itinerary is the ascent by the south ridge; interesting because from the camp, you can see a superb sunset. In the morning, it is simply magic to see the shadow of the volcano on the city!

You can try to climb Nevado Chachani (6,075 m). Considered as the easiest mountain to climb in Peru, this volcano of more than 6 000 m is still active. At 2 hours by 4X4 from Arequipa, we arrive at the base camp from where we start a walk of about 6 hours to the summit. Its ascent requires 2 days and 1 night in bivouac. Think of crampons which are necessary in case of snow.

Many agencies also offer downhill mountain biking from 4,800 meters to 2,500 meters, in 4 hours.