Misti Volcano
Climbing & Info | 2025 Guide

🧭 Geographic Presentation

The Misti volcano (5,825 m) is an active stratovolcano that dominates the city of Arequipa. Main characteristics:

• Altitude: 5,825 m (IGN Peru 2023 measurement)
• Coordinates: 16°17'40"S 71°24'32"W
• Type: Andesitic stratovolcano
• Last major eruption: 1480 ± 30 years (source: Arequipa Volcanological Observatory), but the last recorded eruption dates back to 1985

⏳ Geological History

• Age: Approximately 800,000 years
• Formation: Result of the subduction of the Nazca plate
• Craters: 1 main crater with a diameter of 550m

📡 Scientific Monitoring

Classified as an active volcano by the Geophysical Institute of Peru:

• 10 permanent seismic stations
• Gas and thermal monitoring

🛡️ Main Risks

• Historical ash layers up to 40cm
• Potential lahars (mudflows)
• 12km exclusion zone around the crater

🗺️ Standard Itinerary

• Departure: Base at 3,400m (Chiguata)
• Refuge: "Nido de Águilas" at 4,700m
• Duration: 2 days (ascent) + 1 day (descent)
• Difficulty: PD+ (Somewhat Difficult) according to the alpine scale

📋 Required Permits

• Permit from SERNANP (20 soles/day)
• Mandatory guide (certified by AGMP)
• Route declaration to the PNP

🎒 Basic List

• Technical clothing (multiple layers)
• Crampons and ice axe (depending on season)
• Volcanic dust mask
• Emergency oxygen (recommended)

⚠️ Safety

• Minimum acclimatization: 3 days in Arequipa
• Prior medical check-up required
• Avoid December-March (strong winds)

🐾 Specialized Fauna

• Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)
• Viscachas
• Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

🌵 Vegetation

• Tillandsia spp. ("air plants")
• Senecio vulcanicus (endemic)
• Chuquiragua (Andean plant)

🏙️ From Arequipa

• Yanahuara viewpoint
• Roofs of the Santa Catalina Monastery
• Grau Bridge at sunrise

📷 Photo Tips

• Best light: 6am-8am and 4pm-6pm
• Recommended focal length: 70-200mm
• Polarizing filter to accentuate contrasts