The best mount Chachani 2-day climbing tour

Climbing mount Chachani

02 Days / 01 Night

Nevado Chachani is the highest stratovolcano near Arequipa city, located 23 Km. north of the city, southern of Peru (6075 m). Chachani means “skirt” in Quechua and a female character is normally attributed to the mountain in local legends.
Chachani does not have a permanent ice cap or glaciers, Chachani presents a significant hazard potential, particularly because of its height and proximity to Arequipa. Suburbs of Arequipa west of the Rio Chili are particularly vulnerable to pyroclastic or mud flows. These are located less than 23 unobstructed kilometers horizontally and 3000m vertically from the summit of Chachani.

Itinerary:  

Day 1: Arequipa – Aguada Blanca And Salinas National Reserve – Puruña Rock Forest – Chachani Base Camp

At 9am, we meet at your hotel and travel in our 4WD vehicle for about 3 hours from Arequipa up to end of the road. We drive on dirt road passing steep hills were our driver test the power of our 4×4.

We stop at backside of Chachani on plateau also known as Pampas Cañahuas and recognize as part of the national reserve of Aguada Blanca and Salinas, where it is possible to observe wonderful animals called Vicuñas, Guanacos, Eagles, Viscachas, Deer, Andean foxes and sometimes Condors if you are lucky. All those fauna live at 4000 meters above sea level, they are protected species by the government of Peru and all communities surrounding the reserve and Chachani Mountain. The most common flora along the way will be Azorella compacta aslo known as Llareta by locals.

Trip extension (Puruña Rock Forest)

This will be to visit a forest of rock formation as known as Puruña.

This is located inside the National reserve of Aguada Blanca y Salinas but very rarely visited by hikers or climbers. The rock formation valley is thanks to the white ash from the eruptions of Chachani.

We really recommend to enjoy the view of this landscape and practice a short hike (20 min) to get better acclimatize to altitude before you go up to 5200 m. Overnight at base camp.

Then continue a challenge 4×4 off-roading on the slopes of Chachani until a place named “El Collado” at 5100 m. of altitude (12:00HRS), this last section of the road is in bad condition for about 40 minutes (if you have a car sick be aware of that). There we check and pack all our equipment to be used for climb Chachani Mountain. The guide prohibit you to forget any recommend/suggested equipment because there is not way to replace it up there.

The first part of the hike is very gradual and almost flat following ancient paths in good maintenance and market thanks to mountain guides . The second hour of the hike includes some gradual uphill passing small and undiscovered Inca ruins on the lower zone of the path . After two hours of hiking carrying all your gear for camping and climbing, finally we will arrive to the base of Chachani (5200 m.). Set up the tents and have mountain lunch with spectacular view of the Andes.

The base camp includes nice plateau on the north face of the mountain for almost 25 twin tents. After the sunset over the Andes, you will be awarded with small but very rich in calories to recover energy for the next day. Lots of Coca tea is available all time and rest in four season tents under starry sky or cloudy night according season of the year.

Lunch and dinner included.

Day 2: Chachani Base Camp – Chachani Summit – Arequipa

Today, between 2 and 4 in the morning and depending on how the weather is and how you feel with altitude sickness, the tour guide or the cook will offer you a hot and energetic breakfast. Then you have to check all your climbing equipment such as:

Gloves
Boots.
Headlamp.
Climbing poles.
Camera.
Water bottle.
Windproof equipment to protect you from the cold wind (-12°C or less).

Today will be the hardest part of the whole climb (900 meters approx.) to conquer the summit of Chachani (6070 m). The whole way up takes between 4 and 6 hours for the climbers and this varies according to the physical conditions and the level of acclimatization to the altitude of each participant.

80% of climbers reach the summit of Chachani even if they have a headache but are rewarded with an incredible view from the top. Climbers spend about 30 minutes at the summit getting spectacular views of the landscapes of Coropuna, Ampato, Hualca Hualca, Sabancaya, Misti, Ubinas, the city of Arequipa and other landscapes.

This climb does not require technical rock or ice wall climbing because Mount Chachani requires only a high altitude hike. At the mentioned time, we will hike down to the base camp for about 2 hours and one hour of rest to pack all the equipment to get some food and then continue walking down. Upon arrival, we will meet our 4×4 vehicle and drive back to Arequipa (3PM). This final trip takes about 3 hours to your hotel and the end of the unforgettable experience.

**Prices may vary depending on travel dates. For more information, fill in the form to get in contact with a Travel Advisor.

What’s included:

Private transportation by 4 x 4.
Safety equipment (Rapes, Anchorages, others).
First aid kit.
Camping equipment.
All meals.
Porters.
Experienced official mountain guide.

Not included:

Alcoholic beverages.
Sleeping bag.
Extras.
Tips or taxes.
Flight tickets.
Hotel in Arequipa.

Important information:

What to pack for this experience?

Backpack with rain shelter.
Sleeping bag.
Clothing for warm and cold climates like a waterproof jacket.
Rain pants and lightweight pants.
Trekking shoes.
Slippers or sandals (for showers).
Woollen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
Long- and short-sleeved polo/T-Shirts.
Rain poncho and a hat.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
Camera (wrapped in plastic bag).
Flashlight and batteries.
Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.
Since the weather can be very cold and moist, your clothes – once gotten wet – won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.