{"id":51764,"date":"2024-02-15T19:22:58","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T00:22:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/blog\/arequipa-volcanoes\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T10:13:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T15:13:40","slug":"arequipa-volcanoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/arequipa-volcanoes\/","title":{"rendered":"Arequipa: Land of Volcanoes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In Arequipa, you don’t need to embark on long journeys or walk for hours to spot a volcano on the horizon.<\/strong> You’ll see them right within the city, in the high-altitude villages of the region, and even along the roads leading to two of the deepest canyons on the planet.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sighting is so simple that all you need to do is look up while strolling through the “White City<\/a>,” or press your face against the bus window as you head to the Colca or Cotahuasi canyons<\/strong>, to behold an imposing volcanic peak, a sacred mountain, or a chain of snow-capped summits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether from afar or up close, the choice is yours. You can be content with viewing them from a viewpoint, or if you’re up for a challenge, you might opt to hike their slopes and conquer their peaks. <\/strong>These are tempting options for those seeking intense adventures and looking to recharge with the energy of Arequipa\u2019s mountains.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s so much to see and do with the Misti, the apu of the “White City,”<\/strong> the Ampato, where the Juanita mummy was discovered, and Coropuna, the highest volcano in the country<\/strong>. But these aren’t the only peaks\u2014there are many more that will “accompany” you on your travels<\/strong> through this southern Peruvian region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you set off to volcanic Arequipa,<\/strong> we\u2019ll provide you with information about the mountains you\u2019ll see\u2014or climb\u2014on your upcoming holiday in Peru:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volcanoes of Arequipa: Between Fire and Snow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Misti: The Symbol of the City<\/h2>\n\n\n
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More than just a volcano, Misti is the symbol of Arequipa<\/strong>. In fact, people born in this city of white stone are often called mistianos. It is also said that the determined and rebellious character<\/strong> of the people from the “White City” has a “volcanic” origin, reflecting their towering mountain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether true or not, what\u2019s certain is that during your urban excursions, the Misti will be a constant presence.<\/strong> You\u2019ll see it in the Historic Centre<\/a>, in the rural villages, and on your trip to the sillar quarries<\/a>, the volcanic stone used in the most iconic colonial buildings of Arequipa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admired since pre-Hispanic times, evidence of rituals<\/strong>, including sacrifices, has been found around its crater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standing at 5,822 metres high<\/strong>, the iconic mountain is located 17.5 kilometres northeast of the city. Situated within the boundaries of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the Misti is an active volcano<\/a> that sporadically emits fumaroles<\/strong> from its crater, so it is continuously monitored.
If you want to experience something truly unique in Arequipa, dare to climb Misti<\/strong>. You don\u2019t need to be an experienced mountaineer to reach the summit. The challenge is set. A volcano awaits you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chachani: The Sleeping Giant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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It\u2019s the most accessible<\/strong> 6,000-metre volcano in the world, and its climate is favourable all year round. Want to climb it? <\/strong>Still have doubts? Here\u2019s more: all you need is a good level of fitness <\/strong>and plenty of enthusiasm to reach its summit.
So, if you\u2019re looking to conquer one of the volcanoes visible from the “White City,” consider Chachani. <\/strong>The experience is highly recommended, and we\u2019re sure it will be one you\u2019ll never forget.
Located 23 kilometres north of Arequipa and standing at 6,075 metres<\/strong>, Chachani <\/a>is, according to experts, a dormant volcano<\/strong> that will ignite your adventurous spirit and dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pichu Pichu: The Iconic Volcano<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Like the Misti and Chachani, the Pichu Pichu is visible from the city<\/strong>, completing the trio of mountains that give Arequipa its unique character. Standing at 5,664 metres, Pichu Pichu, which can be translated as \u201cmany peaks,\u201d<\/strong> is considered inactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located 32 kilometres from the city, its geological composition is dominated by andesitic lavas, giving its surface a brown<\/strong> hue and creating a distinctive visual effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of its peaks features a ceremonial platform<\/strong> where ancient peoples performed rituals and made offerings. This serves as another reminder of the close, special, and respectful relationship that ancient civilizations<\/strong> had with the mountains and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pichu Pichu<\/a> is not particularly difficult to climb, making it a great option for exploration<\/strong>. Just be cautious and seek advice from a reliable and specialised operator.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sabancaya: Tongues of Fire<\/h2>\n\n\n
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It is the youngest and most accessible volcano within the Sabancaya-Hualca Hualca-Ampato<\/strong> complex. Located in the province of Caylloma, 70 kilometres northwest of Arequipa, its name in Quechua means \u201ctongue of fire.\u201d
It\u2019s likely that its name is related to its eruptive history, as it is the only volcano in the complex that has unleashed its fury<\/strong> since ancient times (with the first eruption occurring 10,000 years ago). Additionally, its activity was intense between 1986 and 1998, and again in the years 2000, 2003, and November 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an active volcano, Sabancaya<\/a> (5,960 m) is rigorously studied and monitored<\/strong> by regional and national authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ampato: The Snow-Capped Peak of Juanita<\/h2>\n\n\n
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It is the second highest volcano in Arequipa, standing at 6,288 metres. A giant that is inactive<\/strong> and serene, Ampato is part of the mountain range of the same name and once sheltered for centuries on its frozen surface the mummified body of a girl<\/strong> who was sacrificed to the ancient gods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Juanita<\/a>, the “Lady or Girl of Ampato,”<\/strong> was discovered in September 1995. Her finding had a global impact<\/strong>, especially among archaeologists, and brought the name of this volcano in the province of Caylloma to international attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located 80 kilometres northwest of Arequipa, Ampato is part of a volcanic complex that includes two other giants: Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to explore or climb it, keep in mind that the mountain is relatively accessible<\/strong> up to 6,000 metres. Beyond that, you will need specialised equipment and some mountaineering experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mummy Juanita<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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On the snowy slopes of Ampato, mountain archaeologist Johan Reinhard and Arequipe\u00f1o mountaineer Miguel Z\u00e1rate discovered an Inca mummy<\/strong> that, due to its exceptional state of preservation, has greatly expanded our understanding of the rituals and religious practices of Andean civilizations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Juanita was offered to the ancient gods<\/strong> when she was between 12 and 15 years old. The remarkable preservation of her body and fine garments is solely due to the mountain’s climatic conditions. Unlike the Egyptians, the Incas did not perform any prior mummification processes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since her discovery in 1995, a team of Peruvian and Polish scientists<\/strong> has digitally recreated\u2014through scans and DNA analysis\u2014the face of Juanita<\/a>, the pre-Hispanic mummy that stands as a testament to eternity in the Museo Santuarios Andinos at the Universidad Cat\u00f3lica Santa Mar\u00eda in Arequipa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coropuna: The Highest Peak in Peru<\/h2>\n\n\n
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First and third. These are the two distinctions held by this inactive volcano<\/strong> in the district of Salamanca, in the province of Condesuyos. And before you start thinking this travel text has turned into a quiz<\/strong> or a riddle, here\u2019s the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s quite simple. The 6,377 metres of Coropuna make it the largest volcano in Peru<\/strong> and the third highest mountain<\/strong> in the country, surpassed only by the Huascar\u00e1n<\/a> (6,768 m) and Yerupaj\u00e1 <\/a>(6,634 m).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The majestic Coropuna is a prime destination<\/strong> for hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts. If you are one of them, we recommend being cautious<\/strong> and hiring the services of a specialised operator, as the vast ice fields on the volcano\u2019s slopes create hazardous mudflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like other andean apus<\/a>, global warming is accelerating the retreat of its glacier<\/strong>. This situation threatens the water supply for tens of thousands of people who depend on the rivers and streams fed by Coropuna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hualca Hualca: The Origin of a People<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The legends of the Cabanas, one of the pre-Inca peoples of the Colca Valley and Canyon<\/a> (Caylloma Province), speak of a volcano as the origin of their people<\/strong>, their community, and their culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They came from that mountain, and to this day, the descendants of the Cabanas <\/strong>honour and respect it. This mountain is Hualca Hualca<\/a> (6,025 m), one of the summits you’ll see and be dazzled by when you visit the heights and depths of Colca<\/strong>, one of the region\u2019s star attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located 165 kilometres from the \u201cWhite City,\u201d Hualca Hualca is the oldest volcano <\/strong>in the area. Although it is currently inactive, phenomena related to its proximity to the Sabancaya volcano pique the interest of geologists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But they’re not the only ones intrigued. Travellers like you will always be drawn to this legendary mountain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solimana: A Geological Monument<\/h2>\n\n\n
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This inactive volcano, standing at 6,093 metres, is a “gem” for earth science scholars<\/strong>, as it is considered an extinct geological monument. <\/strong>Its last eruption is believed to have occurred between 300,000 and 500,000 years ago<\/strong>, and this powerful event helped shape the current geographical landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solimana is located in the provinces of La Uni\u00f3n (in the districts of Toro and Cotahuasi) and Condesuyos (in the districts of Chichas and Salamanca). If you visit the Cotahuasi Canyon<\/a>, one of the deepest in the world<\/strong>, you\u2019ll have extraordinary views of this Arequipe\u00f1o volcano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel Recommendations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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