Mountain climbing

By: Julver Eguiluz Guide M

Arequipa is blessed with towering mountains like Coropuna (6,425 m (21,079 ft.)), the third highest peak in Peru; Ampato (6,288 m (29,630 ft.)), where the mummy Juanita was discovered; Solimana (6,090 m (19,980 ft.)), a highly technical climb; Hualca Hualca (6,025 m (19,767 ft.)); and the active volcano Sabancaya (5,980 m (19,619 ft.)). For those who aren’t staying for very long, there are three good climbs quite close to the city: Chachani (6,075 m (19,931 ft.)), considered one of the easiest 6,000-meter mountains; the volcano Misti (5,825 m (19,111 ft.)); and Pichupichu Pichu Pichu (5,664 m (18,583 ft.)). Last but not least, the snow-capped Mismi (5,597 m (18,363 ft.))—the source of the Amazon River—looms over the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world.
The region’s difficult terrain makes it perfect for mountaineering, trekking, rafting, mountain biking, and rock climbing.

The city of Arequipa has plenty of hotels, restaurants, transportation, and specialized high-mountain guide services.

Climbers from around the globe who are preparing to climb the world’s highest peaks in the Himalayas typically look for places to train and acclimate their bodies to higher altitudes. With mountains over 6,000 m (19,600 ft.) above sea level, Arequipa is a perfect place for anyone who wants to climb with professional guides accredited by the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA), with extensive experience on the mountains of Peru and other countries.