CHACHANI VOLCANO CLIMBING TOUR:

Duration of the tour: 2 – 3 days
Difficulty                : Medium
Altitude in feet       : 19931.102 ft (6075 m.)
A 55 km from the City of Arequipa (34, 1754 miles)
Type of volcano: Stratum volcano

The snow-capped Chachani Volcano has an altitude of 6075 meters; it is located near to the City of Arequipa.
This snow-capped volcano is interesting because it is a mountain more than 6000 meters above sea level and it is not a technical mountain, you can reach the summit in 2 days.
The snow-capped Chachani volcano is extinct, some times during the year we can see snow on the summit. From our point of view, the fact of going by 4x4 on first day from 2300 meters (City of Arequipa) to 5080 meters and then sleeping at 5250 meters …..This creates many possibilities:
- There are some people who think that sleeping at 5250 meters on the first night is very high and so they sleep at 4600/4700 m.
- There are other people who think that spending more time at altitude is worse, and so, those that have a good acclimatization to the altitude and experience, climb this mountain in hours … they leave at 11:30 pm by 4x4 from the City of Arequipa and arrive at 3.30 in the morning at 5080m. Then they climb up to the summit until 9:30 and make their descent to the car at 5080 m. in 3 hours and then they return the City of Arequipa.
- There are other people who prefer to do it in 3 days; this option is secure for the people who are not already acclimatized to the altitude.

WE HAVE 2 OPTIONS:
Please, let us know which option you will choose before making your reservation.

OPTION 5250:
Day 1: We travel by van from 2300 to 5080 meters above sea level. Then, we hike for 1.5 hours to 5250 meters. We camp here.
Day 2: At 3:30 am, we trek for 6 hours to the summit at 6075 meters above sea level. Then, we descend for 3 hours to the 4x4 at 5080 meters above sea level and return to the city of Arequipa by transport. We arrive in Arequipa between 3:00 and 4:00 pm.

OPTION 5000:
Day 1: We travel by 4x4 from 2300 to 5000 meters above sea level. With this option, we can bring a dining tent, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment. You will feel like you are in an excellent campsite. Full supply of hot drinks available.
Day 2 - 3:00 am: The 4x4 takes you to 5080 meters above sea level. A 6-hour trek to the summit at 6075 meters above sea level, followed by a 3-hour hike down to the 4x4  at 5080 meters above sea level and return to the city of Arequipa by transport. Arrival in Arequipa is between 3:00 and 4:00 pm.
Our clients (both experienced and inexperienced) enjoy the idea of ​​camping at 5000 meters.

Advantages of sleeping at 5000 meters:
- The camping area is larger and there are very few other groups.
- The 4x4s stay with us all night.
- The dining tent is equipped with tables and chairs.
-Full supply of water and hot drinks.
- In case of an emergency, the vehicle is at our disposal, and we can also use the satellite phone. - Oxygen tank available at the campsite
- You sleep better at 5000 meters than at 5250 meters
- You don't have to carry your personal belongings to the campsite and you won't need to hire a porter
- The campsite is equipped with a toilet tent

Upon arrival at the campsite, we can take short walks to acclimatize.

Disadvantage of sleeping at 5000 meters
- On the second day, you have to walk an extra hour and a half

Disadvantages of sleeping at 5250 meters (normal program)
- The camping area is small and many groups camp there
- The 4x4s return to the city of Arequipa on the first day and come back on the second day in the afternoon for pickup. - Dinner is served inside each tent / there is no dining tent or chairs
- Limited water supply
- In case of emergency, we use our satellite phone to arrange for transport to pick us up
- Oxygen tanks are only available when transport is present
- Sleeping is more difficult at 5250m
- You have to carry your personal belongings to the campsite
- - If you need to use the restroom, you have to do so in the wilderness; there is no toilet tent available, and it is quite cold at 5250m
Advantages of sleeping at 5250m
- You save an hour and a half of hiking on the first day

My advice (Edwin) and the guides' advice:
Camp at 5000m!

The climbing tour towards the volcanoes in the region of Arequipa are organized bearing in mind of quality standards, and safety.
Remember that to be able to do an ascent at altitude a sufficient acclimatization is needed. In all of our programs of ascent up the volcanoes and snow-capped mountains in Arequipa, we assume that, our clients have given themselves sufficient time to acclimatize before the trek. Nevertheless if you are not acclimated to the altitude, you must consult with us about the ascents for every snow-capped mountain or volcano trek.
Our goal is not only to sell climbing tours, our goal is that our clients arrive at the summit of the volcanoes and snow capped peaks on the climbing tours. In order to do this it is necessary at the time of the consultation for the climbing tour, that you tell us if you are acclimatized to the altitude.
If already you are acclimatized we can do the ascent and follow the program and you can. And if not, it does not matter, we can add one or two more days to the same program. If you do not have a lot of experience we recommend to you to do an ascent in private service and the guide will be able to take you up to the summit slowly to the suit your rhythm.
The programs on our website about ascent are only programs, as these can be adapted to the physical experience and acclimatization of each of our clients.
Our guides are trained and qualified in the High Mountain School in the region of Huaraz.

Important: On our ascents and climb we will include a porter.
The porter will carry the following camping equipment of the customers: Tents, cooking equipment ,sleeping bags and mattresses. If you do not wish to carry your personal things like ( your personal water for the trek : 5 litres per person + personal cloths) you can hire a porter , the price is $90.00 (USD) per day.
One porter can carry maximun 10 kilos.
For each four (4) customers we add an assistant guide.