Delantera route. I was in shape for this trip, was prepared and acclimatized. Summit and back to trail head same day where driver was waiting. Little snow, plenty of scree, Mild scrambling.
Was not, and am not an experienced climber, but heard that Misti is one of the easiest tall mountains to summit.
Checked in with Tourist Police day before hike and after returning. Chewed coca leaves the whole way, easily obtained at market.
I heard stories that British ex-pats summit with a full tea service, tables and chairs each year.
jck - Oct 23, 2018 12:51 am Date Climbed: Oct 11, 2018
Grau (South) - Unguided
Climbed the route in slow style.
Day 1
Took the bus from Arequipa (2 soles) and get off on the junction, few kilometeres before Chiguata. Then knock-knocked the gate and went up to 3800 m where we camped.
Day 2
Went up to Campo Piramide Alto (4690 m).
Day 3
Summit (5 hours 50 minutes up, 1,5 hour down).
Day 4
Went down to the road and by bus to Arequipa.
proust96 - May 16, 2018 9:27 am Date Climbed: May 10, 2018
First ever climb
We were a group of 4pax with a guide, starting at 3400, base camp at 4500. We were acclimatized and all reached the top, I loved the shadow of the mountain on arequipa, the view at the top on this perfectly sunny day. A nice first experience!
NatureGirl - Nov 26, 2016 3:03 pm Date Climbed: Jul 22, 2009
first mountain > 5k
amazing experience for a first 5k mountain, done as 2-day-tour as part of a 4 pax group, wheras 2 of us made summit.
seancau - Aug 30, 2016 7:30 pm Date Climbed: Dec 23, 2015
Misti for US$0.50
Took public bus from Arequipa towards Chiguata, got dropped outside Asociación Irrigadora El Misti (S/. 1.50, our only non-food expense). From here it is approx 6km & 500m elevation to the normal (Grau) start point, we were able to hitch a ride part of the way up on the side of a quarry truck before he turned off. Our main difficulty was the heat lower down & the amount of water we needed to carry (we took 8litres each, though we stashed some in a bush lower down). Camped at Pyramides (4,500m), from here it was a long, relentless hike up to the summit on sometimes loose sand/scree, but at least it was easier with less weight. Not a trace of snow/ice. Trailfinding was easy, there is an obvious path all the way to the summit. Spectacular views. Fun run down on the loose scree. Managed to get a free ride back to Arequipa with a friend of a climber we met along the way.
Slamer - Sep 21, 2017 7:09 am Date Climbed: Nov 18, 2016
Re: Misti for US$0.50
I'm not sure, if it was written by you (looks like it), but I found information needed to climb it by myself on peakbagger and it worked really well. So thanks a lot. Did it the same way, although had to wait a bit for the bus to show up in the morning. You can't get lost as you mentioned.
http://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=605523
blueshade - Jun 21, 2014 7:45 pm Date Climbed: Jun 21, 2014
El Misti
Climbed with a guide, but mostly only for the easy transportation to the TH (otherwise have to hike it). Day 1 4hrs to base camp. Day 2 up at 1AM, arrived at 5:45 (though if not for the cold and the slower group, could have done it in 4hrs). Did I mention the cold? Felt strong after having hiked Ausangate (high point 5200m) and other hikes. But overall, pretty boring hike. Just did it for the height and further acclimatization.
dstevenson0204 - Nov 2, 2012 4:10 pm Date Climbed: Oct 22, 2012
Solo climb #3
Hmm. I don't think I followed a route. Stared in Chiguata (2900 meters) to the top. I actually got a bit lost the first day trying to find a trail. Eventually, I just started upwards and made my way to the crater and around to the cross. Tough Hike. Great views!!
Juanneman - Jun 5, 2012 3:56 pm Date Climbed: Mar 9, 2006
2006
arequipa to camp I (2300m - 4500m) day 1
camp I to summit to arequipa (4500m - 5820m - 2300m) day 2.
exhausting trip!
rgg - May 16, 2011 4:27 pm Date Climbed: May 15, 2011
A lot of snow and ice
From what I had read before, normally, you don´t need crampons, but there was a lot of snow and ice up there. We really needed them as of 5400m or so. Now, those who know me, know that I love snow and ice, so while I already was enjoying the climb, I got a big boost when we got closer to the summit. It was like being high in the Alps, I was having visions of Mont Blanc and snow covered Dolomites at the same time!
For the record, I booked through Carlos Zarate Adventures and certainly do recommend them. In fact, I´m off to his office now to discuss other climbing possibilities!
Boriss Andean - Mar 23, 2010 4:47 pm Date Climbed: Mar 23, 2010
Route Climbed: Chiguata or Grau Route.
Started the climb at 9:30 am from the trailhead (3,400 m) . Got to Base Camp (Campo Pirámides Alto) located at 4,610 m after 4 hours. Perfect weather.
The climb started at 2 am.. very long switchbacks throught the steep and rocky scree ridge. Got to the crater rim overlook after 6 hours and to the summit (5,822 m / 19,101 ft) after 7 hours.
Nice views of Chachani, Pichu Pichu and even of Cordillera Real de Bolivia in the distance.
Got back to BC by the scree/ash field located below the crater rim. I still have volcanic ash in my boots.
This is more of a hike than a climb. Lots of rubbish & shit at high camp, where I bivouaced & a lot of suffering tourists. Not my favourite climb in the area.
derbilly - Jul 28, 2009 11:33 pm Date Climbed: Oct 24, 2008
Highest to date
Climbed with a guide and two french couples. All reached the summit but one. It was my first experience at this altitude.
eruselow - Jul 16, 2008 9:48 am Date Climbed: May 26, 2008
0 to 18,500 feet
Decided to climb Misti on a whim after less than 48 hours in the country and no more than 20 hours at altitude (we were acclimated). Still managed to make it to about 18,500 before having to turn back due to exhaustion.
Kenneth.alone - Jan 5, 2008 1:35 am Date Climbed: Apr 17, 2006
Nice place
I had a great time by myself hiking and camping out in the area. nice place and surprisingly little air!
Climbed with Cotahousi Adventures as Intern (Great company)
Vic Hanson - Mar 21, 2007 5:38 am Date Climbed: Dec 2, 2007
On top of the world - second summit Grau Route
We arrived at the trailhead at 3:15 pm, which now has a marker sign. Reached the higher of the 2 base camps (15,420') at 6:30. Left camp at 6:45 am, reached summit in 3 hr. 20 min., back at trailhead at 1:50 pm after visiting the crater on the way down.
(First summit - Aug. 7, 2005) I know it was about 10,000' short of that but it was the highest I had ever been. Had climbed Whitney twice which was my highest previous climb so this was a big jump in elevation. Beautiful day, clear and sunny, only a little snow near the peak. Took 4 hrs. and 10 min. to reach the summit from our camp at about 15,000'.
Humberto - Feb 5, 2007 7:08 pm Date Climbed: Apr 14, 1988
First Big Climb
I'm not sure of the exact dates anymore. Infact, I can't even remember what motivated me or my little bro to even want to climb El Misti. Neither of us had hiked or climbed anything substantial in our lives. I was in my late teens and he must have been 12ish.
Luckily we managed to hook up with Carlos Zarate and he led us up in 2 days. My bro stayed at camp suffering a bit from altitude sickness while I made it to the summit. Looking back I have to shake my head. I was geared up in a pair of hi-top tennis sneakers, a very fashionable Banana Republic jacket, parachute pants and a scarf the I borrowed from my aunt. The rest is real blurry but it made enough of an impression that I'm still climbing and exploring mountains today!
makumba - Oct 23, 2006 8:18 pm Date Climbed: Oct 22, 2006
Route Climbed: Normal - Chiguata
Tuve mucha suerte y encontre nieve en la cumbre, el desgaste es mayor pero es mas divertido ... great hike !!
Would have summitted if it hadn´t been for a bad case of altitude sickness near the top. This was the highest I´ve ever been by five thousand feet and by the top I had to rest every ten steps or it felt like I was going to pass out. I did make it to the crater overlook and was pretty upset about not making it to the top which seemed so close. Descending the sand was almost worth the descent alone. I´ll have to ge back to seal the deal and get the final 100 meters.
avjackfield - May 27, 2019 12:11 pm
El MistiDelantera route. I was in shape for this trip, was prepared and acclimatized. Summit and back to trail head same day where driver was waiting. Little snow, plenty of scree, Mild scrambling.
Was not, and am not an experienced climber, but heard that Misti is one of the easiest tall mountains to summit.
Checked in with Tourist Police day before hike and after returning. Chewed coca leaves the whole way, easily obtained at market.
I heard stories that British ex-pats summit with a full tea service, tables and chairs each year.
jck - Oct 23, 2018 12:51 am Date Climbed: Oct 11, 2018
Grau (South) - UnguidedClimbed the route in slow style.
Day 1
Took the bus from Arequipa (2 soles) and get off on the junction, few kilometeres before Chiguata. Then knock-knocked the gate and went up to 3800 m where we camped.
Day 2
Went up to Campo Piramide Alto (4690 m).
Day 3
Summit (5 hours 50 minutes up, 1,5 hour down).
Day 4
Went down to the road and by bus to Arequipa.
proust96 - May 16, 2018 9:27 am Date Climbed: May 10, 2018
First ever climbWe were a group of 4pax with a guide, starting at 3400, base camp at 4500. We were acclimatized and all reached the top, I loved the shadow of the mountain on arequipa, the view at the top on this perfectly sunny day. A nice first experience!
NatureGirl - Nov 26, 2016 3:03 pm Date Climbed: Jul 22, 2009
first mountain > 5kamazing experience for a first 5k mountain, done as 2-day-tour as part of a 4 pax group, wheras 2 of us made summit.
seancau - Aug 30, 2016 7:30 pm Date Climbed: Dec 23, 2015
Misti for US$0.50Took public bus from Arequipa towards Chiguata, got dropped outside Asociación Irrigadora El Misti (S/. 1.50, our only non-food expense). From here it is approx 6km & 500m elevation to the normal (Grau) start point, we were able to hitch a ride part of the way up on the side of a quarry truck before he turned off. Our main difficulty was the heat lower down & the amount of water we needed to carry (we took 8litres each, though we stashed some in a bush lower down). Camped at Pyramides (4,500m), from here it was a long, relentless hike up to the summit on sometimes loose sand/scree, but at least it was easier with less weight. Not a trace of snow/ice. Trailfinding was easy, there is an obvious path all the way to the summit. Spectacular views. Fun run down on the loose scree. Managed to get a free ride back to Arequipa with a friend of a climber we met along the way.
Slamer - Sep 21, 2017 7:09 am Date Climbed: Nov 18, 2016
Re: Misti for US$0.50I'm not sure, if it was written by you (looks like it), but I found information needed to climb it by myself on peakbagger and it worked really well. So thanks a lot. Did it the same way, although had to wait a bit for the bus to show up in the morning. You can't get lost as you mentioned.
http://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=605523
blueshade - Jun 21, 2014 7:45 pm Date Climbed: Jun 21, 2014
El MistiClimbed with a guide, but mostly only for the easy transportation to the TH (otherwise have to hike it). Day 1 4hrs to base camp. Day 2 up at 1AM, arrived at 5:45 (though if not for the cold and the slower group, could have done it in 4hrs). Did I mention the cold? Felt strong after having hiked Ausangate (high point 5200m) and other hikes. But overall, pretty boring hike. Just did it for the height and further acclimatization.
dstevenson0204 - Nov 2, 2012 4:10 pm Date Climbed: Oct 22, 2012
Solo climb #3Hmm. I don't think I followed a route. Stared in Chiguata (2900 meters) to the top. I actually got a bit lost the first day trying to find a trail. Eventually, I just started upwards and made my way to the crater and around to the cross. Tough Hike. Great views!!
Juanneman - Jun 5, 2012 3:56 pm Date Climbed: Mar 9, 2006
2006arequipa to camp I (2300m - 4500m) day 1
camp I to summit to arequipa (4500m - 5820m - 2300m) day 2.
exhausting trip!
rgg - May 16, 2011 4:27 pm Date Climbed: May 15, 2011
A lot of snow and iceFrom what I had read before, normally, you don´t need crampons, but there was a lot of snow and ice up there. We really needed them as of 5400m or so. Now, those who know me, know that I love snow and ice, so while I already was enjoying the climb, I got a big boost when we got closer to the summit. It was like being high in the Alps, I was having visions of Mont Blanc and snow covered Dolomites at the same time!
For the record, I booked through Carlos Zarate Adventures and certainly do recommend them. In fact, I´m off to his office now to discuss other climbing possibilities!
Boriss Andean - Mar 23, 2010 4:47 pm Date Climbed: Mar 23, 2010
Route Climbed: Chiguata or Grau Route.Started the climb at 9:30 am from the trailhead (3,400 m) . Got to Base Camp (Campo Pirámides Alto) located at 4,610 m after 4 hours. Perfect weather.
The climb started at 2 am.. very long switchbacks throught the steep and rocky scree ridge. Got to the crater rim overlook after 6 hours and to the summit (5,822 m / 19,101 ft) after 7 hours.
Nice views of Chachani, Pichu Pichu and even of Cordillera Real de Bolivia in the distance.
Got back to BC by the scree/ash field located below the crater rim. I still have volcanic ash in my boots.
bledl - Sep 1, 2009 6:31 pm
high altitude hikeThis is more of a hike than a climb. Lots of rubbish & shit at high camp, where I bivouaced & a lot of suffering tourists. Not my favourite climb in the area.
derbilly - Jul 28, 2009 11:33 pm Date Climbed: Oct 24, 2008
Highest to dateClimbed with a guide and two french couples. All reached the summit but one. It was my first experience at this altitude.
eruselow - Jul 16, 2008 9:48 am Date Climbed: May 26, 2008
0 to 18,500 feetDecided to climb Misti on a whim after less than 48 hours in the country and no more than 20 hours at altitude (we were acclimated). Still managed to make it to about 18,500 before having to turn back due to exhaustion.
Kenneth.alone - Jan 5, 2008 1:35 am Date Climbed: Apr 17, 2006
Nice placeI had a great time by myself hiking and camping out in the area. nice place and surprisingly little air!
nbasford - Dec 30, 2007 11:42 pm
Bueaty beyond imaginationClimbed with Cotahousi Adventures as Intern (Great company)
Vic Hanson - Mar 21, 2007 5:38 am Date Climbed: Dec 2, 2007
On top of the world - second summit Grau RouteWe arrived at the trailhead at 3:15 pm, which now has a marker sign. Reached the higher of the 2 base camps (15,420') at 6:30. Left camp at 6:45 am, reached summit in 3 hr. 20 min., back at trailhead at 1:50 pm after visiting the crater on the way down.
(First summit - Aug. 7, 2005) I know it was about 10,000' short of that but it was the highest I had ever been. Had climbed Whitney twice which was my highest previous climb so this was a big jump in elevation. Beautiful day, clear and sunny, only a little snow near the peak. Took 4 hrs. and 10 min. to reach the summit from our camp at about 15,000'.
Humberto - Feb 5, 2007 7:08 pm Date Climbed: Apr 14, 1988
First Big ClimbI'm not sure of the exact dates anymore. Infact, I can't even remember what motivated me or my little bro to even want to climb El Misti. Neither of us had hiked or climbed anything substantial in our lives. I was in my late teens and he must have been 12ish.
Luckily we managed to hook up with Carlos Zarate and he led us up in 2 days. My bro stayed at camp suffering a bit from altitude sickness while I made it to the summit. Looking back I have to shake my head. I was geared up in a pair of hi-top tennis sneakers, a very fashionable Banana Republic jacket, parachute pants and a scarf the I borrowed from my aunt. The rest is real blurry but it made enough of an impression that I'm still climbing and exploring mountains today!
makumba - Oct 23, 2006 8:18 pm Date Climbed: Oct 22, 2006
Route Climbed: Normal - ChiguataTuve mucha suerte y encontre nieve en la cumbre, el desgaste es mayor pero es mas divertido ... great hike !!
bigwilly - Jul 3, 2006 9:58 pm Date Climbed: Jul 3, 2006
My first climb above 14,000 ft. Grau RouteWould have summitted if it hadn´t been for a bad case of altitude sickness near the top. This was the highest I´ve ever been by five thousand feet and by the top I had to rest every ten steps or it felt like I was going to pass out. I did make it to the crater overlook and was pretty upset about not making it to the top which seemed so close. Descending the sand was almost worth the descent alone. I´ll have to ge back to seal the deal and get the final 100 meters.