Trekkers embarking on the 2-day climb to the summit stay overnight at camping sites along the trail, before continuing to the peak early the next day. While neither climb is particularly technical, both require peak fitness due to the steep sand slopes.
There are two main routes, the Pastores route and the Aguada Blanca route.closer to Arequipa, Pastores is the more popular choice and starts at 10,800 feet (3,292 meters) , with an overnight stop at Nido de Aguilas. Aguada Blanca begins at Monte Blanco camp, marked by a towering iron cross erected in 1901.
El Misti is about 42 miles (68 kilometers) from the center of Arequipa in southern Peru. From Sepulveda Street, a bus leaves every 40 minutes to the village of Chiguata where the trailhead begins and is clearly marked; plan for a 2-day trek to the top.
El Misti can be climes year-round. The best time to visit El Misti is from May to November when the skies are sunny and the weather is the most warm and dry. July and August are peak months. December through March are the coldest and wettest months with frequent snowfalls.
Reserva Nacional Salinas y Aguada Blanca is a nature reserve that is home to El Misti and other volcanic mountains. Located between Arequipa and Moquegua areas, the nature reserve is filled with trails, viewing points, llamas and alpacas. Beyond, it has beautiful lagoons and wetlands where flamingos and crested ducks live.