Chachani Volcano

Chachani is the giant that sits beside Misti, a broad, snow-streaked mass that tops 6,000 metres. It has a reputation as one of the most accessible peaks of that height anywhere, which draws trekkers wanting a first taste of serious altitude without ropes or ice axes. The route is a long walk on loose volcanic ground, but it is not a technical climb, and with a good guide, sensible acclimatisation and decent weather it is achievable for fit walkers. It is nonetheless a serious high-altitude outing, and the thin air above 5,500 metres will test even strong trekkers.

The standard itinerary begins with a drive in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to a camp at around 5,000 metres, which makes Chachani unusual because you start the climb already high. You sleep in tents, eat an early dinner and try to rest before the push for the summit in the middle of the night. The ascent follows a steady ridge of ash and rock, with no real scrambling, and takes about six to eight hours depending on conditions and your speed.

The air is thin and cold, and many people feel the altitude strongly, so the pace is slow and regular breaks are essential.The summit view is memorable. Arequipa and the valleys stretch out beneath you, with Misti and Pichu Pichu close by and a line of peaks on the horizon, and if the weather is clear you may see parts of the Colca region.

The descent is much faster and usually ends in the morning. Some operators offer one-day versions for people who are already acclimatised, as well as variants that stay below the summit, but the two-day trip is the most common. It is worth asking about the maximum altitude achieved on different routes, because different tours promise different goals.Preparation makes or breaks the experience. Spend at least three to four days in Arequipa or a higher base such as Chivay, drink plenty of water, avoid heavy alcohol and consider asking a doctor about altitude medication.

Dress in layers with a warm jacket, hat, gloves, sturdy boots and sunglasses, and carry high-factor sun cream. Check that the operator provides licensed guides, adequate emergency gear and clear safety procedures, and be ready to turn around if conditions are poor. The best season is the dry months, roughly May to October, when skies are clear and snow is limited.

Many climbers find that the biggest challenge on Chachani is not the terrain but pacing and cold. The summit day starts in the dark at temperatures well below freezing, and a long, slow rhythm matters more than speed. Pack spare gloves, chemical hand warmers and a thermos, and expect to eat and drink little because appetite fades at altitude.

Ask whether your operator provides trekking poles, a first aid kit and a supplementary oxygen bottle, and if the weather turns, accept the decision to descend without argument. The mountain will still be there another day. Remember too that the descent is hard on the knees after hours of effort, so poles and a steady rhythm help.

Eat a proper breakfast before setting off if you can, keep a small snack in a pocket, and allow a full rest day afterwards in Arequipa before any further travel, since recovery from altitude takes longer than most people expect.