Climb Chachani: Full-Day 6,075 m Summit from Arequipa
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12–14 hours
Fitness Level
High level of aerobic fitness and experience with long, high-altitude day hikes is recommended; be prepared for sustained uphill walking and thin air.
Overview
Leave Arequipa at midnight and follow a highland road to El Collado, then trek up volcanic scree to reach the 6,075 m summit of Chachani. This full-day climb balances hard-earned views with practical pacing and altitude awareness.
Climb Chachani: Full-Day 6,075 m Summit from Arequipa
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The bus eases away from Arequipa under a sky so clear the stars seem to press against the windows. By the time the driver climbs onto the unpaved Cabrerías road you're moving through the high plateau of Salinas and Aguada Blanca—the air thin, cold, and honest. At El Collado, 5,000 meters above sea level, guides check crampons and hand out coca tea; the light is a bruise of pre-dawn blue. You shoulder your pack and follow a narrow ribbon of volcanic ash and pumice, the summit of Chachani looming like an unfinished question ahead.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Acclimatize before you go
Spend 24–48 hours in Arequipa doing light activity to help your body adjust to altitude; avoid heavy exertion the day before the climb.
Start at midnight—bring a headlamp
The tour departs around 00:00 for a pre-dawn start; reliable lighting and spare batteries are crucial for the early sections.
Expect volcanic scree and loose rock
Use trekking poles and steady, short steps on the ascent to conserve energy and protect your knees on the descent.
Hydrate and use coca tea
Drink frequently and consider coca tea provided by guides to ease nausea and support breathing at high elevation.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean fox
- Vicuña (in lower puna)
History
Chachani's volcanic products were used historically by pre-Incan and colonial inhabitants; its massifs have long marked the agricultural and spiritual landscape surrounding Arequipa.
Conservation
The route passes through Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve—guides emphasize leave-no-trace practices and limit group impact; avoid burning fuel and pack out all waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Arequipa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated down or synthetic jacket
Essential for summit winds and cold temps at 6,000 m.
fall specific
Mountaineering boots (stiff, insulated)
Provides ankle support and works with crampons if snow or ice is present.
winter specific
Trekking poles
Stabilize your rhythm on scree and reduce load on knees during descent.
Headlamp with extra batteries
Required for the pre-dawn start and any hands-free movement in dark sections.