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Yanahuara Lookout
Rhianon at Ichupampa, Colca Canyon, Peru
catedral
Casa Moral: the courtyardClimb El Misti
Climbing El Misti is a thrilling adventure if you like to trek, hike, or climb mountains. It is not a technical climb, but with that said, it isn't an easy climb no matter what anyone tells you, even if you are in shape. The altitude is nothing to mess with and the infamous "saroche" or altitude sickness can affect anyone without warning whether you are an experienced climber or not. There is a great website sponsored by the International Society for Mountain Medicine that explains all about altitude sickness and signs and symptoms and treatments to prevent it and what to do if you actually get it. Here is a link to their website Altitude Sickness.
El Misti is actually a volcano that is still active but hasn't erupted since 1784. To put things in perspective on how tall this mountain is, Mount Kilamanjaro in Africa is 5895m (19340 ft) at its summit and Mount Everest in Nepal is 8850m (29,035 ft). Misti is 5822m (19,101 ft). Per my husband, it is a glorious experience to reach the top of Misti despite the 2 grueling days of hiking that make you question "Why the heck am I doing this on my vacation?" To explain how difficult it is to reach the top, my husband was only 2 of the 4 of our group that was actually able to reach the top, and of the other person who reached the top, my husband basically helped push him up the mountain. At the summit you will find a crater (remember Misti is a volcano) and a beautiful metal cross and the most stunning views of the nearby mountain ranges (Chachani) that make you question whether you are standing in heaven. My husband said they went so high up that they walked higher than some clouds. With all that said, the most important thing you can do is make sure you go with an experienced guide and company. We went with Incaventura and our guide was Herman. Here is a link to their website Incaventura. -good backpack (you will be carrying this yourself for an entire day so make sure it fits)
-sleeping bag (one that is able to tolerate temps as low as 20 degrees F in April)
-good waterproof hiking boots (there is snow at summit)
-4 liters of water per person
-2 pairs of wool socks (cotton kills hiking)
-thermal underwear (thank god I had mine)
-good hiking khakis with plenty of pockets
-underarmor bra and panties or underwear for guys (keeps the sweat off of you)
-long sleeve shirt
-fleece sweater (Denali from North Face worked perfect)
-short sleeve tee
-sweater
-sunscreen
-chapstick or lip balm
-sunglasses
-hat to cover your head from the blazing sun
-good warm gloves (our fingers were freezing mostly)
-camera (for the brilliant shots you will see and to prove you reached the top)
-ipod (helps with the ascent to get your mind off things)
-snacks
-good head lamp (the second day you start hiking at 2 am)
-tylenol or motrin for headache/aches and pains
-diamox if you are taking it to prevent altitude sickness
-most tour companies will provide a tent (and crampons if needed) but if you can carry the weight, bring your own
-meals, fuel, stove and dishware should be provided by your tour company
-winter cap (make sure it covers your ears)
-winter coat (a ski coat works perfectly)
-moleskin for blisters (make sure you also have scissors to cut it)
-knife
-plenty of determination
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