Chachani Volcano climb from Arequipa: 6075m summit

Midnight start, a trek to fox camp, then the push to the crater rim and summit.

A full-day climb of Chachani Volcano (6075 m) departing from Arequipa with hotel pickup at midnight, a certified mountain guide, and all technical gear provided. The route ascends through volcanic terrain to fox camp, then follows a zig-zag trail toward the extinct crater and summit, where you stand at 360° views of surrounding volcanoes, valleys and the distant Pacific. The climb takes 19 hours total, including the return to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Cotahuasi Canyon3h
2. Chachani Volcano7h · entry included

Climb Chachani Volcano summit

• Pickup from hotel at midnight
• Drive 3 hours to el Collado starting point
• Prepare equipment and have mountain breakfast
• Hike 1.5-2 hours to fox camp
• Rest and enjoy surroundings at fox camp
• Climb 6-7 hours to summit with breaks
• Reach and celebrate at Chachani summit
• Descend 1.5 hours back to fox camp
• Rest and eat at fox camp
• Drive 1.5 hours to vehicle and 2.5 hours to Arequipa
• Return to hotel in Arequipa

The experience

Chachani sits 55 kilometers northwest of Arequipa as a volcanic complex with four peaks. Your pickup happens at midnight from your hotel, then a three-hour drive northwest along the Cabrerías unpaved road climbs gradually through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. You arrive at el Collado (5000 m) around 3 a.m., where the guide issues any equipment needed (ice axe, crampons), and you eat a mountain breakfast with coca tea before the climb begins.

The first section covers 3.5 kilometers over volcanic terrain dotted with ash, sand and huge rocks from ancient eruptions. The trail is not steep at first, but you're already above 5000 meters, and the guide sets the pace to keep your heart rate steady. After 1.5 to 2 hours you reach fox camp, where you rest, drink and look back at how far you've come. The darkness overhead reveals the Milky Way and constellations in a way few places on earth allow.

The second push takes 6 to 7 hours. A zig-zag trail climbs toward the summit with short breaks at specific points. The rhythm matters more than speed. Around 5950 meters you cross a ridge into the extinct crater for the final stop, where you can see the cross on the summit ahead. Fifteen minutes later you stand at 6075 meters, surrounded by a 360° panorama of volcanoes, valleys, lagoons and Arequipa in the distance. The descent back to fox camp takes 1.5 hours, then another 1.5 hours to the vehicle, and a final 2.5-hour drive returns you to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup at midnight and return transport in a 4WD vehicle.
• professional certified mountain guide in English or Spanish.
• mountain breakfast with coca tea.
• snacks and first aid kit during the climb.
• ice axes and snow crampons when the season requires them.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Peru Ultimate Expedition

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose based on which language you're comfortable following at altitude. This climb suits anyone aged 13 and up with strong cardiovascular fitness and the ability to acclimatize. The 19-hour day and sustained high-altitude effort demand serious physical preparation, not casual hiking experience.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What time does the climb start from my hotel in Arequipa?

Pickup happens at midnight (00:00 hours) from your hotel, then a three-hour drive takes you to el Collado at 5000 meters, where the climb begins around 3 a.m.

Do I need mountaineering experience to climb Chachani?

No prior experience is required. The volcano is considered one of the most technically accessible 6000-meter peaks to climb, and the guide leads you through the route. You do need a high level of physical fitness and adequate acclimatization to handle the altitude.

What equipment does the operator provide?

The operator supplies ice axes, crampons (when the season requires them), a first aid kit, snacks, and a mountain breakfast with coca tea at the start. You bring your own personal climbing gear and clothing.

How long is the actual climbing part, and what is the terrain like?

The first section to fox camp is 3.5 kilometers and takes 1.5 to 2 hours over volcanic terrain with ash, sand and rocks. The second section is 6 to 7 hours of zig-zag climbing toward the summit, with short breaks along the way. Outside snow season it can feel like a high-altitude trek, but altitude risk remains constant.

What is the view like from the summit?

From 6075 meters you see a 360° panorama of surrounding volcanoes, valleys, lagoons and Arequipa city in the distance. On clear days the Pacific Ocean is visible on the horizon.

What is the minimum group size, and what ages can participate?

A minimum of two participants is required to start the excursion. Children are welcome from age 13 onward, provided they have the required fitness level and acclimatization.