It's about a six hour drive from Arequipa.
The first half of the journey is on a great scenic road (that goes to Colpa canyon), and passes by Chachani and great landscapes - expect to see a lot of Vicunas.
Before the road reaches Colpa canyon, you turn left on a dirt track from where you might as well have gone back in time hundreds of years. It's a very scenic route then towards the valley where you'll find the base camp. A 4x4 is absolutely necessary - the route gets fairly water logged and you'll cross a couple of small streams.
Finally you'll be able to drive straight up to base camp at 5,200 meters.

Nestled in the Andes of southern Peru, Ampato stands at an impressive 6,288 meters, offering a unique combination of mountaineering adventure and archaeological intrigue. This volcanic peak, located near Arequipa, is renowned for its role in history as the site where the famous Inca mummy, "Juanita," was discovered. Climbers and trekkers drawn to Ampato mountain are captivated by its remote location, stunning landscapes, and cultural significance.
A climb up Ampato is a moderate challenge, making it an excellent choice for those looking to acclimate to high altitudes or explore the Peruvian Andes. While the ascent doesn&rsquo;t require technical climbing skills, its loose volcanic terrain and high altitude demand physical endurance and careful preparation. Along the way, adventurers pass through breathtaking valleys and campsites, with views of neighboring volcanic giants such as Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca adding to the experience.
For those seeking solitude and a connection to Peru&rsquo;s rich history, Ampato trekking offers an unparalleled adventure. The mountain's remote trails see few visitors, providing a serene escape into nature. Whether you&rsquo;re captivated by the ancient Inca sacrificial sites or the stunning vistas of volcanic peaks, a journey to Ampato promises an unforgettable combination of cultural exploration and high-altitude achievement.

You can drive as high as 5,200m, but some stop earlier and make base camp between 4,800-5,000. 
There are spaces for a high camp at 5,500 too, but this is less necessary if you start at the absolute end of the road (5,200).

From base camp you slowly move up decent but loose terrain to high-camp (optional). From there it's a few hundred more vertical meters to the glacier. You can either go up the glacier or to its left (when looking up the mountain), but the ground is pretty loose so most go up the glacier and down the scree. From where the glacier tops out you're still 200 meters from the summit. A route up to the left is typical, as straight ahead to the summit has a lot of loose scree. Otherwise you can go right to a false summit and follow the ridge to the summit - but that's a longer way.

Shortly before base camp, after you cross the last stream there is an abandoned house/farm of sorts. It used to be a place to stay, but now is a relic of the past.
Either you drive in (with a 4x4) with absolutely everything you'll need, or go on an organised expedition from Arequipa.
The base camp is a three hour off-road drive on a route that sees very little traffic.

Ampato

Standing at 6,057 meters, Chachani is one of the most accessible 6,000-meter peaks in the world, located just outside Arequipa, Peru. As a dormant volcano, Chachani volcano offers an excellent introduction to high-altitude climbing, with its non-technical ascent making it suitable for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. Known for its striking views of the surrounding Andes, Nevado Chachani is a must-climb for adventurers seeking a rewarding and approachable high-altitude experience.
A typical ascent of Chachani volcano begins with a 4x4 drive to a high-altitude trailhead, reducing the overall trekking distance and elevation gain. The climb involves moderate hiking on volcanic scree slopes, with no technical equipment required beyond warm clothing and proper boots. While the terrain is straightforward, the high altitude presents a significant challenge, making acclimatization essential for a successful ascent. From the summit of Nevado Chachani, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of nearby volcanic giants such as Misti and Ampato, as well as the sprawling city of Arequipa below.
For those looking to push their limits without technical climbing experience, Chachani is an ideal choice. Its combination of accessibility, stunning landscapes, and high-altitude adventure makes it a standout destination in the Peruvian Andes. Whether you&rsquo;re planning your first 6,000-meter peak or simply seeking a unique Andean adventure, Chachani volcano delivers a memorable journey into the heights of Peru.

Chachani

Climbing Misti is pretty epic because you get a straightforward route up with insane views of Arequipa once you're at the top. The cool part is the cone shape; it's picture-perfect and really stands out from other climbs.

Misti

End of the trail, 4x4 needed to reach. Otherwise you can camp at 4,800.

Base Camp

A place to make camp, flat and somewhat sheltered. No water.

High Camp

The summit of Ampato offers breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and landscapes, including the nearby Sabancaya volcano. The summit push from high camp involves navigating glaciers and potential snowfields.

Summit

It's a 5-6 hour drive from Arequipa, the main staging point for climbing Coropuna.

Coropuna is a massive volcanic complex in southern Peru, notable for being the highest volcano in the country at 6,377 meters. It's relatively isolated, situated in the Arequipa region, and consists of several summits, with the northern one being the highest. The climb isn't technically demanding compared to other high Andean peaks, but it requires good acclimatization due to the altitude. The typical approach involves a high-altitude camp from where you can attempt the summit and return. The landscape is stark and the area is often windswept, with weather that can shift rapidly, so preparation is key. The remote nature of Coropuna offers a quieter climbing experience, ideal if you&rsquo;re looking to avoid the more crowded routes found on peaks like Huascar&aacute;n.

More or less at the end of the dirt road. The track splits in two and you can camp at the end of either fork.

High Camp is positioned to support the final summit attempt, located strategically to allow climbers to start their summit push during the early morning hours to capitalize on stable weather conditions.

The summit of Coropuna offers expansive views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and is the highest point on the mountain, providing a challenging but rewarding climax to the climb.

The Coropuna climbing itinerary involves progressing from Base Camp at 4800 meters to Camp 1 and High Camp before reaching the summit at 6425 meters. This route is designed for acclimatization and tactical rests, with the final push from High Camp to the summit typically starting pre-dawn to utilize the most stable weather conditions.

Peru Adventure Tours

Discover the Expertise of Peru Adventure Tours

Trips offered by Peru Adventure Tours

Ampato
$438

Coropuna
$450

Chachani
$175

Misti
$69

Combined trips

Ampato and Chachani
$ 748

Misti and Chachani
$ 115

Misti and Chachani
$ 346

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Peru Adventure Tours

Discover the Expertise of Peru Adventure Tours

Trips offered by Peru Adventure Tours

Ampato$438

Coropuna$450

Chachani$175

Misti$69