Chachani

Chachani stands at 6,057 metres directly north-west of Arequipa and has a reputation as one of the easiest six-thousand-metre peaks in the world to climb, which is true in a narrow sense and misleading in a broader one. It is easy technically: a four-wheel drive road reaches around 5,000 metres, the route from there is a walk on scree and volcanic rubble with no glacier travel, no rope and no technical skill required, and it is normally done as a two-day trip from Arequipa with a night at base camp. What it is not is easy physically. The summit day starts around one in the morning, gains a thousand metres of altitude on loose ground in cold and wind, and a large proportion of attempts end before the top. Proper acclimatisation in Arequipa and preferably on a lower peak first is what separates the two outcomes.

The landscape

• The 6,057-metre summit - a six-thousander with no technical climbing.
• The base camp - reached by four-wheel drive at around 5,000 metres.
• The night start - summit day beginning around one in the morning.
• Arequipa below - the city and Misti visible from the ascent.

When to go

May to September, the dry season. Acclimatise in Arequipa for several days first, ideally with a lower peak beforehand.

Practical notes

Technically easy but physically hard - many attempts turn back before the summit. Loose scree, severe cold and wind on summit day. Altitude sickness is common. It requires a guide and transport; do not attempt it independently without high-altitude experience.

Nearby

El Misti is the neighbouring volcano; Arequipa is below.

Key facts