The cone
A regular shape.
Diego Delso — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hans Brian Brandsberg Berg — CC BY 2.0 · Max Berger — CC BY-SA 4.0 · R.D. Hoogendoorn — Public domain · Valentin — Public domain
Misti is a volcano in the southern Peruvian Andes, rising above Arequipa, the country's second largest city, about 18 km northeast of the city centre in a straight line. It is the symbol of Arequipa and can be seen from its streets and squares. Its summit reaches 5,822 metres on the rim of the outer crater. It has a steep, regular cone and two nested summit craters, the inner one holding a lava dome pierced by vents that release volcanic gases. The volcano grew in four stages, and its last two significant eruptions were about 2,000 years ago and between 1440 and 1470. It forms a volcanic group with Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Snow sometimes covers the summit but does not last, and there are no glaciers. The grey-brown cone rises above the green terraced fields of the Arequipa valley, sometimes topped with white snow. In the Salinas y Aguada Blanca reserve north of the volcano, herds of vicuña graze the dry grassland in front of it. Most visitors enjoy the view from the city's lookouts, such as the Yanahuara viewpoint, and from the surrounding countryside. Experienced climbers do go to the summit, but the altitude is extreme, so never attempt it without proper acclimatisation and an experienced guide.
A regular shape.
At the summit.
In the reserve.
Near Arequipa, Peru
From the Yanahuara viewpoint in Arequipa.
Yes for experienced climbers, with acclimatisation and a guide.