Day 1: Arequipa - Laguna de Salinas
We leave Arequipa at 8am in a private vehicle. We drive 3 hours to the Laguna de Salinas perched at 4300m high. This lagoon is a natural habitat for a very special wildlife: flamingos. We will also see llamas, alpacas and vicunas. During a good part of the year, the lagoon is actually a salar. The scenery is so spectacular, it's like in Bolivia, especially as the lagoon is surrounded by the majestic Misti volcano (5825m), Pichu Pichu (5664) and also Ubinas volcano (5672m) which is the most active one in Peru. Eruptions guaranteed! But no worries, that's safe for us ... We camp at 4400m near aguas calientes (hot springs) and will enjoy a great sunset!

Day 2: Pichu Pichu - Arequipa
Today, we'll wake up early and head to the "Pichu Pichu Basecamp" located at about 4700m. Today is Ascension Day! We'll have 900m of ascent, about 5-6 hours round trip. You will be rewarded for your efforts once arrived at the top. The stunning view of Arequipa and volcanoes Misti and Chachani, but also over the lagoon (salar) and Ubinas volcano. The descent is great, you can jump and slide on the steep hills of Pichu Pichu! We will finally get some time to rest on our way back to Arequipa in 4x4. Approximate arrival time: 5pm. This adventure is for you!
 

Price per person, based on a tour for at least 2 persons

Included:

-Experienced guide
-Tents, mattresses, cooking equipment, etc.
-Pick up and drop off to your hotel and transport to and from the base of the mountain
-All meals while trekking (one each of lunch, dinner and breakfast)

Please note that you have to carry the equipement by yourself.

If you do not want to carry the equipment, you can book a carrier (Please contact the angency to ask for the price).

Not Included:

-Standard equipment such as sleeping bag, jacket, etc (these items can be hired in Arequipa at an additional cost)
-Breakfast in Arequipa before leaving for the mountain
-Water, chocolate, snacks etc.

What to Bring for Climbing Pichu Pichu:

-Specialist trekking or climbing pack
-Synthetic or leather boots with strong sole
-Sleeping bag rated to at least -5 degrees Celsius
-Layers of synthetic thermal or merino wool, preferably lightweight, at least some long-sleeved
-Fleece or soft shell jacket
-Gore-tex or equivalent jacket
-Down or synthetic fill jacket (for wearing around camp and possibly at rest stops or the summit)
-Thermal or merino long underwear
-Trekking pants, preferably wind resistant (eg, soft shell pants)
-Thick socks, preferably wool (liner socks are useful to help avoid blisters)
-Woolly hat
-Liner gloves and outer gloves (ski gloves are ok)
-Cap or hat, preferably broad-brimmed, good quality sunglasses, and suncream
-Headlamp with spare batteries
-First-aid kit including blister plasters, bandage, scissors, altitude sickness pills (consult a travel medicine specialist about these)
-At least 4 litres of water, chocolates, sweets, snacks, etc (something salty is good for replacing minerals lost through sweating, and loose sweets are good fpr maintaing energy while climbing)