Chachani trek 1 day from Arequipa. Climb above 6,000 metres in a single day on our Chachani trek from Arequipa. This guided summit attempt starts just after midnight. A 4×4 vehicle takes you high onto the mountain, where you begin hiking through volcanic scenery towards Chachani’s North Face. After breakfast at the Campo Azufrera camp area, you continue towards the summit and return to Arequipa in the afternoon.

This is a challenging high-altitude hike for people with good fitness and previous time at altitude. The planned route does not require technical climbing skills in normal conditions, but the cold, thin air and long day make it a serious mountain trip. Snow or ice conditions may require crampons and an ice axe. Your mountain guide will assess the route on the day.

Chachani trek 1 day at a glance

• Start and finish: Arequipa
• Duration: 1 day
• Pick-up: approximately 12:30 a.m.
• Route: Azufral approach, Pre-Inca trail and North Face
• Vehicle access: approximately 5,000 m above sea level
• Breakfast stop: Campo Azufrera, approximately 5,225 m above sea level
• Highest point: Chachani summit, over 6,000 m above sea level
• Difficulty: challenging because of the altitude and length of the day
• Return to Arequipa: afternoon, depending on conditions

Chachani trek 1 day itinerary

12:30 a.m. – Pick-up and 4×4 drive

We pick you up in Arequipa at approximately 12:30 a.m. and travel by 4×4 vehicle along the Azufral Route. The road takes us to around 5,000 m above sea level, where the walk begins. Your exact pick-up point and time will be confirmed before departure.

Early morning – Hike to Campo Azufrera

From the vehicle, we hike to the camp area known as Campo Azufrera, at approximately 5,225 m. We stop here for the breakfast included in the tour. You will already be at very high altitude, so the group walks at a steady pace and follows the guide’s instructions.

Morning – North Face route and summit attempt

After breakfast, we continue along the mountain trail described locally as the Pre-Inca trail and follow the North Face route towards Chachani’s summit. The plan is to arrive before noon. If conditions are clear, the summit offers wide views across the volcanic landscape of southern Peru. Reaching the top depends on the weather, the route conditions and how the group responds to the altitude.

Afternoon – Descent and return to Arequipa

After the summit attempt, we descend to the 4×4 vehicle and drive back to Arequipa, arriving in the afternoon. Bring your own water and food for the hike and descent. Breakfast is the only meal listed as included in this tour.

How difficult is the one-day Chachani trek?

The route is described as non-technical in normal conditions, but this does not make it an easy hike. You travel from Arequipa to around 5,000 m by vehicle, then walk towards a summit above 6,000 m on the same day. You need good physical condition, warm clothing and time to acclimatise before the trek. Experience walking at altitude is strongly recommended.

Conditions can change quickly on the mountain. Your guide may adjust the route, use ice equipment or turn the group back when needed. A summit is never guaranteed.

Personal equipment is not included in the tour price. Boots, trekking poles and backpacks can be rented. As well as headlamps and sunglasses when booking. Ask us in advance about the availability and cost of any other equipment you need.

Mountain safety and changes to the itinerary

If a participant needs to turn back because of fatigue or another reason, the main guide will coordinate the descent with an assistant guide so that the participant does not walk alone. Every guest must carry their own personal equipment on the ascent, including warm clothing, water and any required ice equipment.

The route and timing may change because of weather, snow or ice, or the physical condition of the group. The guide’s decision on the mountain takes priority. If you decide to return to Arequipa before the group’s planned return, any additional transport, food or accommodation costs are your responsibility.