Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
surreal collection of mushroomlike stones eroded by the wind that stand sentinel over the
Río Sumbay.
LOOKOUT
Pampa de Toccra
The high plains
(pampa)
that lie between El Misti/Chachani and the Colca Canyon have
an average height of around 4300m and support plentiful bird and animal life. All four
members of the South American camelid family thrive here: the domesticated llama and
alpaca, and the wild vicuña and guanaco. You're almost certain to see vicuñas roadside in
the 'Zona de Vicuñas' on the approach to Patahuasi; guanacos are more timid and rare.
Later on, at a boggy and sometimes icy lake on the Pampa de Toccra, waterfowl and
flamingos reside in season. A bird-watching
mirador
is being constructed nearby. You'll
also find the
Centro de Interpretación de la Reserva Nacional Salinas
(admission free;
9am-5pm)
here with more detailed notes in English and Spanish about the area's geo-
logy and fauna.
Paso de Patopampa
The highest point on the road between Arequipa and Chivay is this almost lifeless pass
which, at 4910m, is significantly higher than Europe's Mt Blanc and anywhere in North
America's Rocky Mountains. If your red blood cells are up to it, you can disembark into
the rarefied air at the
Mirador de los Volcanes
to view a muscular consortium of eight
snow-capped volcanoes: Ubinas 5675m, Misti 5822m, Chachani 6075m, Ampato 6310m,
Sabancaya 5976m, Huaca Huaca 6025m, Mismi 5597m and Chucura 5360m. Less spec-
tacular but no less amazing is the scrubby Yareta, one of the few plants that can survive in
this harsh landscape. Yaretas can live for several millennia and their annual growth rate is
measured in millimeters rather than centimeters. Hardy ladies in traditional dress dis-
creetly ply their wares at the
mirador
during the day - the world's highest shopping cen-
ter?
VIEWPOINT
EL MISTI
Looming 5822m above Arequipa, the city's guardian volcano El Misti is the most popular
climb in the area. It is technically one of the easiest ascents of any mountain of this size in
the world, but it's hard work nonetheless and you normally need an ice axe and, some-
times, crampons. Hiring a guide is highly recommended. A two-day trip will usually cost
between US$50 to US$70 per person. The mountain is best climbed from July to Novem-
ber, with the later months being the least cold. Below the summit is a sulfurous yellow
crater with volcanic fumaroles hissing gas, and there are spectacular views down to the
Laguna de Salinas and back to the city.
