If you are an explorer seeking a truly uncrowded and authentic adventure in Peru, our exclusive 2 Day Ubinas Volcano climb is designed for you. While other trekkers crowd standard routes, you will escape the tourist crowds to witness raw Andean power.
Traverse the remote Moquegua plateau and camp under pristine skies before conquering the summit of Peru’s most active giant. Summon your spirit of adventure to witness an active crater and experience a side of the Andes few travelers ever see.
The Andes are filled with mountains, but few pulsate with the raw, active power of Ubinas.
For the traveler who rejects crowded trails and standardized tours, this expedition offers an uncrowded sanctuary of genuine adventure. Here, you don’t just hike; you journey into the heart of geological time.
Feel the earth breathe beneath your boots, stand where few travelers have ever stood, witnessing the impressive steaming crater of Peru’s most active volcano. This 2-day expedition isn’t just about reaching 5,672 meters; it’s about conquering your own limits alongside a fiery giant.
If you demand authenticity from your Peruvian adventure, Ubinas delivers.
Exchange the noise of crowded base camps for the silent majesty of the high altiplano and the visceral thrill of an active summit. This is a mountain that demands respect and rewards the brave with unparalleled memories.
Our 2 Day Ubinas Volcano climb is a genuinely high-altitude adventure designed for true explorers who reject the ordinary.
🌋 Conquer Peru’s Most Active Giant: Stand on the precipice of the massive 5,672m (18,608 ft.) summit caldera. Witnessing the raw geological power of the steaming, funnel-shaped crater of Peru’s most active stratovolcano is an exclusive thrill few travelers ever experience.
🦙 Exclusive Day 1 Acclimatization: Hike along Salinas lagoon to to get more acclimated.
⛺ Overnight High Altiplano Immersion: Spend an unforgettable night under one of the planet’s most pristine, star-filled skies. Our high-altitude base camp offers profound silence and solitude, far from the light pollution and crowds of standardized routes.
🥾 Absolute Solitude & Genuinely Remote: Traverse remote, uncrowded paths on the high Moquegua plateau. Experience direct physical engagement with the Andean Central Volcanic Zone on a trail where you are far more likely to see a condor than another group of travelers.
🦅 Unparalleled 360° Panoramic Views: Achieve breathtaking vistas of the surrounding snow-capped Andean chain and vast volcanic desert landscapes a reward earned only by summiting this massive geological giant.
🏕️ Tour Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night Expedition
⚠️ Critical Day 1 Acclimatization Process: To ensure maximum safety and success, our Day 1 includes a strategic stop at Laguna de Salinas (4,300m). This vital step allows your body to adjust naturally to extreme altitude while observing wild vicuñas and flamingos, drastically increasing your chance of conquering the summit on Day 2.
🏔️ Maximum Altitude: Summit of Ubinas Volcano at 5,672m (18,608 ft.), overlooking the active, steaming crater. Base Camp is situated at a strategic elevation of approximately 4,600m – 4,800m for optimal high-altitude acclimatization.
🚙 Starting Point: Trailhead (4×4 Vehicle Drop-off) Approx 5000m (16,404 ft.) The vehicle drives directly to this high-altitude point.
📈 Elevation Gain: Approx 670m (2211 ft.) of continuous ascent from the traihead to the crater summit.
💪 Difficulty Level: Strenuous – Highly physically demanding due to extreme altitude. The route is non-technical (no specialized rock climbing skills required), but conquering the final 670m of continuous ascent on steep slopes poses a significant physical and mental challenge.
⚠️ Acclimatization Requirement: Is CRITICAL for Success. We strictly require all climbers to have spent at least 3 full days at high altitude (such as Arequipa, Cusco, or Puno) immediately prior to departure to minimize the risk of AMS.
🌋 Typical Terrain: Remote, steep volcanic landscape. The route consists primarily of volcanic ash, loose sand, and loose rock (scree). Expect seasonal snow and ice near the summit.
☀️ Best Season: May through November (Dry Season). This period offers the most stable weather, highest visibility, and lowest precipitation, guaranteeing the clearest views of the volcanic eruptions and the surrounding range.
👥 Group Size: An Exclusive Experience. We operate with private tours or strictly small groups to ensure personalized attention, maximum safety on an active volcano, and a tailored pace suitable for high-altitude trekking.
Leaving the Ordinary Behind Your expedition begins at 8:30 AM with a seamless pick-up from your Arequipa hotel. Leave the city noise behind as we ascend toward the untamed Andes.
Our first scenic transition takes us through the traditional Chiguata village. Here, ancient pre-Inca terraces carve the landscape, perfectly framed by the imposing, conical silhouette of the Misti Volcano.
Entering the High Puna Sanctuary Crossing the agricultural limit at 3,800m (12,540 ft), we enter the wild Puna.
In this remote ecosystem, you will discover the rare Queñuales forest. These ancient, twisting trees survive in one of the highest environments on Earth and remain a vital part of local Andean heritage.
Wildlife Encounters at Salinas National Reserve Upon reaching the shimmering Salinas Lagoon at 4,300m (14,190 ft), your first high-altitude acclimatization hike begins.
You will walk across otherworldly landscapes covered in volcanic ash and gleaming white borax crystals. Because we avoid the standard tourist traps, this remote sanctuary is yours to explore.
Keep your camera ready: you are stepping into a vibrant habitat of elegant Andean flamingos, wild vicuñas, leaping vizcachas, and perhaps even an elusive Andean fox.
A Scenic Feast & Journey to ubinas Base Camp After tracking wildlife across the salt flats, we set up a scenic, open-air dining experience. Enjoy a delicious box lunch right at the water’s edge, surrounded by absolute silence of Salinas lagoon and dramatic peaks.
A short, one-hour drive then brings us to the rugged foothills of our final goal, arriving at our exclusive Base Camp near the Piscoquocha lagoon (4,500m / 14,850 ft).
Sunset, Silence, and the Milky Way Settle into your high-mountain tent and take a solitary walk around the pristine waters. As evening falls, enjoy a hot, freshly prepared dinner while watching the sunset paint the distant Salinas Lagoon in vibrant colors.
Before zipping up your tent for the night, step outside and look up.
Without a single city light to interrupt the view, the Milky Way reveals itself in staggering detail. The high Andes are famously freezing after dark, so bundle up, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and prepare for a celestial show you will never forget.
Expedition Quick Facts
Accommodation: High-Mountain Camping Tents
Base Camp Altitude: 4,500 m.a.s.l. | 14,850 ft
Hiking Distance: Approx. 4 km (2.5 miles) of flat, acclimatization walking
Meals Included: Box Lunch & Hot Dinner (Vegetarian/Vegan options fully available)
The Andean Start Your summit day begins at 5:00 AM in the crisp, freezing Andean air. We fuel up with a specialized mountain breakfast at base camp before boarding our 4×4 vehicle.
We drive toward the rugged north face of the mountain, reaching our strategic starting point at 4,920m (16,236 ft). From here, the true Ubinas Volcano climb begins.
A Strategic & Raw Ascent The journey to the summit takes approximately 3 hours. While the volcanic slope might appear accessible to an acclimated hiker, trekking above 5,000 meters demands deep respect.
You are off the beaten path now. You will navigate a challenging zig-zag trail composed of loose sand, volcanic rock, and ash. Our certified mountain tour guide will set the perfect, steady rhythm to ensure your safe and steady progress.
Note:If you are climbing during the snowy season (mid-December to April), the terrain transforms. We will equip you with crampons and ice axes to safely conquer the icy final stretch.
Conquering the Active Crater As you breach the main lips of the volcano, the world opens up. You have reached the summit.
The panoramic views of the Andes are extraordinary, but the true reward lies below. Depending on official volcanologist safety reports, we may descend toward the very edge of the inner active crater.
Stand in awe as you peer into a staggering 1.6-kilometer-wide abyss with vertical walls plunging 200 meters deep. Feeling the geological pulse of an active volcano is a rare, visceral privilege that few travelers ever experience.
Please note: Access to the inner crater takes about 1 hour in and out, and is strictly dependent on the volcano’s calm state for your absolute safety.
The Triumphant Descent After absorbing the raw energy of the summit, we begin a thrilling, one-hour descent down the volcanic slopes back to our waiting vehicle.
We return to base camp to rest, pack up our gear and eat something light a recovery meal, later on, relax as we begin our 3 our scenic drive back to Arequipa city, dropping you off at your Arequipa hotel around 5:00 PM.
You return not just as a tourist, but as a mountaineer who stood face-to-face with a breathing giant.
Expedition Quick Facts
Maximum Altitude: 5,672 m.a.s.l. | 18,608 ft. (Ubinas Summit)
Climbing Distance: Approx. 6.7 km (4.1 miles) of challenging volcanic terrain
Climb Duration: 3 hours up, 1 hour down
Meals Included: Early Mountain Breakfast & Energy Walking Snacks
At Peru Ultimate Expedition, we understand that every explorer has a unique travel style, budget, and preference for comfort in the extreme Andes. That’s why we offer clearly defined service tiers for our high-altitude camping experiences. This approach allows you to confidently choose the expedition style that suits you best, ensuring maximum satisfaction and clarity from the moment you book.
INCLUDES:
✔️ Professional Certified Mountain Guide (English/Spanish speaking)
✔️ Shared 4×4 Off-Road Transportation (Arequipa – Base Camp – Ubinas trailhead – drop-off Arequipa)
✔️ High-Altitude Expedition Meals: 01 Boxed Lunch – 01 Hot Dinner – 01 Mountain Breakfast
✔️ Camping Equipment: Includes 4-season Mountain tents – Ccomfortable sleeping mats.
✔️ Group Safety Gear: First aid kit, emergency oxygen, and communication radios
✔️ Direct Pick-up from your Arequipa hotel
✔️ Seasonal mountaineering gear (crampons/ice axe) included if winter conditions require them.
Opting for our Small Group Service is the smart choice for explorers who prioritize value and camaraderie. This is the budget-friendly option designed specifically for travelers who thrive in a shared experience and seek an affordable volcano climb without compromising the safety or quality of the adventure.
INCLUDES:
✔️ Comprehensive Pre-Departure Briefing: A private meeting 1 day before the excursion to review gear, weather, and logistics.
✔️ Certified Mountain Guide: A dedicated, fluent English-speaking expert focused solely on your safety and experience.
✔️ Dedicated Assistant tour Guide: (For groups of more than 2 people) to accompany and support any participant who may wish to rest or return to Base Camp, ensuring the rest of the party can continue the expedition.
✔️ Tailored Expedition Meals: All meals and hydration throughout the entire duration of the excurison.
✔️ Private 4×4 Off-Road Transport: Exclusive, comfortable transport (capacity 5- 6 people) per vehicle
✔️ Flexible Itinerary & Departure Time: Set your own pace and schedule for maximum acclimatization and comfort.
✔️ Door-to-Door Service: Private pick-up and drop-off directly from your Arequipa hotel, bus station, or airport.
✔️ Premium High-Altitude Camping Setup: 4-Season Mountain Tents, Thermal Sleeping Mats, and -15°C (5°F) rated extreme-weather Sleeping Bags.
✔️ Complete Mountain & Volcano Gear: Trekking poles, headlamps, Mountain gloves.
Note: (Crampons, ice axes, and helmets are included if seasonal winter conditions require them).
✔️ Maximum Safety Equipment: Medical oxygen, comprehensive first-aid kit, and communication systems for emergencies.
The Private Premium Service is designed for the discerning traveler who demands maximum comfort, flexibility, and a truly high-end, personalized experience in the Andes.
This tier elevates your Ubinas Volcano excurison into a bespoke adventure. You will not share the experience with anyone outside your party, guaranteeing absolute privacy and allowing you to set the exact pace of your ascent.
To ensure full transparency and help you prepare adequately for the extreme Andean environment, please note that the following items and services are not included in the standard tour price. Please plan your logistics and budget accordingly:
❌ Travel & Medical Insurance (Mandatory)
❌ Sleeping Bag: rated for -15°C (5°F) is strictly required. You can easily rent a sleeping bag from our office for an additional cost. Note: This is only included if you book the Private Premium Service.
❌ Hydration (Drinking Water): There are no water sources at the high camp. You must bring sufficient bottled water for the entire 2 day climb (we strongly recommend a minimum of 5 liters per person).
❌ Personal Energy Snacks: While we provide hearty main meals, please bring your preferred trail snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolates, candies).
❌ Personal Mountaineering Clothing: Trekking boots, thermal base layers, heavy down/windproof jackets, and personal trekking pants. (If you are missing specific cold-weather gear, contact us to check our rental availability).
❌ Gratuities (Tips): Tips for your dedicated mountain guide, driver, and camp staff are not included. Tipping is entirely voluntary but highly appreciated in Andean mountain culture based on the quality of service provided.
Spending the night at 4600 meter Base Camp and hiking to an active giant volcano requires specialized preparation. You must be fully equipped for extreme nighttime cold (down to -15°C / 5°F), intense high-altitude UV radiation, and exposure to wind and volcanic ash.
☑️ Base Layers (Wicking): Long-sleeve thermal shirt and thermal leggings (synthetic or merino wool; strictly no cotton).
☑️ Mid-Layers (Insulation): Warm fleece jacket, lightweight down/puffer jacket, and thick fleece or softshell trekking trousers.
☑️ Outer Shell (Protection): Heavy-duty, windproof, and waterproof mountain jacket and over-trousers to block the freezing high-altitude winds.
☑️ Winter Hat & Neck Gaiter: A warm beanie that covers your ears, plus a Buff or balaclava (mandatory for protecting your face and breathing from volcanic ash).
☑️ Mountain Gloves: Two pairs are required: thin thermal liner gloves for dexterity and thick, insulated, waterproof outer gloves for the pre-dawn freezing temperatures.
☑️ Trekking Socks: 2 to 3 pairs of thick merino wool or synthetic expedition socks.
☑️ Mountaineering/Hiking Boots: Sturdy, warm, waterproof, and well-broken-in boots with deep ankle support for navigating loose rocks.
☑️ Gaiters: Highly recommended to keep snow, volcanic sand, scree, and debris out of your boots during the descent.
☑️ Extreme-Weather Sleeping Bag: Rated for -15°C / 5°F (Available for rent if you do not have your own, or included in the Premium Service).
☑️ Trekking Daypack: A 30-40 liter backpack to carry your water, snacks, layers, and personal items while our porters handle the heavy camp gear.
☑️ Headlamp: Essential for the early morning alpine start (bring extra, new batteries).
☑️ Trekking Poles: Crucial for balance and saving energy on the steep, loose volcanic ash trails.
☑️ Hydration System: Reusable water bottles or a hydration bladder capable of holding a minimum of 5 liters of water for the 2 day excursion.
☑️ Protective Eyewear: High-quality, wrap-around UV sunglasses or specialized mountain goggles to protect your eyes from snow-glare, wind, and blowing ash.
☑️ Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunblock and SPF lip balm (apply generously to all exposed skin).
☑️ Personal Medications: Including blister treatments, painkillers, and altitude medication (if prescribed by your doctor).
☑️ High-Energy Trail Food: Bring your favorite quick-energy snacks, such as mixed nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, and energy bars, to fuel your final push to the summit.
Preparing for the Ubinas mountain climb is essential to ensure a safe, comfortable, and rewarding adventure at high altitude. Please review these important recommendations before beginning your Climbing tour in Arequipa
👉 Proper Acclimatization is Critical: You will be sleeping at an extreme altitude of 4600 meters (17,060 ft). We strictly require clients to spend at least 3 days at high altitude (such as in Puno – Cusco or Bolivia) prior to departure. If you need further acclimatization, we highly suggest booking an additional high-altitude activity to prepare your body. Check our Acclimatization Tours in Peru.
👉 Understand Altitude Sickness (AMS): If you are planning your first high-altitude expedition in the Andes, we strongly advise you to familiarize yourself with Altitude Sickness. Please consult the following expert resources on high-altitude medicine:
👉 Gear Up for Extreme Cold & Volcanic Terrain: Nighttime temperatures at our Ubinas Base Camp can plummet to -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F). You must wear proper mountaineering clothing, including thermal base layers, an expedition-grade insulated jacket, and windproof outer shells.
👉 Request High-Altitude Mountain Gear in Advance: Ensure you have the right equipment for extreme conditions. Let us know in advance if you need to rent gear from us, including -15°C rated sleeping bags, trekking poles, sturdy hiking boots, or headlamps for our pre-dawn andean start. Check availability with our team.
👉 Inform Us of Any Medical Conditions: Trekking at over 5,000 meters requires excellent physical conditioning and mental resilience. Please inform our team of any preexisting medical conditions that may require special attention during your excursion to ubinas volcano.
👉 Travel Light for the Climb: Leave your heavy luggage in your Arequipa hotel before starting the expedition. You will only need a daypack for the ascent, as our porters will handle the heavy camping equipment. If you plan to continue your journey directly to Colca Valley or to Puno afterward, let us know so we can arrange the proper transfers.
By following these recommendations, you will be fully prepared to face the rugged beauty of the Andes and witness the raw power of the Ubinas volcano.
💡 Mandatory Travel Insurance and Health Declaration All clients booking our adventure trips must have required travel insurance. For your safety and the success of the expedition, it is also mandatory that you declare any existing health conditions, whether physical or mental, to our team during the booking process.
💡 Certified Mountain Tour Guides & Safety Protocols Our Expedition Leaders are elite Andean mountain guides, officially certified by UIAGM/AGMP and Peru’s most prestigious mountaineering institutions.
Their extensive experience is crucial for this specific climbing excursion, as they strictly manage the the protocols around Ubinas volcano. They will customize the pacing to your fitness level while ensuring maximum safety, allowing you to witness the volcanic scenerary with a complete peace of mind.
💡 Porter Services: Hike Lighter, Experience More Trekking through volcanic scree and sand at over 5,000 meters is physically demanding. We highly recommend utilizing our dedicated Porter Service. While our base team handles the heavy communal camping equipment, hiring a personal porter allows you to climb with only a light daypack.
Note: Following established Peruvian mountaineering regulations, each porter is authorized to carry a maximum weight of 18 kg (39.7 lbs). They will provide end-to-end assistance from the 4×4 drop-off to the summit and back.
💡 High-Altitude Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is not just recommended; it is critical for a safe and successful summit of any mountain in Peru
We strongly require arriving from higher elevation locations such as Puno, Cusco, or having spent at least 3 days in Arequipa. This natural exposure helps your body adjust and minimizes the risk of altitude sickness during the expedition.
💡 The Best Time to Visit UBINAS: Knowing the optimal climbing season will significantly improve your experience.
Dry Season (Optimal Viewing): May to November is the primary dry season in the Andes. During these months, the weather is consistently stable, offering brilliant blue skies and the best conditions for safe and unrestricted climbing.
Rainy Season: December to April brings the Andean rainy season. While expedition conditions become much tougher with potential snow and heavy cloud cover, there are still windows of excellent weather. We continuously monitor local meteorological data to ensure safe departures.
💡 Special Dietary Requirements in the Wild Our staff take pride in preparing high-energy, delicious meals even at extreme altitudes. To guarantee the quality and safety of your food in this remote location, advance notice is mandatory.
Please notify us of all food allergies, vegetarian/vegan preferences, or dietary restrictions.
💡 Mandatory Pre-Departure Briefing The day before your Arequipa 4×4 expedition departs, you will have a comprehensive meeting with your lead guide. This is the perfect opportunity to review the itinerary, check gear and get all final details sorted before leaving civilization behind.
It’s a fantastic way to meet people and experience a climb together, THE GROUP SERVICE is a tribe of 5 or more explorers.
THE PRICE APPLIES PER PERSON
To open this group we need at least 2 people
| Persons | Price | Book now |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $ USD 250.00 | BOOK NOW |
The summit of Ubinas reaches an impressive 5,672 meters (18,608 feet). Because of the extreme elevation, altitude sickness is a possibility. However, our 2-day itinerary is strategically designed for safety, including a vital acclimatization stop at Laguna de Salinas (4,300m) on Day 1 to help your body adjust comfortably before reaching base camp.
Yes, safety is our top priority. While Ubinas is an active stratovolcano, its conditions are strictly monitored. Our certified professional mountain guides are highly experienced and equipped with a first aid kit, communication systems, and emergency oxygen. Note: Conditions can change, and we only summit when it is safe to do so.
Despite the high altitude, the physical level is classified as accessible for healthy travelers with good stamina. The climbing distance on summit day is roughly 3.7 km. You do not need highly technical rock-climbing skills, but a strong spirit of adventure and good physical condition are required to conquer the steep volcanic terrain.
No, we provide all the heavy and technical mountain equipment you need. This includes high-mountain camping tents, sleeping bags (-10ºC or -15ºC), mattresses, ice axes, crampons, and walking sticks. You only need to bring your personal clothing, hiking boots, a 30-liter rucksack, and a headlamp.
You will experience a true Andean expedition. We spend one night at the Ubinas high-altitude base camp. You will sleep in high-quality mountain tents under some of the most pristine, star-filled skies on the planet, far away from the light pollution of the city.
We keep you energized throughout the expedition. The tour includes a box lunch and a warm dinner on Day 1, plus breakfast and a walking snack for your summit push on Day 2. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions!
If you want to escape the crowds, Ubinas is the ultimate choice. Unlike more commercialized routes, Ubinas offers absolute solitude, raw geological power, and an off-the-beaten-path experience in the remote Moquegua plateau. It is an authentic adventure for those who reject standardized tours.
The expedition begins with a morning pick-up directly from your hotel in Arequipa. After our 2 day adventure and summit descent, our tourist transport will safely drive you back, dropping you off close to the main square or at your Arequipa hotel around 5:00 PM on the second day.
Hydration is critical at high altitudes. We highly recommend bringing a minimum of 5 liters of water per person. Drinking plenty of water (and coca tea during the day) significantly helps reduce the effects of altitude and keeps your energy up during the climb.
Dress in warm, breathable layers. Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, warm trousers, a mountain jacket, a winter hat, gloves, thick socks, and sunglasses to protect against high-altitude UV rays. Don’t forget high-SPF sunblock, your personal medicines, and extra snacks for the trail.
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