Misti base camp, Peru. 2009-11-19.

Nikon D700, 50mm f/8.0.

I got picked up at the hotel at 8am. Another group were going back so they had left tents, mats and sleeping bags, but before we set off we had to get some equipment. We were 5 in the group and two guides, 2 had canceled because they felt sick.

We left Arequipa in two 4WDs and after about an hours drive we arrived at the foot of the volcano in about 3500m. The first day we would walk to the basecamp. There are a number of camp sites, in around 4500m and some higher up also, but since the previous group had left the camp standing we would stay there.

We arrived at basecamp after some 3-4 hours walking, an easy trek, leaving plenty of time in the afternoon for rest and talking, as a rare sight we saw a condor circling high above. The main challenge the first day was really carrying everything, in particular because we each had to bring 5 liters of water. Once at the basecamp we gave 1 liter to the cook to prepare dinner. We had early dinner at 17 and after sunset straight to bed. We would get up early for the ascend to the top.