Nevado Mismi

Nevado Mismi is a mountain peak reaching an elevation of 5,597 meters in the Chila mountain range of the Peruvian Andes, located in the Arequipa region. It gained international prominence in 2001 when a National Geographic Society expedition officially identified it as the most distant source of the Amazon River. Meltwater from the glacier on Mismi feeds the Carhuasanta stream, which eventually joins other tributaries to form the world's largest river system. The landscape surrounding the mountain is characterized by barren volcanic terrain and extreme climatic conditions typical of the Peruvian Puna. Mountaineers value the peak not only for its geographical significance but also for the spectacular views it gives of the nearby Colca Canyon. The first ascent of the mountain is not precisely documented, as it has been used by local indigenous populations for ceremonial purposes for centuries. Today, Nevado Mismi serves as a destination for scientific research and adventure tourists seeking to witness the ultimate origin of the Amazon. It stands as a symbol of the profound connection between the High Andes and the Amazon Basin.

Nearby cities

Arequipa

Known as the 'White City'.

Tacna

The "heroic city" of Tacna sits on Peru's southern border, rich in patriotic history and desert charm.

Puerto Maldonado

The capital of biodiversity in the southern Amazon basin and the gateway to the pristine Tambopata and Manu reserves.

Moquegua

An elegant colonial city nestled in a fertile valley, known for its world-class Piscos and sunny streets.

Urubamba

A peaceful town in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by majestic Andean peaks.

Chivay

A picturesque Andean town and the main gateway to the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

History & landmarks

Santa Catalina Monastery

A colorful, historical monastery in Arequipa that looks like a small city of its own with streets and plazas.

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The most important Catholic church in Arequipa, famous for its white facade made of volcanic sillar stone.

Nature

Cotahuasi River

The Cotahuasi River forms the Cotahuasi Canyon, considered the deepest canyon in the world, even deeper than the Colca Canyon.

More places

Sabancaya Volcano

An extremely active, heavily glaciated stratovolcano near the Colca Canyon, often emitting ash clouds.

Colca Canyon

One of the deepest canyons in the world, carved by the Colca River, and an ideal spot for observing the Andean condor.

Mount Ampato

A dormant, ice-capped volcano in the Andes where the famous Inca ice mummy 'Juanita' was discovered in 1995.

Condor Cross (Cruz del Cóndor)

A spectacular viewpoint on the edge of the Colca Canyon, the best place to watch Andean condors in flight.

Chachani

A massive volcanic complex near Arequipa, often considered the easiest six-thousander to climb due to the lack of glaciers.

Cerro Verde Mine

A massive open-pit copper mine located near the city of Arequipa.

Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve

A high-altitude protected area established to protect the habitats of vicuñas and flamingos.

Misti Volcano

A cone-shaped stratovolcano whose snow-capped summit is the symbol of Arequipa.