Based in Cusco, Peru, Heather is an expert on travel to Peru and South America. Heather writes on tourism, trekking, and social issues in Peru for publications including BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Matador Network, Thrifty Nomads, World Nomads, Frommer's, Flashpack, and more. Heather co-founded the Covid Relief Project with Henry Quintano Loaiza to assist vulnerable families in the Cusco region.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5km
- Duration: Two days
- Max elevation: 5,672 metres
- Start/end point: Arequipa
The Ubinas (also sometimes spelled Uvinas) trek is located in the southern region of Peru, near the city of Arequipa. The trek takes you to the summit of Ubinas, the most active volcano in Peru. Looking down into the crater you’ll see puffs of ash and sulphur. The volcano has been active for over 800 years and has had two eruptions during that time.
On the drive out from from Arequipa you’ll probably stop at Laguna Salinas to see flamingos, llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. You’ll continue the drive to Piscococha, a Quechua name which translates to Bird Lake. This is one of the shortest volcano treks near Arequipa but agencies still run it as a two day itinerary so that you can start walking early without a long drive on the same morning.
This is the best volcano near Arequipa for people who are unsure about hiking at altitude but who want to see an active volcano.
At a glance
Destinations
Arequipa
Activity
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, WalkingPhysical Level
Moderate
Duration
2 days
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Ubinas trek
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