Nevado Mismi, Volcanic mountain in Chila range, Peru

Nevado Mismi is a 5,597-metre volcanic peak in the Chila range of the Andes, in Peru's Arequipa Region. Its broad mass of dark brown and grey rock rises in rounded, mostly barren lower slopes into ridges cut by deep shadowed valleys. Near the top the mountain turns jagged, and a cluster of uneven peaks holds broken patches of bright white snow with dark rock showing between them.

The mountain formed through ancient volcanic activity in the Andes and was confirmed in the early 2000s to have special geographical importance. Research established that water flowing from its glaciers connects to one of the world's largest river systems.

The name Mismi also appears as Misti in Quechua records, and the peak marks the upper limit of Colca Canyon, one of its highest points. The streams below it, the Carhuasanta and Apacheta, carry meltwater toward the Apurímac, so the mountain sits at the head of the watercourse that becomes the Amazon.

Climbing the mountain requires proper mountaineering gear and a qualified guide because of unpredictable weather and strong winds at high altitude. Only experienced hikers in good physical condition should attempt the climb, as the thin air and cold create real challenges.

In 1982 kayaker Caril Ridley was brought by pack llamas to a meltwater fissure on Mismi's slope and became the first person to kayak the Amazon's origins. The cleft, between half a metre and two metres wide, held water deep enough to float a small craft.