Huascarán

Huascarán is the highest mountain in Peru and the highest peak in the Cordillera Blanca, a range of the Peruvian Andes. Its main summit, Huascarán Sur, reaches about 6,768 meters (22,205 feet) above sea level, while a secondary summit, Huascarán Norte, is lower (roughly 6,650–6,660 meters). The peak lies in the Ancash region near the city of Huaraz and forms part of a glaciated high-alpine landscape.

The mountain is encompassed by Huascarán National Park, a protected area established in 1975 to preserve its glaciers, lakes, and Andean ecosystems. The park is recognized for its outstanding natural values and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It contains one of the most extensive ice-covered regions in the tropics and supports diverse habitats ranging from puna grasslands to high Andean forest zones.

Climbing Huascarán is a demanding undertaking that typically requires technical mountaineering skills, careful acclimatization, and contemporary equipment. Conditions are severe and can change rapidly, with crevasses, avalanches, and altitude-related risks to be anticipated. The area is a focal point for researchers studying glaciology and climate change, as glacial retreat has affected local hydrology and landscape.

Huascarán remains an iconic symbol of Peru’s high Andes and a notable destination for experienced climbers and visitors seeking high-altitude natural scenery within a protected Andean environment.