10 Highest Mountains of Peru: A Practical 2026 Travel Guide

The mountains of Peru are not simply distant summits reserved for expedition climbers. They form an immense travel landscape of turquoise glacial lakes, Quechua villages, multi-day trekking circuits, sacred pilgrimage routes and volcanic plateaus where vicuñas graze beneath skies of startling clarity.

For a first-time visitor, the central question is rarely “Which peak can I climb?” A better question is: How close do I want to get, and what level of altitude, physical effort and technical risk am I prepared to accept?

You can see Huascarán from a roadside viewpoint, hike beneath Huandoy on the Santa Cruz Trek, circle Yerupajá through the Cordillera Huayhuash, sleep near the sacred Ausangate massif or attempt a glaciated 6,000-meter summit with an accredited mountain guide. These are very different journeys, even though all are marketed as trips to the Peru Andes mountains.

This 2026 guide treats Peru’s ten highest massifs as a travel-planning route rather than a bare elevation list. It also explains why rankings differ, how retreating glaciers are changing climbing conditions, and which experiences suit families, photographers, cultural travelers, backpackers, premium visitors and trained mountaineers.

Huascarán National Park provides the natural starting point. The UNESCO World Heritage property protects 340,000 hectares of the Cordillera Blanca and contains 27 snow-covered peaks above 6,000 meters, including Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru.

The 10 Highest Mountains in Peru at a Glance

The table below uses a practical “one principal summit per named massif” method. Elevations are approximate because Peruvian maps, expedition records, satellite datasets and later surveys do not always agree.

Rank	Mountain	Approx. elevation	Range and region	Best visitor experience	Summit category
1	Huascarán	6,768 m / 22,205 ft	Cordillera Blanca, Áncash	Llanganuco Lakes and Laguna 69	Serious glacier expedition
2	Yerupajá	6,634 m / 21,765 ft	Cordillera Huayhuash	Huayhuash Circuit viewpoints	Extremely technical climb
3	Coropuna	6,425 m / 21,079 ft	Volcanic Andes, Arequipa	Scenic overland journey or guided ascent	High-altitude glacier climb
4	Huandoy	6,395 m / 20,981 ft	Cordillera Blanca, Áncash	Llanganuco and Santa Cruz Trek	Highly technical climb
5	Ausangate	6,372–6,384 m / about 20,900 ft	Cordillera Vilcanota, Cusco	Ausangate Circuit and Pacchanta	Technical mountaineering
6	Huantsán	6,369–6,395 m / about 20,900 ft	Cordillera Blanca, Áncash	Rajucolta Valley day hike	Very technical climb
7	Siula Grande	6,344–6,368 m / about 20,820 ft	Cordillera Huayhuash	Carhuacocha and Siula Pass	Extreme alpine objective
8	Chopicalqui	6,345–6,354 m / about 20,840 ft	Cordillera Blanca, Áncash	Punta Olímpica and Ulta Valley	Technical glacier climb
9	Ampato	6,288 m / 20,630 ft	Volcanic Andes, Arequipa	Museum and Colca-region landscapes	Remote high-altitude ascent
10	Salkantay	6,271–6,279 m / about 20,575 ft	Cordillera Vilcabamba, Cusco	Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu	Difficult technical ascent

The conventional expedition list places Huascarán, Yerupajá and Coropuna first. However, a list based on a 300-meter prominence rule may include secondary summits such as Huascarán Norte and Coropuna Casulla, changing the lower positions. Published elevations also vary: for example, Huascarán is internationally listed at 6,768 meters, while a later Peruvian measurement has been reported as 6,757 meters.

Why Rankings of the Mountains of Peru Differ

A mountain ranking depends on what the author decides to count.

Some lists count every qualifying summit, including Huascarán Norte. Others count only the highest point of each massif. A prominence-based list asks whether a summit rises sufficiently above the saddle connecting it to a higher peak.

Snow and glacial ice introduce another complication. A summit measured to the top of an ice cap may change as that ice thins. Older survey maps, GPS readings and remote-sensing models can therefore produce slightly different figures.

The phrase largest mountain in Peru is especially ambiguous. “Largest” might refer to height, prominence, volume or the physical extent of a volcanic massif. For travelers, Huascarán should be understood as the highest peak in Peru, while Coropuna is the country’s highest volcano.

A search such as “mountains of Peru NYT” may lead to the broad answer “Andes,” but that label conceals major differences. The granite-and-glacier architecture of the Cordillera Blanca feels markedly different from the broad volcanic plateaus around Arequipa or the culturally charged sacred landscapes near Cusco.

The 10 Highest Peru Mountains, Ranked for Travelers

1. Huascarán: The Highest Mountain in Peru

Huascarán rises above the Callejón de Huaylas like a wall of white light. Its two principal summits dominate the northern Andes, with Huascarán Sur forming Peru’s national high point.

Most visitors should not attempt to climb it. The standard route involves crevassed glaciers, an unstable icefall, serac exposure and several nights above 5,000 meters. Reputable expedition providers require previous high-altitude experience and solid snow-and-ice skills.

Best nontechnical experience: Travel from Huaraz through Yungay to the Llanganuco Lakes. Chinancocha’s blue-green water lies in a dramatic glacial corridor between Huascarán and Huandoy. Strong hikers can continue their acclimatization with Laguna 69, where hanging glaciers appear above an intensely turquoise lake. Peru’s official tourism portal specifically recommends Laguna 69 and Llanganuco for experiencing the park without climbing its highest summits.

Best for: First-time visitors, landscape photographers, families with older children and premium travelers using private transport.

Pro Tip — Do not make Laguna 69 your first day at altitude.
Sleep in Huaraz for at least two nights and complete a lower, easier walk first. The trail reaches roughly 4,600 meters, where strong sea-level fitness does not protect you from altitude illness.

2. Yerupajá: The Ice Crown of the Cordillera Huayhuash

Yerupajá is Peru’s second-highest mountain and one of its most formidable. Its blade-like ridges and steep ice faces are more important to serious alpinists than to conventional summit collectors.

For trekkers, the mountain is best encountered on the Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit. The classic circuit passes a succession of high lakes, pastoral camps and passes with views of Yerupajá, Jirishanca and Siula Grande. Peru’s official tourism information identifies Yerupajá as the Huayhuash range’s highest peak and the second-highest mountain in the country.

The finest photographic perspectives usually appear around Carhuacocha, the Siula lakes viewpoint and the higher passes. Unlike the busier tourist places in Peru around Cusco, Huayhuash still demands long road transfers, repeated nights in tents and careful self-sufficiency.

Best for: Experienced trekkers, wilderness photographers and travelers comfortable with eight to twelve days of camping.

Local insight: Huayhuash is not managed through one simple entrance gate. Different communities administer sectors and collect separate entry or camping fees. The combined amount has recently been approximately S/280, but routes and community rules can change. Carry small-denomination soles even when your operator says fees are included.

3. Coropuna: Peru’s Highest Volcano

Coropuna replaces the sharp granite geometry of northern Peru with immense volcanic scale. Its broad, glaciated summit complex rises above the dry ochre plateaus of Arequipa, creating one of the country’s most striking contrasts between ice and desert.

At 6,425 meters, Coropuna is generally recognized as Peru’s highest volcano. The normal ascent is often marketed as less technically complex than the hardest Cordillera Blanca climbs, but that description can be misleading. Extreme altitude, glacier travel, remote access and limited rescue infrastructure still make it a mountaineering expedition.

Best nontechnical experience: Use Arequipa as a gateway and arrange a private overland journey through Castilla or Condesuyos Province. Coropuna can be combined with small agricultural towns, volcanic scenery and a longer southern itinerary including the Colca Canyon and Arequipa Historic Center.

Best for: Repeat visitors, geology enthusiasts, premium overland travelers and acclimatized climbers.

4. Huandoy: Four Summits Above Llanganuco

Huandoy stands across the Llanganuco Valley from Huascarán. Its four summits form an imposing amphitheater of ice, rock and shadow, with the highest reaching approximately 6,395 meters.

You do not need mountaineering equipment to appreciate it. The road through Llanganuco provides accessible views, while the Santa Cruz Trek reveals Huandoy within a larger landscape of glacial valleys, high passes and lakes.

The standard Santa Cruz route usually takes three to five days and crosses Punta Unión at approximately 4,750 meters. It is often recommended as a first supported trek in the Cordillera Blanca, although the altitude remains demanding.

Best for: First-time multi-day trekkers, couples and travelers wanting major scenery without glacier climbing.

5. Ausangate: Sacred Mountain of the Cusco Andes

Ausangate is more than a high summit. For many Quechua communities, it is an apu—a powerful mountain presence associated with water, livestock, weather and protection.

The classic Ausangate Circuit is a high-altitude cultural trek through alpaca country, mineral-colored hills, glacial lakes and settlements where Quechua remains the language of daily life. Peru’s official tourism information describes a five-day, approximately 70-kilometer journey around the sacred mountain.

This is one of the best Andes mountains in Peru for travelers seeking both scenery and cultural depth. Routes commonly begin around Tinqui or Upis and finish near Pacchanta, where hot springs provide a welcome recovery after cold camps.

Best for: Cultural travelers, experienced hikers, photographers and visitors who have already acclimatized in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Insider perspective: Rainbow Mountain is often sold as a substitute for Ausangate. It is better treated as a short extension. The full circuit offers deeper contact with the landscape and communities, while the popular Vinicunca day trip compresses the region into a crowded, high-altitude excursion.

Recommended excursions

TOUR AUSANGATE AND RAINBOW MOUNTAIN 3 DAYS AND 2 NIGHTS

3 Days / 2 Nights

AUSANGATE MOUNTAIN TREK 8 DAYS

8 Days / 7 Nights

6. Huantsán: The Quiet Giant Above Rajucolta

Huantsán is less famous internationally than Huascarán or Alpamayo, but its steep faces command respect among climbers. Elevation figures vary, with many sources placing it close to 6,370 meters and others near 6,395 meters.

The best experience for ordinary visitors is the Rajucolta Valley. The valley follows a relatively gentle track through meadows and beneath granite walls before reaching Laguna Rajucolta at the foot of Huantsán. It is quieter than Laguna 69 and can function as a valuable acclimatization hike.

Best for: Travelers avoiding crowds, birdwatchers, repeat Huaraz visitors and photographers seeking a less familiar composition.

7. Siula Grande: The Mountain Behind Touching the Void

Siula Grande became internationally famous through Joe Simpson’s account of his and Simon Yates’s near-fatal 1985 descent after climbing the mountain’s west face. The story later became the film Touching the Void.

The summit itself remains an elite alpine objective. Trekkers experience the mountain more safely from the Huayhuash Circuit, particularly around Carhuacocha and the Siula lakes.

This distinction matters: walking below a mountain and climbing it are not variations of the same activity. A supported trek involves trails, camps and high passes. A Siula Grande ascent involves complex route-finding, technical climbing and serious objective hazard.

Best for: Huayhuash trekkers, mountaineering-history enthusiasts and experienced wilderness travelers.

8. Chopicalqui: A Climber’s 6,000-Meter Peak

Chopicalqui rises between Huascarán and the Ulta Valley. Its pyramidal summit is often considered one of the more approachable major 6,000-meter climbs in the Cordillera Blanca—but “approachable” only in comparison with much harder mountains.

The southwest ridge still requires glacier travel, crampon technique, roped movement, crevasse awareness and the ability to climb steep snow or ice at extreme altitude. Conditions can shift the grade significantly.

Best nontechnical experience: Drive the spectacular road toward Punta Olímpica and Chacas. The high pass area provides expansive views of Chopicalqui, Contrahierbas and the Ulta Valley without committing to an expedition.

Best for: Trained climbers progressing from lower glaciated peaks, or road-based photographers using private transport.

9. Ampato: Archaeology Above the Clouds

Ampato connects high-altitude geography with one of Peru’s most compelling archaeological stories. In 1995, the frozen remains known as Juanita or the Lady of Ampato were found near the summit, providing extraordinary evidence of Inca capacocha ritual practices.

The Museo Santuarios Andinos in Arequipa houses Juanita, although exhibition schedules can rotate for conservation reasons. Peru’s tourism authority currently notes that she is generally exhibited from May to December.

A physical ascent of Ampato is remote and strenuous. For most travelers, the museum provides a more meaningful introduction before a journey into the volcanic landscapes around Colca.

Best for: Archaeology travelers, families, cultural visitors and those combining mountains with Arequipa’s architecture and cuisine.

10. Salkantay: The Mountain Route to Machu Picchu

Salkantay is the most accessible mountain on this list in terms of established tourism infrastructure—but not as a summit.

The Salkantay Trek crosses a pass of approximately 4,630 meters before descending from glacial terrain into cloud forest and continuing toward Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Standard versions take four or five days and cover approximately 70–75 kilometers.

This route is ideal for travelers who want a significant mountain trek integrated into a classic Peru itinerary. It does not use the same limited permit system as the Classic Inca Trail, but your Machu Picchu admission, train arrangements and circuit reservation must still be secured separately.

Best for: Active first-time visitors, backpackers, couples and travelers who want to connect the Cusco Andes with Machu Picchu.

Recommended excursions

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS

4 Days / 3 Nights

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHUPICCHU 5 DAYS

5 Days / 4 Nights

Which Mountain Experience Matches Your Travel Style?

Traveler profile	Best match	Physical demand	Cultural depth	Scenic reward	Main caution
Families and casual visitors	Llanganuco, Arequipa museum, road viewpoints	Low to moderate	High	High	Altitude can affect children and adults
Photographers	Llanganuco, Rajucolta, Huayhuash, Ausangate	Moderate to high	Medium to high	Exceptional	Cold dawns and long transfers
Cultural travelers	Ausangate, Ampato, Salkantay	Moderate to high	Exceptional	High	Avoid reducing living traditions to staged “mysticism”
First-time trekkers	Santa Cruz or supported Salkantay	High	Medium	Exceptional	Acclimatization is essential
Experienced backpackers	Huayhuash Circuit	Very high	High	Exceptional	Remote camps and community rules
Premium travelers	Private Huaraz, Cusco or Arequipa circuit	Adjustable	High	High	Private comfort does not eliminate altitude risk
Trained mountaineers	Huascarán, Chopicalqui, Coropuna	Extreme	Variable	Exceptional	Glacier hazards and limited evacuation

Three Essential Gateways

Huaraz for the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash

Huaraz sits at roughly 3,000 meters and is the operational center for Huascarán, Huandoy, Huantsán, Chopicalqui and most Huayhuash departures.

Direct LATAM flights currently connect Lima with the Anta/Huaraz airport, with a flight time of about one hour, although schedules should be checked for your exact 2026 dates. Overnight intercity coaches remain useful for travelers carrying substantial trekking gear.

Allow at least two easy days in Huaraz before a demanding hike and four to seven acclimatization days before a technical 6,000-meter climb.

Cusco for Ausangate and Salkantay

Cusco is the gateway to Ausangate, Salkantay, Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

It offers the strongest combination of mountain scenery, archaeology, hotels and logistical support. However, arriving by air from Lima places you immediately at approximately 3,400 meters, so your first day should be deliberately light.

We recommend using the Sacred Valley as part of the acclimatization process. Its lower sleeping altitude can feel gentler than central Cusco while still giving access to archaeological sites and short walks.

Arequipa for Coropuna and Ampato

Arequipa is the logical gateway to southern Peru’s volcanic Andes. At approximately 2,335 meters, it offers a useful intermediate stage before traveling higher.

Spend time in the historic center, visit the Andean Sanctuaries Museum and then continue toward Colca or the remote districts surrounding Coropuna. Transfers are long, so private transport materially improves comfort and scheduling.

A Practical 2026 Acclimatization Strategy

Altitude illness is not a fitness test. Marathon runners, young travelers and experienced hikers can all become sick when sleeping altitude increases too quickly.

The CDC recommends avoiding an abrupt move from low elevation to a sleeping altitude above 2,750 meters when possible. Above 3,000 meters, increase sleeping elevation by no more than approximately 500 meters per day and include an additional acclimatization day for each 1,000 meters gained.

A sensible Huaraz progression looks like this:

1. Day 1: Arrive, hydrate and walk gently around town.
2. Day 2: Complete a lower half-day walk with limited elevation gain.
3. Day 3: Attempt a moderate hike reaching approximately 4,000–4,300 meters.
4. Day 4: Rest or complete another controlled acclimatization excursion.
5. Day 5: Consider Laguna 69, Rajucolta or the start of a supported trek.
6. Days 6–10: Undertake Santa Cruz or additional training climbs.
7. Afterward: Begin a technical expedition only when symptom-free and cleared by your guide.

Severe headache, confusion, loss of coordination, breathlessness at rest or rapidly worsening symptoms require descent and medical assessment. Do not rely on coca tea to conceal a deteriorating condition.

Glacier Retreat Is Changing the Routes

Peru’s tropical glaciers are thinning and retreating. Research compiled by INAIGEM describes rapid change in the Cordillera Blanca, including the development and enlargement of moraine-dammed glacial lakes and associated hazard concerns.

For travelers, this does not merely mean “less snow.” It can mean:

• More exposed rock and loose moraine on approaches
• Larger or repositioned crevasses
• Unstable seracs
• Increased rockfall on previously frozen faces
• Route changes from one season to another
• Earlier alpine starts to cross hazardous terrain while temperatures are lower

A route description from five years ago is not a safety guarantee for 2026. Technical teams should obtain current information from working local guides, not rely solely on guidebooks, social-media tracks or archived expedition reports.

Permits, Guides and Entrance Fees

There is no single national permit covering all the mountains in Peru.

For Huascarán National Park, SERNANP currently lists general admission at approximately S/30 for one day, S/60 for two to three days and S/150 for four to thirty days, with reduced rates for Peruvian nationals and local residents. Tickets can be purchased through the protected-areas ticket portal. Rates and route access should be reconfirmed shortly before travel.

Use this booking sequence:

1. Choose the exact route and maximum altitude.
2. Check SERNANP alerts, closures and current fees.
3. Verify whether community payments apply.
4. Select an operator with written emergency procedures.
5. Confirm the guide’s full name and credentials before paying the final balance.
6. Ask which entrance fees, transport segments and staff tips are excluded.
7. Reconfirm glacier or trail conditions 48–72 hours before departure.

For technical climbing, use a qualified Peruvian mountain guide. The Asociación de Guías de Montaña del Perú maintains a directory of official guides and states that formal mountain-guide training requires a rigorous multi-year process.

Estimated 2026 Costs

These figures are planning ranges, not fixed quotations. Group size, guide ratio, hotel level, route changes, porter support and equipment rental can materially alter the final price.

Service level	Typical inclusions	Estimated 2026 range per person
Guided day hike or private viewpoint trip	Transport, local guide, sometimes lunch	US$35–120
Shared supported trek	Guide, meals, tents, pack animals and ground transport	US$450–1,200
Private or premium trek	Private guide, upgraded camping, extra staff and flexible transport	US$1,200–3,000+
Technical 6,000 m expedition	Mountain guide, group equipment, camps, food, porters and transfers	US$2,000–5,650+

Published 2026 examples include approximately US$609–650 for five-day Ausangate group treks, around US$950 and upward for a supported ten-day Huayhuash circuit, and roughly US$2,000–4,100 for locally operated Huascarán departures depending on group size. Longer international expedition packages can exceed US$5,650.

Check whether your quotation includes:

• National park and community fees
• Hotel nights before and after the trek
• Personal sleeping bag and technical gear
• Domestic flights
• Staff gratuities
• Emergency evacuation expenses
• Machu Picchu tickets and train services
• Travel insurance

Mountain Packing List

Day Hikes and Scenic Viewpoints

• 20–30 liter backpack
• Moisture-wicking base layer
• Fleece or light insulated jacket
• Waterproof and windproof shell
• Warm hat, gloves and neck gaiter
• High-UV sunglasses
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip protection
• Two liters of water or a hydration system
• Calorie-dense snacks
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp
• Passport copy and small cash

Multi-Day Treks

Add:

• Sleeping bag rated for approximately -10°C comfort
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Dry bags or waterproof pack liners
• Water purification method
• Personal first-aid and blister kit
• Spare batteries or power bank
• Camp shoes
• Thermal sleeping layers
• Duffel compatible with pack-animal weight limits

Technical Glacier Climbs

Your guide should issue the final equipment list. Depending on the objective, expect mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, glacier glasses, locking carabiners, ascender, prusik cords and a four-season sleeping system.

Do not rent boots on the evening before departure without testing the fit. Blisters and pressure injuries become substantially harder to manage during cold, multi-day summit attempts.

Best Time to Visit

The drier period from May through September is generally preferred for trekking and climbing. June, July and August often bring clearer mornings, but they can also produce colder nights and popular trails may be busier. The Santa Cruz and Huascarán routes are commonly promoted for this seasonal window.

May can retain more snow from the wet season. September may offer quieter trails, though afternoon cloud and changing snow conditions become more likely. No month guarantees stable weather.

For technical climbing, seasonal labels are insufficient. Your guide must assess the current snowpack, crevasse pattern, recent temperatures and objective hazards on the specific route.

Two Suggested Mountain Itineraries

A 10-Day Cordillera Blanca Journey for First-Time Visitors

1. Day 1: Travel from Lima to Huaraz.
2. Day 2: Gentle city day and short acclimatization walk.
3. Day 3: Moderate day hike below 4,300 meters.
4. Day 4: Private Llanganuco Lakes excursion.
5. Day 5: Laguna 69 or Rajucolta, depending fitness and crowd preference.
6. Days 6–9: Four-day Santa Cruz Trek.
7. Day 10: Return to Lima or add Chavín de Huántar.

This route provides close views of Huascarán, Huandoy and other major Cordillera Blanca peaks without entering technical terrain.

A 14-Day Three-Gateway Mountain Sampler

1. Days 1–2: Lima and transfer to Huaraz.
2. Days 3–5: Acclimatization, Llanganuco and one high day hike.
3. Day 6: Return to Lima.
4. Day 7: Fly to Cusco and rest.
5. Days 8–9: Sacred Valley and cultural acclimatization.
6. Days 10–11: Short Ausangate-region experience or Salkantay section.
7. Day 12: Fly to Arequipa.
8. Day 13: Historic center and Museo Santuarios Andinos.
9. Day 14: Volcanic viewpoint excursion or continue toward Colca Canyon.

This itinerary prioritizes variety. It contrasts the glaciated Cordillera Blanca, the sacred landscape of Cusco and Arequipa’s volcanic Andes without pretending that three regions can be fully experienced in two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the highest mountain in Peru?

Huascarán Sur is the highest mountain in Peru, conventionally listed at 6,768 meters or 22,205 feet. It stands in Huascarán National Park in the Cordillera Blanca.

2. Can beginners visit the highest mountains of Peru without climbing?

Yes. Beginners can visit Llanganuco Lakes, photograph Huascarán and Huandoy, hike the Rajucolta Valley or join supported sections of the Salkantay and Ausangate routes without attempting a summit.

3. What is the best month for hiking the Peru Andes mountains?

June through August usually offers the driest trekking conditions, while May and September can provide fewer visitors. Weather and route conditions must still be checked immediately before departure.

4. How many days should I acclimatize before trekking in Huaraz?

Most sea-level visitors should allow at least two or three gradual acclimatization days before a high day hike and longer before a multi-day trek. Technical climbers normally require a substantially longer progression.

5. Do I need a guide or permit for mountains in Peru?

Requirements depend on the route. Park tickets, community payments or local permissions may apply, while technical glacier climbs should be undertaken with a qualified official mountain guide.

6. How much does a guided Peru mountain trip cost in 2026?

A supported multi-day trek commonly costs around US$450–1,200 per person, while technical 6,000-meter expeditions may cost US$2,000–5,650 or more. Confirm what the quotation excludes.

7. Is Huaraz, Cusco or Arequipa the best mountain base?

Choose Huaraz for the Cordillera Blanca and Huayhuash, Cusco for Ausangate and Salkantay, and Arequipa for Coropuna, Ampato and the volcanic southern Andes.

Final Travel Advice

The best journey through the mountains of Peru is not necessarily the one that reaches the highest altitude.

For a first visit, we recommend combining one memorable mountain gateway, a controlled acclimatization schedule and an experience that matches your actual skills. That may mean watching sunrise touch Huascarán from the Callejón de Huaylas, crossing Punta Unión on the Santa Cruz Trek, listening to Quechua conversations around Ausangate or viewing Coropuna’s ice cap across a silent volcanic plateau.

The summits will remain compelling precisely because they are not ordinary tourist attractions. Approach them with enough time, appropriate insurance, qualified local support and respect for the communities whose water, livelihoods and spiritual traditions are inseparable from these landscapes.