Huascarán Access Closed for 15 Days Amid Search for Missing Climbers

Authorities in Peru's Áncash region have temporarily closed a key section of Nevado Huascarán, the country's highest peak, for 15 days to intensify the search for three missing Peruvian mountaineers. The restriction, effective July 20, 2026, prohibits ascents between Camp 1 and Camp 2.

The missing climbers, Alejandro Manuel Ugarte Jordán, Freddy Saúl Mendoza Lizana, and Artidoro Salas Gaytán, disappeared on July 14 after encountering a storm during their descent. The closure aims to facilitate search and rescue operations and ensure the safety of those involved.

Multiple institutions, including the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) of Áncash, the Peruvian National Police, and various mountain guide associations, jointly issued the order. They urged tour operators, travel agencies, guides, and climbers to respect the closure.

Rescue teams are concentrating their efforts on two high-risk areas identified at around 6,400 meters. These locations were pinpointed using the last known GPS data from one of the climbers' watches, corroborated with photographic and video evidence. The identified zones are described as difficult to access, increasing the complexity and danger of the rescue mission.