Two decades later, in the shadow of el Misti, we had the privilege of reuniting with our Peruvian guide Carlos Zarate.
Our visit to us back in time when we were reminded of a life before social media, global cell phone coverage, and constant communication. A little over two decades ago we summited El Misti (5,822 m/19,101′ ft) with one of his team members. A two day event with the last 1/3 in crampons on a snowcapped Misti was a bit painful. Of course, for those you have been above 18,000 ft, a lot of discomfort is part of what you sign up for.
Apparently the pain and suffering did not outweigh the breathtaking views, lights of Arequipa and the stars because before we knew it we had signed up for a summit bid of Aconcagua. (6,962 m/22,841
We contacted Carlos to guide us and put our plan together to meet in Santiago Chile where we would do a “warm up” acclimatization hike with an attempted summit of El Plomo (5424 m/17,800 ft) This was a really brutal successful summit partially because of the altitude but also because the scree fields and very cold temps. It turned out to be a great training ground for Aconcagua.
Coincidentally near the summit of El Plomo is another sight where a sacrificed child mummy was found. The child mummies that have been discovered in the Andes are a fascinating part of the Andean history and Carlos’s family was involved in what is the most famous discovery off them all which is called “Momia Juanita” She is also known as the Lady of Ampato, and is the well-preserved frozen body of an Inca girl who was killed as an offering to the Inca gods sometime between 1450 and 1480 when she was approximately 12–15 years old.
After more than two decades it was fun to remember the personal altitude records, a lot of personal discovery and the memories that will last a lifetime. Looking to visit Peru? Stop in the shop/cafe, enjoy a hand rafted cup of single origin Peruvian coffee at Ellicottville Coffee Co and we can help you customize your very own Peruvian adventure with Adventure Bound Destinations
