From Climbing · Jan Špička · · 1m 30s
Three Peruvian Climbers Die on Huascarán Summit
A Czech alpinist recounts how three climbers died on Peru's highest mountain after a crevasse collapse.
In brief
A Czech alpinist recounts how three climbers died on Peru's highest mountain after a crevasse collapse. Three climbers died on Huascarán after a crevasse collapse during a summit attempt in July 2026. Originally reported by Climbing.
The Expedition
Five friends climbed to 21,300ft on Huascarán's south summit in July 2026.
The Mountain
Huascarán is Peru's highest mountain with two summits separated by a 6,000m col.
The Crew
The 'Cayesh crew' included two Czech climbers, a Polish climber, a Peruvian photographer, and a Huaracino host.
The Start
The group began climbing on July 11, 2026, from Armapampa village to Huascarán refugio.
The Route
They climbed the El Escudo route, a technically harder but safer path than the standard route.
Summit Day
The climbers reached the summit at 9:30 p.m. on July 12, 2026, but the descent was dangerous.
The Crevasse
Honza fell into a crevasse 12-15 meters deep during the descent, saving his life with Matěj.
The Search
The group searched for the other three climbers but found them dead by July 15, 2026.
The Rescue
Peru's lack of mountain rescue services delayed help for the three climbers.
The Aftermath
The three climbers died from exposure and avalanches after being stranded at 6,400m.
The Lesson
Climbers must carry satellite communicators and have emergency plans for mountain rescues.
The Impact
Huascarán's dangerous conditions claim at least one climber every year.
What matters most
Three climbers died on Huascarán after a crevasse collapse during a summit attempt in July 2026.
