Ausangate is a massive glacial mountain in the Vilcanota range of southeast Peru. Towering to 20,945ft (6,384m), it is the highest peak in Peru and one of the tallest mountains in South America. Considered a sacred mountain (“apu”) by the indigenous Quechua, they believed the mountain to be a shepherd like God that tended to the animals and people who lived on and around Ausangate. It is the world’s larges remaining tropical glacier.
Our trip had three major goals. The first was to bear witness to the effects of the climate emergency in the region: glacier retreat and ice loss, changes in water flows and availability, and adaptations being made by the plants, animals, and people who call this place home. The second was to push ourselves beyond our comfort zone by doing a week long trek at really, really high elevation and to create photo story about our experience.
The adventure was made in partnership with Ridge Merino, an incredible and earth conscious outdoor clothing brand making top level merino wool clothing for both everyday life and for the wildest of outdoor adventures. The third goal was to test out Ridge Merino’s clothing in some extreme conditions and to create some lifestyle photography images to support their branding and marketing.