Mount Ampato

Mount Ampato is a dormant stratovolcano in the Peruvian Andes, rising to an elevation of 6,288 meters above sea level. Located in the Arequipa region, it forms part of a volcanic trio alongside Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca. The mountain gained global fame in 1995 following the discovery of 'Juanita, the Ice Maiden,' a well-preserved Inca mummy found near the summit by archaeologist Johan Reinhard. This finding confirmed the Inca practice of high-altitude human sacrifice, or Capacocha, intended to appease mountain deities. The mummy was exposed when ash from the nearby erupting Sabancaya caused the glacial ice on Ampato to melt. Today, Ampato serves as a significant site for both glaciological research and mountaineering, offering insights into ancient Andean religious traditions and the impacts of climate change on high-altitude tropical glaciers.

Nearby cities

Arequipa

Known as the 'White City'.

Tacna

The "heroic city" of Tacna sits on Peru's southern border, rich in patriotic history and desert charm.

Puerto Maldonado

The capital of biodiversity in the southern Amazon basin and the gateway to the pristine Tambopata and Manu reserves.

Moquegua

An elegant colonial city nestled in a fertile valley, known for its world-class Piscos and sunny streets.

Urubamba

A peaceful town in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by majestic Andean peaks.

Chivay

A picturesque Andean town and the main gateway to the breathtaking Colca Canyon.

History & landmarks

Santa Catalina Monastery

A colorful, historical monastery in Arequipa that looks like a small city of its own with streets and plazas.

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The most important Catholic church in Arequipa, famous for its white facade made of volcanic sillar stone.

Nature

Cotahuasi River

The Cotahuasi River forms the Cotahuasi Canyon, considered the deepest canyon in the world, even deeper than the Colca Canyon.

More places

Sabancaya Volcano

An extremely active, heavily glaciated stratovolcano near the Colca Canyon, often emitting ash clouds.

Condor Cross (Cruz del Cóndor)

A spectacular viewpoint on the edge of the Colca Canyon, the best place to watch Andean condors in flight.

Colca Canyon

One of the deepest canyons in the world, carved by the Colca River, and an ideal spot for observing the Andean condor.

Nevado Mismi

A glaciated mountain peak whose meltwater ultimately flows into the Atlantic Ocean after a long journey through the Amazon.

Pampa de La Joya

A desert plain in southern Peru, often used for space research due to its extreme aridity and Mars-like landscape.

Cerro Verde Mine

A massive open-pit copper mine located near the city of Arequipa.

Chachani

A massive volcanic complex near Arequipa, often considered the easiest six-thousander to climb due to the lack of glaciers.

Port of Matarani

A major seaport in southern Peru, primarily used for exporting minerals from nearby mines.