Alpamayo is located in the northern area of the Cordillera Blanca, where quite possible the most spectacular mountains in this mountain range are found. High summits, eternal snow, extraordinarily steep slants, granite and ice walls take us by surprise in this magnificent and beautiful stage. At 5,947 m. (19,506 ft.) , Alpamayo was declared "The Most Beautiful Mountain in the World" in a photography competition on scenic beauty in Munich , Germany in 1976. Previously, Alpamayo had been named "The Most Beautiful Mountain in the World by the UNESCO in 1966. It really is a breathtaking sight that makes one dream about climbing its long couloirs, which emerge majestically from the glacial base and eventually reach the summit.
Its pyramidal shape, formed by ice and snow, has made this mountain one of the most famous in the whole world. Its enchantment is easily captured both on photographic film and video. Sunsets on its col are exciting and surreal. Mountains seem to come alive and glow at dusk as Alpamayo's faces are highlighted in fiery tones. Ironically, its name means "muddy river" or "cloudy river", probably due to the valley with the same name, located to the northwest of this beautiful mountain. The first ascent took place in 1951 along the northern ridge by J. Jongen, G. Kogan, R. Leininger and M. Lenoir. It has received a rating of D (difficult). During the following years, several interesting ascents have taken place and many new routes have been established. Some of these have been recorded in MOUNTCLIMB TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE's information book.
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