Pisco has a privileged location within the Cordillera Blanca, because of the magnificent view of the surrounding landscape it offers. Its ascent is not particularly complicated and can be achieved either by following a ridge which reaches its icy summit or its tempting south face, a dream for any climber in search of intense emotions. A frequently climbed mountain admired for its beauty, it boasts appealing slopes, ridges and a summit snow mushroom. According to the MOUNTCLIMB TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE archives, this mountain was climbed for the first time by C. Kogan, G. Kogan, B. Leininger, M. Lenoir, members of a French expedition. They reached the summit by the southeast ridge and named it Pisco, alluding to the two liters of pisco (a traditional Peruvian alcoholic beverage) drunk by the porters, once the West summit, at 5,752 m. (18,866 ft.) , was reached. The original name seems to have disappeared in oral tradition.
Undoubtedly, there is currently a great deal of interest in climbing and visiting this mountain. Most likely, it will continue to be so for many years to come, since it is very difficult to ignore the gifts it offers. Just finding ourselves near it allows us to sense a very special kind of magic, which will undeniably grow when we decide to walk on its gentle glacial slopes. They will lead us to a great window formed by this beautiful peak and Huandoy East, from which one can appreciate a large grouping of glacial peaks which welcome the light of day with glowing faces, while others peer shyly, showing us their rising summits. We continue along a ridge which outlines a series of rolling hills capable of housing crevasses and snow bridges. At the end, we spot a great summit mushroom, on which we feel as if on great amphitheater, a privileged location from which to witness a great performance. This is hardly an exaggeration, since if we turn 360 degrees in either direction, there won't be a single spot unoccupied by the beauty of these impressive snowy sentinels. Although we are at 5,752 m. (18,866 ft.) , we feel insignificant before the reigning peaks of the valley as they caress the clouds. Huascaran is the highest, followed by Chopicalqui, the Huandoys, the Carazes, Artesonraju, the Garcilazo Pyramid, Chacraraju, among others. This attractive scene has encouraged new ascents along its steep faces in recent years, as the summit continues to offer gratifying rewards.
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