Peru’s Most Famous Mountaineer Dies on Makalu

Peruvian mountaineer Richard Hidalgo has been found dead in his tent on Makalu (8,485m), the world’s fifth highest mountain. Hidalgo had planned to summit without supplementary oxygen or Sherpa support.

Rope-fixing Sherpas noted that Hidalgo climbed up to Camp 2 (6,500m) on May 7 and went to bed at around 9pm. Yesterday, the Sherpas checked Hidalgo’s tent, since they had not seen him on the mountain. The cause of death is unknown.

Hidalgo was working towards climbing the Seven Summits and all 8000’ers without oxygen by 2021, to celebrate the bicentennial of Peru’s independence.

Hidalgo was an International High Mountain Guide (UIAMG) and had climbed six of the 8000’ers: Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Manaslu, Annapurna, Gasherbrum II and Broad Peak.

Relevant Links

Hidalgo’s Website