Pucajirca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pucajirca |
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Pucajirca Oeste (on the left), Rinrijirca (middle-left) and Curuicashajana (on the right) behind the Arhuay Glacier and Arhuaycocha
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,046 m (19,836 ft) |
| Prominence | 2,793 m (9,163 ft) |
| Parent peak | Santa Cruz (mountain) |
| Geography | |
 Pucajirca
Location in Peru
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| Location | Peru, Ancash Region |
| Parent range | Andes, Cordillera Blanca |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Pucajirca Oeste: 1930s, Erwin Schneider. Pucajirca Norte: July 14, 1955, Nick Clinch and Andrew Kauffman; July 16, 1955, Harvey McMannis and David Sowles. |
Pucajirca, also spelled Pucahirca, is a very tall mountain in Peru. It is part of the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. This range is located within the larger Andes mountains.
The mountain is about 6,046 meters (19,836 feet) high. Its name likely comes from the Quechua language. Puka means "red" and hirka means "mountain." So, Pucajirca means "red mountain."
You can find Pucajirca in the Ancash Region of Peru. It is located in both the Pomabamba and Huaylas provinces. The mountain's slopes are also part of the Huascarán National Park.
Mountain Peaks
Pucajirca is not just one peak. It has three main summits that stand on their own. These are Pucajirca Norte, Central, and Oeste.
- Pucajirca Norte is the tallest at 6,046 meters.
- Pucajirca Oeste is 6,039 meters high.
- Pucajirca Central reaches 6,014 meters.
Scientists are still studying the exact heights of these peaks. Modern mapping data is helping to confirm their official altitudes.
First Climbs
People have climbed the different peaks of Pucajirca at different times. These were challenging climbs due to the mountain's height.
Pucajirca Norte
The summit of Pucajirca Norte was first reached on July 14, 1955. Two climbers from the United States, Nick Clinch and Andrew Kauffman II, made this first ascent. Just two days later, on July 16, 1955, two more American climbers, Harvey McMannis and David Sowles, also reached the top.
Pucajirca Oeste
The Pucajirca Oeste peak was climbed even earlier. Erwin Schneider was the first to reach its summit. He achieved this climb in the 1930s.
See also
- Arhuaycocha
- Pucacocha
- Taullicocha
- Taulliraju
- In Spanish: Pucajirca para niños
