# Mountain rescue operations in South America

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mountain-rescue-operations-in-south-america
> Updated: 2026-10-13T18:26:36.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Mountain rescue operations have been conducted in South American mountainous regions involving lost hikers and individuals searching for livestock.

In the Cusco region of Peru, a 30-year-old American tourist was rescued from the Ausangate glacier after spending 24 hours lost due to severe altitude sickness. Rescuers from the High Mountain Rescue Department located the individual at an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters and evacuated him to a health center. Later, a 22-year-old Ukrainian tourist was also rescued from Mount Putucusi near Machu Picchu after going missing during a trek.

In Argentina, a 54-year-old man was rescued from Pirco Tapado hill in Ambato. After going missing while searching for livestock, he was located near the La Hoyada river by police and special rescue groups. He was transported to a clinic following injuries sustained in terrain marked by landslides and thick vegetation.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: Mountain rescue operations successful in Argentina and Peru

Rescuers in Argentina and Peru successfully located and recovered two individuals lost in mountainous terrain, including a 54-year-old man in Ambato and a Ukrainian tourist near Machu Picchu.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mountain-rescue-operations-successful-in-argentina-and-peru

### 2026-09-23: American tourist rescued from Ausangate glacier in Peru

An American tourist was rescued in Cusco, Peru, after suffering from altitude sickness while hiking near the Ausangate glacier without a guide.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-tourist-rescued-from-ausangate-glacier-in-peru

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Cite as: Mountain rescue operations in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mountain-rescue-operations-in-south-america