National Geographic +Rolex
Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative
Expedition Amazon - The Trek to Ausangate
Follow along as 33 members of the Rolex and National Geographic Perpetual Planet Amazon Expedition set out to summit Nevado Ausangate with the goal of installing the highest weather station in the tropical Andes. Towering nearly 6,400 metres (21,000 feet) above sea level, Ausangate is one of the tallest peaks in Peru and a primary source for the iconic Amazon River. Data from a weather station will help explorers better understand how climate change is affecting the glaciers, downstream communities, and the Amazon Basin.
With 180-metre (600-foot) ice walls to climb, hidden crevasses to cross, and 60 bags of gear to carry at extreme altitude, installing the station near the summit is no easy task. Just what does it take to reach the top? Discover more of the Amazon’s incredible wildlife, nature, and communities through the immersive experience on NationalGeographic.com.