The Peruvian mountaineer and certified high mountain guide, Victor Rimac, is pursuing a new feat: to reach the summit of Everest at 8,848 meters above sea level —the highest mountain in the world— carrying the Peruvian flag in tribute to the 50th anniversary of Huascaran National Park, a protected natural area located in Ancash region's highlands.
"This ascent is a tribute to Huascaran National Park, which shaped me and inspires me. Living in the Cordillera Blanca constantly prepares you to face great mountains," the mountaineer stated from the base camp in the Himalayas.
Expedition Schedule
The journey to the top of the world began on May 13 from Everest base camp.
If conditions permit, Rimac will reach the summit on May 18, at noon in the Himalayas (night of the 17th in Peru), carrying not only the Peruvian flag and the 50th-anniversary flag of Huascaran National Park, but also the spirit of an entire country.
The descent will mark the end of this achievement, culminating on May 20 with his expected return to Kathmandu.
Athlete Profile
Victor Rimac was born and raised in Huaraz (Ancash region), at the foothills of Huascaran National Park.
He is an Official High Mountain Guide certified by UIAGM and a member of the Association of Mountain Guides of Peru.
Rimac has conquered 10 of the 14 highest mountains on the planet as part of his personal project titled "The 14 Eight-Thousanders."
He is also an Honorary Park Ranger of Huascaran National Park and promoter of environmental initiatives such as the VR Foundation and Mountain Protectors.
Tribute with Environmental Message
The expedition seeks to raise awareness about the importance of conserving high mountain ecosystems.
"Paying tribute to Huascaran National Park from Everest is my way of showing gratitude and saying that conservation matters," Rimac expressed.
The Huascaran National Park was created in 1975 and has been a World Natural Heritage Site since 1985.
It houses the highest concentration of glaciers and snow-covered peaks in the country and is the birthplace of South American mountaineering.
With this new step toward Everest, Victor Rimac will not only carry the flag of Peru to the top of the world but also a clear message: the mountains teach us to climb with humility and to care with commitment.
Huascaran National Park was created in 1975 and has been a World Natural Heritage Site since 1985. It houses the highest concentration of glaciers and snow-covered peaks in the country and is the birthplace of South American mountaineering.
(END) NDP/MAO/JMP/MVB
Published: 5/16/2025