P'aqu Urqu

P'aqu Urqu is a mountain peak in Castilla Province, Arequipa Region, standing at about 5,000 meters in elevation. The summit sits in the southern part of Andagua District, close to the settlements of Yanawara and Huch'uy Yanawara.

This peak has served as a natural landmark in the Andes where indigenous groups have lived and farmed for centuries. The surrounding valleys have supported human settlement and agriculture throughout the region's history.

The name comes from Quechua words meaning 'golden mountain', reflecting how local people have named peaks in their landscape for centuries. Communities in the region still use traditional Quechua names to identify natural landmarks.

Climbers should have extensive high-altitude mountaineering experience and bring proper gear for the climb. The terrain is demanding and requires time to acclimatize to the elevation before attempting an ascent.

From the summit, visitors can see both Yanawara and Huch'uy Yanawara settlements spread across the landscape below. On clear days, the snow-capped Coropuna mountain appears visible on the distant horizon.

Elevation above the sea: 5,000 m

GPS coordinates: -15.59023,-72.36066

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:30