Janq'u Uma, Mountain summit in La Paz Department, Bolivia.
Janq'u Uma is a mountain summit in the Cordillera Real that rises to 6,425 meters with steep terrain and snow that covers the slopes year-round. The peak features sharp ridges and exposed rock faces typical of high-altitude mountains in this range.
The mountain was first documented in 1919 when mountaineers successfully reached the summit, beginning its history as a climbing destination. This early ascent marked the start of ongoing interest from climbers exploring the high peaks of the region.
The name comes from the Aymara language, where 'janq'u' means white and 'uma' means water, showing the mountain's deep connection to local indigenous communities. This naming reflects how the peak has been part of the region's cultural identity for generations.
The best time to climb is during winter months from June to August when conditions are most stable and predictable. Visitors need proper high-altitude preparation and mountaineering experience to safely tackle this peak.
The mountain's height was once thought to be over 7,000 meters, causing lengthy debates about where it ranked among South America's tallest peaks. This earlier overestimate shows how mountaineers worked to map and understand the region's high terrain accurately.
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