The greatest peaks of the Andes: a climber’s ranking of the 10 most iconic South American mountains
The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world — 7,000 kilometers running the entire western edge of South America from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego. The range contains over 50 peaks above 6,000 meters, dramatic Patagonian granite spires that define modern alpinism, perfectly conical volcanoes rising from the equator, and the highest mountain in the Americas. Picking the “greatest” Andean peaks isn’t straightforward — Aconcagua wins on height, Cerro Torre on technical difficulty, Alpamayo on aesthetics, Chimborazo on the curious title of “point farthest from Earth’s center.” This ranking covers the 10 mountains that consistently appear on serious climbers’ Andes lifetime lists, with honest assessment of why each one matters. For broader context see our Andes high altitude giants master collection.
The geography of the Andes where the major peaks are
Unlike the relatively compact Himalaya or the Alps, the Andes stretch across an enormous north-south distance with dramatically different mountain character in each region. Understanding the regional structure is essential to understanding the range:
- Venezuela & Colombia (Northern Andes): lower elevation peaks topping out around 5,700m, dominated by Pico Cristóbal Colón (5,775m).
- Ecuador (Equatorial Andes): dramatic volcanic peaks rising from the equator — Chimborazo (6,263m), Cotopaxi (5,897m), and a chain of accessible 5,000-meter cones.
- Peru (Cordillera Blanca + Cordillera Vilcanota): some of the most aesthetic mountains in the Americas including Huascarán, Alpamayo, Artesonraju, and Pisco. Peru contains the highest concentration of beautiful 6,000-meter peaks.
- Bolivia (Cordillera Real): high-altitude peaks rising directly from the Altiplano. Illimani, Huayna Potosí, and Sajama dominate this region.
- Argentina & Chile (Central Andes): the absolute highest Andean peaks. Aconcagua, Ojos del Salado, Pissis, Mercedario — the giants over 6,500m.
- Patagonia (Southern Andes): dramatically lower in elevation (peaks topping at 3,400m) but containing the most technically demanding alpine climbing in the world — Cerro Torre, Fitz Roy, the entire Torres del Paine massif.
The Andes is two completely different mountain ranges joined by latitude. The northern and central Andes contain the highest peaks in the Americas — 30+ summits above 6,000 meters with non-technical to moderately technical climbing on standard routes. The southern Andes (Patagonia) contains some of the world’s most technically demanding mountains despite reaching only 3,400 meters. A climber’s experience in the Cordillera Real of Bolivia is fundamentally different from a climber’s experience on Cerro Torre. They’re the same range but different worlds.
The crown peak South America’s highest
Aconcagua
Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Andes, the highest mountain in the Americas, and one of the most-attempted Seven Summits objectives. The mountain sits in Mendoza Province in western Argentina near the Chilean border. Approximately 7,000 climbers attempt the summit each year via two main routes — the non-technical Normal Route through the Horcones Valley and the more technical Polish Glacier Traverse via the eastern Vacas Valley.
Aconcagua is unique among the world’s major peaks for being a 6,961-meter summit that can be climbed without technical skills on its standard route. This accessibility makes it the natural progression peak for climbers building toward Denali, Himalayan trekking peaks, or eight-thousanders. Summit success rates average around 40-50% — driven mostly by weather and acclimatization rather than technical difficulty. The full Aconcagua framework is in our Aconcagua climb guide, with route detail in our Normal Route vs Polish Traverse comparison, weather in our best time to climb Aconcagua guide, costs in our Aconcagua cost breakdown, and operator framework in our Aconcagua operators guide. For peak-vs-peak context, see our Aconcagua vs Denali comparison.
Iconic Andean peaks recognized worldwide
Huascarán
Huascarán is the highest peak in Peru and one of the most prominent mountains in the Andes. The peak has two summits — Huascarán Sur (6,768m, the higher) and Huascarán Norte (6,654m) — separated by a saddle. The mountain dominates the city of Huaraz and the surrounding Cordillera Blanca, the most aesthetically dramatic mountain range in the Andes. The Cordillera Blanca contains approximately 30 peaks above 6,000 meters concentrated in a relatively small area.
Huascarán’s standard Garganta route involves significant glacier travel with serious crevasse hazard. The mountain is also famous for tragedy — the 1970 Ancash earthquake triggered a massive landslide from Huascarán that buried the town of Yungay and killed approximately 22,000 people. The mountain remains heavily climbed despite its tragic history. The Cordillera Blanca contains other classic objectives including Pisco (5,752m, an accessible introduction to Andean climbing) and Artesonraju (6,025m, the inspiration for the Paramount Pictures logo).
Chimborazo
Chimborazo is the highest peak in Ecuador and holds the curious distinction of being the point on Earth’s surface farthest from the planet’s center. Earth bulges at the equator due to rotation, and Chimborazo sits 1° south of the equator. Despite Everest being 2,500 meters taller in elevation above sea level, Chimborazo’s summit is approximately 2.1 kilometers farther from Earth’s center than Everest’s summit.
The mountain is a dormant stratovolcano with permanent glaciers. The standard Whymper Route involves glacier travel from the Whymper Refuge with crampons, ice axe, and rope team protocols. Chimborazo is often climbed as part of an Ecuador progression that includes Cotopaxi (5,897m) and other accessible volcanoes — see our what to climb before Cotopaxi guide for the progression framework. Ecuador offers some of the best value high-altitude mountaineering in the Americas due to favorable costs and easy access from Quito.
Alpamayo
Alpamayo has been widely called “the most beautiful mountain in the world” — a designation it received from the German Alpine Club expedition in 1966 and that has stuck ever since. The peak is a perfect pyramid of fluted ice on its southwest face, photographed from the Santa Cruz valley below. The mountain is a serious technical climbing objective rather than a hiking peak — the standard French Direct route ascends the fluted ice at angles up to 60 degrees, requiring two ice tools, full alpine technique, and several days of fixed-rope progress.
Despite its modest elevation by Andean standards (5,947m places it well below the giants of Argentina), Alpamayo represents the highest concentration of aesthetic alpine climbing in the Americas. The peak appears on virtually every list of “world’s most beautiful mountains” and is the dream objective for many alpine climbers. Most parties spend 7-10 days on the climb including approach, acclimatization, and weather buffers.
The technical icons Patagonia’s granite spires
Cerro Torre
Cerro Torre is one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the world despite its modest elevation. The peak is a vertical granite spire capped with massive ice mushrooms (rime ice formed by Patagonia’s brutal westerly winds) rising from the southern Patagonian ice field. The mountain was first climbed in 1974 by an Italian team — though the first ascent claim by Cesare Maestri in 1959 remains one of mountaineering’s most contested controversies.
Cerro Torre’s difficulty comes from three combined factors: technical climbing on the granite walls, the unpredictable ice mushrooms at the summit, and Patagonia’s notorious weather. Successful summit attempts depend almost entirely on rare weather windows that may open for only 24-48 hours at a time. Modern climbers typically spend 3-6 weeks in El Chaltén waiting for conditions. The peak is the dream of expert alpinists worldwide and represents the cutting edge of technical mountaineering in the Americas.
Fitz Roy (Cerro Chaltén)
Fitz Roy is the more famous neighbor of Cerro Torre and arguably the most photographed mountain in Patagonia. The peak is a massive granite tower rising 2,000 meters from the surrounding ice fields, with the Cerro Torre group visible across the valley. Fitz Roy is technically slightly easier than Cerro Torre but still requires expert alpine climbing skills including big-wall granite climbing and complex weather management.
The Fitz Roy area centered on El Chaltén has become one of the world’s premier alpine climbing destinations. The combination of Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and the surrounding spires (Poincenot, Saint-Exupéry, Mermoz, Aguja Guillaumet) offers some of the best technical alpine rock climbing anywhere in the Americas. The Fitz Roy silhouette has become a global mountaineering icon — it’s the basis for the Patagonia clothing company logo.
The classic Andean peaks deep South American mountaineering
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is the second-highest peak in Ecuador and one of the most iconic stratovolcanoes anywhere in the world. The mountain is a near-perfect cone visible from Quito (the Ecuadorian capital, 50 kilometers north) and one of the most active volcanoes in South America. Periodic eruptions close the mountain to climbing — most recently 2015-2017 — but it remains the standard “first big mountain” for many climbers in South America.
The standard route from the José Ribas Refuge involves glacier travel with crampons, ice axe, and rope team protocols. Most climbers complete the summit attempt in a single night-and-morning push starting around midnight from the refuge. Cotopaxi is dramatically easier than Aconcagua but provides excellent introduction to high-altitude glaciated mountaineering. The full Cotopaxi framework is in our Cotopaxi routes guide and Cotopaxi acclimatization guide.
Illimani
Illimani is the second-highest peak in Bolivia and the dramatic mountain that overlooks La Paz. The peak rises 4,000 meters above the city and dominates the eastern horizon. Illimani has multiple summits with Nevado Illimani Sur (6,438m) being the highest. The standard West Ridge route involves glacier travel and a long summit ridge with several false summits.
Bolivia offers some of the best value high-altitude mountaineering in the Americas — the country’s combination of accessible 6,000-meter peaks, low costs, and the cultural draw of La Paz makes it an excellent climbing destination. Beyond Illimani, the Cordillera Real contains Huayna Potosí (6,088m, often called “the easiest 6,000-meter peak”), Pequeño Alpamayo (5,400m), and Condoriri (5,648m) within easy driving distance from La Paz.
Ojos del Salado
Ojos del Salado is the second-highest peak in the Andes and the highest volcano in the world. The mountain straddles the Argentine-Chilean border in the Atacama region — among the driest places on Earth. The peak is climbed primarily from the Chilean side via the Atacama town of Copiapó. Standard routes are non-technical to mildly technical depending on conditions, but the remote location, extreme aridity, and high altitude make Ojos del Salado a serious objective.
The mountain represents a different kind of Andean climbing — desert volcanic high altitude rather than glaciated alpine. There’s almost no snow on the standard route in most years due to the extreme dryness, replacing glacier travel with high-altitude desert trekking. Ojos del Salado is often climbed by drivers reaching the highest possible vehicle altitude in the world (around 6,694m) before the summit push. The mountain has produced several “highest altitude” vehicle records.
Huayna Potosí
Huayna Potosí is widely called “the easiest 6,000-meter peak in the world” — though the description is misleading. The mountain is genuinely a serious 6,000-meter glaciated climb, but its proximity to La Paz (just 25 kilometers away) and its relatively short, well-marked standard route make it the most accessible 6,000-meter summit on Earth. Most parties complete the climb in 2-3 days from La Paz including the approach.
The standard route via the Zongo Glacier involves crampons, ice axe, rope team travel, and a long summit ridge. The peak is the standard introduction to 6,000-meter climbing for South American mountaineers and is often used as preparation for Illimani, Aconcagua, or larger Bolivian objectives. Despite its “easy” reputation, Huayna Potosí has killed climbers — typically those who underestimate the altitude or weather. The mountain still requires serious mountaineering attention and proper acclimatization.
All 10 peaks at a glance
| Rank | Peak | Country | Elevation | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aconcagua | Argentina | 6,961 m | The crown — highest in Americas |
| 2 | Huascarán | Peru | 6,768 m | Highest in Peru, Cordillera Blanca |
| 3 | Chimborazo | Ecuador | 6,263 m | Highest in Ecuador, farthest from Earth’s center |
| 4 | Alpamayo | Peru | 5,947 m | “Most beautiful mountain in the world” |
| 5 | Cerro Torre | Argentina/Chile (Patagonia) | 3,128 m | Expert technical, weather-dependent |
| 6 | Fitz Roy (Cerro Chaltén) | Argentina/Chile (Patagonia) | 3,405 m | Iconic granite tower, big-wall climbing |
| 7 | Cotopaxi | Ecuador | 5,897 m | Active stratovolcano, accessible |
| 8 | Illimani | Bolivia | 6,438 m | La Paz icon, glaciated 6000er |
| 9 | Ojos del Salado | Argentina/Chile | 6,893 m | Highest volcano in the world |
| 10 | Huayna Potosí | Bolivia | 6,088 m | “Easiest 6,000m peak” |
Several iconic Andean peaks didn’t make the top 10 ranking but deserve mention: Sajama (6,542m, highest peak in Bolivia), Ojos de Sara Sara, Salcantay (6,271m, near the Inca Trail), Pisco (5,752m, the standard Cordillera Blanca introduction peak), Artesonraju (6,025m, the Paramount Pictures peak), Tocllaraju (6,034m, a Cordillera Blanca classic), Mercedario (6,720m), Pissis (6,793m, third-highest in Andes), and Cordillera Huayhuash peaks. The Andes contain so many world-class objectives that any top-10 list excludes legitimate contenders. The full peak-by-peak detail is in our Andes high altitude giants master collection.
The Andes by country where to find each character
| Country | Character | Highest peak | Key destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Highest peaks, Patagonian spires | Aconcagua 6,961 m | Aconcagua, Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Mercedario |
| Chile | Atacama volcanoes, Patagonia | Ojos del Salado 6,893 m | Ojos del Salado, Cerro Torre (shared), Patagonian peaks |
| Peru | Most aesthetic 6,000m peaks | Huascarán 6,768 m | Huascarán, Alpamayo, Cordillera Blanca, Cordillera Huayhuash |
| Bolivia | Accessible 6,000m peaks from La Paz | Sajama 6,542 m | Illimani, Huayna Potosí, Sajama, Cordillera Real |
| Ecuador | Equatorial volcanoes, cost-effective | Chimborazo 6,263 m | Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana |
| Colombia | Northern Andes, lower elevations | Cristóbal Colón 5,775 m | Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta |
| Venezuela | Sierra Nevada de Mérida | Pico Bolívar 4,978 m | Pico Bolívar, lower Andes peaks |
Each Andean country has a distinct climbing character. Argentina and Chile share the absolute highest peaks. Peru contains the most aesthetic concentration of beautiful 6,000-meter summits. Bolivia offers the most cost-effective high-altitude climbing in the Americas. Ecuador provides excellent accessible introduction to glaciated mountaineering. Patagonia (split between Argentina and Chile) offers the most technically demanding alpine climbing anywhere in South America.
The Andes vs other major ranges honest comparison
| Dimension | Andes | Himalaya | European Alps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest peak | Aconcagua 6,961 m | Everest 8,849 m | Mont Blanc 4,810 m |
| Length | 7,000 km | 2,400 km | 1,200 km |
| Peaks above 6,000m | ~50 | ~100+ | 0 |
| Standard route difficulty (highest peak) | Non-technical (Aconcagua) | Very technical (Everest) | Technical (Mont Blanc) |
| Typical climbing season | Nov-Mar (austral summer) | Apr-May, Sep-Oct | Jun-Sep |
| Cost (major peak guided) | $5K-$15K (Aconcagua) | $25K-$100K (8000ers) | $3K-$8K (Mont Blanc) |
| Access difficulty | Moderate (one flight to gateway city) | Hard (multiple flights, complex logistics) | Easy (European rail and road) |
| Technical climbing variety | Excellent (Patagonia world-class) | Less varied, mostly altitude | Most concentrated technical anywhere |
The Andes are roughly the middle ground between the European Alps and the Himalaya. The peaks are higher than the Alps but easier than equivalent Himalayan summits. Costs are dramatically lower than Himalayan expeditions but higher than Alpine objectives. The Andean alpine variety is exceptional — climbers can experience non-technical hiking peaks in Bolivia, glaciated 6,000-meter routes in Peru, expert technical climbing in Patagonia, and the highest non-Asian mountain at Aconcagua, all within a single mountain range.
For climbers building experience toward larger objectives, the Andes provide the most efficient progression path in the world. A climber can spend 3-5 years moving from Cotopaxi to Cordillera Blanca to Aconcagua to Patagonian alpine — gaining altitude, technical, and weather experience at each step. This progression has prepared more international climbers for Himalayan expeditions than any other regional climbing portfolio. The full Andean progression context is in our Andes master collection.
Cost framework for Andean mountains honest budgeting
| Trip type | Typical cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cotopaxi (Ecuador, 4-5 days) | $800-$1,800 | Standard introduction to high-altitude |
| Chimborazo (Ecuador, 5-7 days) | $1,200-$2,500 | More serious Ecuador objective |
| Huayna Potosí (Bolivia, 2-3 days) | $300-$800 | The “easiest 6000er” — exceptional value |
| Illimani (Bolivia, 5-7 days) | $1,000-$2,000 | Major Bolivian objective |
| Pisco (Peru, 5-6 days) | $500-$1,200 | Cordillera Blanca introduction |
| Alpamayo (Peru, 10-14 days) | $2,500-$4,500 | Technical climb, serious commitment |
| Huascarán (Peru, 10-14 days) | $2,000-$4,000 | Glaciated 6,768m objective |
| Aconcagua (Argentina, 18-22 days) | $5,000-$15,000 | The big one — see our cost breakdown |
| Ojos del Salado (Chile, 8-12 days) | $3,500-$6,500 | Remote Atacama expedition |
| Fitz Roy / Cerro Torre (Patagonia) | $5,000-$15,000+ | Highly variable due to weather waits |
| International flights to South America | $1,200-$3,500 | From US/Europe gateway cities |
The Andes offer dramatic cost range. Bolivian climbing is among the cheapest serious mountaineering anywhere — a Huayna Potosí trip costs less than a long weekend in many US ski resorts. Peruvian and Ecuadorian climbing is moderate. Aconcagua is mid-range for major peaks. Patagonian technical climbing has dramatic cost variability due to weather waits and the requirement for extended El Chaltén stays. The full Aconcagua-specific cost framework is in our Aconcagua cost breakdown.
When to climb Andean mountains seasonal patterns
| Region | Best season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aconcagua / Central Andes | Mid-Nov to early Mar (peak Dec-Feb) | Austral summer — only viable window |
| Peruvian Cordillera Blanca | May-September (dry season) | Inverse of austral summer; dry season climbing |
| Bolivian Cordillera Real | May-September (dry season) | Same as Peru — dry season climbing |
| Ecuador volcanoes | June-September, December-January | Two dry seasons due to equatorial location |
| Patagonia (Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre) | November-March (austral summer) | Weather windows rare — buffer for extended stays |
| Atacama (Ojos del Salado) | October-April | Year-round technically but easier in austral summer |
The key seasonal pattern: the high Andes split into two climbing seasons depending on latitude. The southern peaks (Aconcagua, Patagonia) are climbed in austral summer (Nov-Mar). The tropical peaks (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador) are climbed in the southern winter dry season (May-Sep). This is the inverse of the Northern Hemisphere pattern most climbers are used to, and it has practical implications: you can climb 12 months a year by alternating between the Argentine summer and the Peruvian winter.
The complete Andean climbing framework
Detailed peak profiles, route guides, costs, and the broader South American climbing context.
Master guide →The bottom line on the greatest peaks of the Andes
The Andes are the longest continental mountain range in the world and contain some of the most varied climbing experiences anywhere on Earth — from non-technical glaciated peaks accessible to fit hikers, through major 6,000-meter objectives, to the most technically demanding alpine climbing in the Americas. Aconcagua at 6,961 meters is the highest peak in the Andes, the highest mountain in the Americas, and one of the most-attempted Seven Summits objectives. Peru’s Cordillera Blanca contains the highest concentration of aesthetic 6,000-meter peaks including Huascarán and Alpamayo (often called the most beautiful mountain in the world). Patagonia’s Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre represent the cutting edge of technical alpine climbing in the Americas. Ecuador’s Chimborazo holds the curious title of being the point on Earth’s surface farthest from the planet’s center. Bolivia’s Huayna Potosí is widely called “the easiest 6,000-meter peak in the world.” The Andes offer the most efficient progression path in the world for climbers building toward Himalayan expeditions — a 3-5 year sequence from Ecuador volcanoes through Cordillera Blanca to Aconcagua provides world-class altitude, technical, and weather preparation. Costs span an enormous range: $300 Bolivian objectives to $15,000+ Aconcagua and Patagonian expeditions. The seasonal pattern is bifurcated — central and southern Andes climb in austral summer (Nov-Mar), tropical Andes climb in southern winter (May-Sep). For climbers wanting the most varied mountain experience available within a single regional range, the Andes are unmatched. The full Andean framework is in our Andes high altitude giants master collection, with detailed coverage of Aconcagua, Cotopaxi, and the broader range in our peak-by-peak guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest peak in the Andes?
Aconcagua at 6,961 meters (22,837 feet) is the highest peak in the Andes and the highest mountain in the Americas. The mountain is located in Mendoza Province, Argentina, near the Chilean border. Aconcagua is also one of the Seven Summits — the highest peak on each continent. Unlike the highest peaks in the Himalaya which require technical climbing, Aconcagua’s standard Normal Route is a non-technical high-altitude trek that has made it the most accessible 6,000+ meter peak in the world.
What are the highest peaks in the Andes?
The 10 highest peaks in the Andes are all in Argentina, Chile, or on the Argentine-Chilean border, with Bolivia and Peru containing several more. They are: Aconcagua (6,961m, Argentina), Ojos del Salado (6,893m, Argentina/Chile border, the highest volcano in the world), Pissis (6,793m, Argentina), Huascarán Sur (6,768m, Peru), Cerro Bonete (6,759m, Argentina), Tres Cruces Sur (6,748m, Argentina/Chile), Llullaillaco (6,739m, Argentina/Chile), Mercedario (6,720m, Argentina), Cazadero (6,658m, Argentina/Chile), and Tupungato (6,570m, Argentina/Chile). The Andes contain approximately 30 peaks above 6,000 meters.
Is Aconcagua the highest mountain in South America?
Yes, Aconcagua at 6,961 meters is the highest mountain in South America, the highest peak in the Andes, the highest mountain in the Americas, and the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. The mountain is one of the Seven Summits and is climbed by approximately 7,000 climbers per year via the standard Normal Route. Aconcagua is located entirely within Argentina in Mendoza Province, near the border with Chile. The mountain sits within the Parque Provincial Aconcagua. The full Aconcagua framework is in our Aconcagua climbing guide.
How long are the Andes mountains?
The Andes mountain range is approximately 7,000 kilometers (4,300 miles) long, making it the longest continental mountain range in the world. The range stretches from Venezuela in the north to the southern tip of Chile and Argentina at Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia. The Andes pass through seven South American countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The range averages 200 kilometers wide and contains over 50 peaks above 6,000 meters concentrated mostly in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia.
What are the most famous mountains in the Andes?
The most famous mountains in the Andes include Aconcagua (the highest, in Argentina), Huascarán (the highest in Peru), Cotopaxi (the iconic Ecuadorian volcano), Chimborazo (the point on Earth’s surface farthest from the planet’s center), Alpamayo (often called the most beautiful mountain in the world), Cerro Torre in Patagonia (one of the most technical alpine spires in the world), Fitz Roy in Patagonia (the iconic granite tower), and Illimani in Bolivia (the dramatic peak overlooking La Paz). These mountains span the full range of Andean climbing from non-technical hikes to expert technical objectives.
Are the Andes harder to climb than the Himalayas?
The Andes contain some peaks that are significantly easier than Himalayan equivalents (Aconcagua at 6,961 meters has a non-technical Normal Route) and others that are dramatically harder (Cerro Torre in Patagonia is among the most technically demanding climbs anywhere in the world). The absolute heights are lower than the Himalaya – Aconcagua at 6,961m vs Everest at 8,849m – but Andean weather is often more severe with brutal winds and unpredictable storms. In Patagonia specifically, weather windows are notoriously short and rare. For the standard routes on the major peaks, Andean climbing is generally more accessible than Himalayan expedition mountaineering due to lower costs, easier logistics, and shorter trip durations.
What is the most beautiful peak in the Andes?
Alpamayo in the Peruvian Cordillera Blanca at 5,947 meters has been widely called the most beautiful mountain in the world. The peak is a perfect pyramid of fluted ice on its southwest face, photographed from the Santa Cruz valley. The standard French Direct route ascends the steep fluted ice face and is one of the most aesthetically perfect alpine climbs anywhere. Other contenders for the title include Cerro Torre in Patagonia (the granite spire surrounded by ice mushrooms) and Fitz Roy (the iconic Patagonian granite tower). Each represents a different definition of mountain beauty – Alpamayo for its perfect symmetry, Cerro Torre for its dramatic isolation, and Fitz Roy for its commanding presence.