Bodies of two hikers hit by avalanche in Peru found
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}SORAYPAMPA, PERU - JUNE 2007: The trek continues over its highest pass called Salcantayccasa, 4650 meters high, Soraypampa, Peru, 27 June 2007. The pass is a series of steep right angle ascents on the mountain and saw heavy traffic from many European and Israeli hikers. An Israeli girl stopped at the top to play a breathless harmonica recital. The top of the pass is a breath-taking view with many cairns in the area which the locals have placed there for safe passage. The pass winds down into a wide valley with high mountains all around and a river running through the middle. This hidden valley is called Wayraccmachay and is located at 3800 meters. (photo by Brent Stirton/Getty Images.) (2010 Getty Images)
Searchers on Thursday recovered the bodies of two of four mountaineers who were on an expedition that was hit by an avalanche on Peru's tallest peak this week.
The slide swept away the two Mexican and two Peruvian alpinists on Huascaran mountain Tuesday after they had reached an altitude of almost 6,000 meters (20,000 feet). Four other members of the Mexican-led expedition were rescued by a group of Austrian climbers who were in the area at the time, authorities said.
Peruvian mountain police official William Encinas said the bodies of one of the Mexican climbers and one of the Peruvians were found Thursday and searchers were still looking for the other two.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rising in Peru's snow- and ice-covered Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world, Huascaran is a major tourist attraction for climbers and hiking enthusiasts.
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