The Illampú-Ancohuma massiv is the northern end of the Cordillera Real. Only here there are over thirty peaks over 5000 meters! Even so Ancohuma is slightly higher, Illampú is the most important peak of this group. The climb is certainly a challenge, even on the normal route.

Starting point for climbing Illampu is the pretty town of Sorata, worth a visit on its own.