On 14 September, 30-year-old Jordan Yap set out from the Krusty hostel in Huaraz for a solo expedition along the famed Cordillera Huayhuash. The trek, spanning roughly 120 km and expected to last 10 days promised high-altitude passes, turquoise lakes and expansive glacier fields. Yap, a resident of Melbourne, had prepared the journey for over a year and was regarded by friends as an experienced hiker, although this would be one of his first solo undertakings in the Peruvian Andes.
His itinerary called for a return to Huaraz on 23 September, after which he intended to fly to Lima and catch a connecting flight to Cusco. When the planned check-in at the hostel never occurred and the scheduled flight was missed, his family grew alarmed. Adding to the concern, Yap had misplaced his satellite beacon—the device that would have allowed rescue teams to locate him quickly—just days before departing.
Disappearance on the Huayhuash circuit
The Huayhuash circuit is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery but is also notorious for its isolation. Much of the route sits above 4,000 meters altitude, where thin air, sudden storms and freezing temperatures pose serious hazards. Mobile coverage is scarce, and the terrain can force even seasoned trekkers onto unmarked paths. Yap’s last confirmed contact with family occurred on the morning of 14 September, just before he embarked on the high-altitude sections that cross glacier-filled valleys and steep passes.
Friends later noted that Yap had equipped himself with a new GPS watch loaded with offline maps, intended to compensate for the lack of cell service. However, without the satellite beacon, any emergency signal would rely on his ability to reach a location with line-of-sight to a satellite—an increasingly difficult prospect as the weather grew more volatile.
Search, rescue and the discovery of the body
When the family reported him missing, they enlisted Socorro Andino Peruano a private mountain-rescue organization, to coordinate efforts. The search quickly expanded to include Peru’s high-mountain police unit, aerial reconnaissance flights, and drone operators scanning valleys from above. Over a dozen rescuers combed the area around the Mitucocha Lagoon a high-altitude lake perched at about 4,270 meters (roughly 14,000 feet) in the central Andes.
Adverse weather, including electrical storms, forced a temporary halt to operations at the end of September, but the teams resumed once conditions improved. Ultimately, the body was located near the lagoon, and local authorities confirmed the finding to Yap’s relatives. The cause of death has not been disclosed pending further investigation.
Reactions, official response and remembrance
A social-media page created to support the search posted the solemn announcement: “with a heavy heart we are sorry to tell you Jordan has been found, and he did not survive.” The message urged the public to remember Yap as a vibrant person who brought joy to many. The Australian Embassy in Peru has been assisting the family with repatriation logistics, while the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement expressing deep condolences and confirming consular support.
Friends described Yap as an adventurous spirit who loved the outdoors, sharing photos from previous climbs, including an ascent of Mount Kosciuszko in Australia. A fundraising campaign was launched to cover search costs, travel expenses for relatives and coordination with local authorities. Hundreds contributed, underscoring the global community’s response to a tragedy that unfolded in one of the world’s most spectacular yet unforgiving mountain ranges.
