Hochtouren im tropischen Amerika

Set against the soaring Andes, this memoir transports listeners to a time when the highest tropical summits were still largely unknown. The narrator recounts the arduous trek from the high‑altitude basin of Riobamba to the southern flank of a massive snow‑capped volcano, describing the thin air, the stark beauty of glacial ridges, and the meticulous preparation required for a first ascent. Along the way, vivid sketches of local villages, flora and the ever‑present threat of sudden weather changes bring the landscape to life, while scientific notes on geology and altitude physiology reveal a mind eager to turn adventure into knowledge.

The narrative then turns to a series of other iconic peaks—steep volcanic cones, remote snowfields, and rugged ridgelines—each introduced with the same blend of personal challenge and scholarly curiosity. Listeners will appreciate the blend of travelogue, early mountaineering technique, and cultural encounters that capture the spirit of exploration at the turn of the century, all without giving away the outcomes of the climbs.