Pou brothers and Micher Quito complete the most difficult alpine route of their careers in Peru: “Bonus Track”

For their project, the Basque professional climbers once again teamed up with Peruvian Micher Quito. They describe "Bonus Track" (WI7/M6/6c/1.060 m) on the 6.162 m high Ranrapalca as their most difficult alpine route to date.

The trio of Eneko Pou, Iker Pou, and Micher Quito have once again achieved a remarkable first ascent in the Andes: On Ranrapalca (6.162 m) in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, they established the route "Bonus Track." With more than a kilometer of climbing, difficult and sometimes steep mixed ice sections, as well as demanding free climbing, it is the hardest line in the range. Pou Brothers in the world's longest mountain range so far – out of a total of 22.

"We weren't sure if we could really do it."

It's not just the incredible length of "Bonus Track" (WI7/M6/6c/1.060 m) that makes the new route one of the most difficult projects Eneko and Iker Pou, together with Micher Quito, have ever undertaken. The trio also adhered to the... pure alpine style faithful – without a pre-prepared route or outside help, and in one go from base camp to the summit and back.

They spent five days at Ranrapalca, where they had already established “Ya Pe Cholo” (6b, 80°, 1.200 m) in 2023. They repeatedly climbed into a dead end. – and each time the doubts grew louder as to whether they would really make it to the top.

^{Five days in rock and ice: the first ascent of "Bonus Track" | Photos: Eneko & Iker Pou}

Icefall, frost and sleep deprivation

In addition to the difficulties with route finding, the Pous and Quito were also surprised by an unexpected snowstorm on their first night. "After twelve hours of climbing without a break, we spent the night in a crevice and woke up completely soaked and shivering," recall Eneko and Iker Pou. It didn't snow during their second bivouac, but the three still had to Spending the night sitting above a precipice.

With only three to four hours of sleep per night and in sub-zero temperatures, the rope team battled their way to the summit at over 6.000 meters within five "marathon days". On the third day, they had to endure an icefall that lasted several hours.

“We have never felt so alive on any route and had to endure so much before.”"That's what the Pou brothers emphasize," the two climbers from the Basque Country are certain: "The phenomenal teamwork with Micher Quito was crucial for their eventual summit success."

^{Below: Topography of "Bonus Track" | Images: Eneko & Iker Pou}

Further alpine projects planned for autumn

While Eneko and Iker Pou are still physically recovering from the "Bonus Track" expedition, planning for September and October is already underway. This autumn, the brothers intend to travel to the Peruvian Andes again to dedicate themselves to several new major projects. What exactly these are, however, remains a secret for now.

Video: First ascent of "Bonus Track" on Ranrapalca

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Credits cover image: Hermanos Pou