Civilizations rise and fall, but the mountains remain

Seen here from Isla del Sol, at 21,276 ft (6,485 m) high, in the Cordillera Real of the Bolivian Andes, Illampú dominates the skyline.

Although lower than the adjacent peak, Ancohuma (21,489 ft/6,550 m high), Illampú is the name usually given to the whole mountain. It is sometimes called Sorata, from the village high on its slopes. Permanently capped with snow, Illampú dominates the mountain scenery visible from La Paz and Lake Titicaca.