Australian Hiker Missing on Grueling Peru Trek Sparks Widespread Concern
Family and friends express deep worry as Jordan Yap, an experienced hiker, fails to make contact after embarking on a challenging 120km solo journey in the Peruvian Andes.
Concerns are escalating for Jordan Yap, a 30-year-old Australian hiker from Melbourne, who has been missing since commencing a solo trek on the remote Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit in Peru. Yap failed to meet his return deadline and has been out of contact with loved ones, raising significant apprehension.
The 120km Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit is a demanding high-altitude trail in the central Peruvian Andes, typically requiring eight to 12 days to complete and reaching elevations of approximately 5,000 meters.
According to a social media post, reportedly made by a friend, Yap departed from Huaraz on September 14. He was expected to return to Krusty Hostel on September 23 to retrieve his belongings before taking an overnight bus to Lima and a subsequent flight to Cusco the following day. The hostel has confirmed Yap did not arrive as scheduled, and his last communication via WhatsApp was on September 14. He had informed his family that he anticipated being out of contact for approximately 10 days.
Yap's family has formally reported him missing to authorities. His partner, Anita, conveyed the severity of the situation, stating that it is highly uncharacteristic for him to be unreachable. "So that’s why we’re very, very worried right now," she told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Private rescuers have reportedly informed Yap's family that other hikers observed him on the third day of his trek. Yap is described as an experienced hiker who has completed trails in Australia, China, Turkey, and Jordan. His father, Vinh Dao, noted his son's passion for outdoor activities, including extensive hiking in snowy conditions.
Mr. Dao, along with his wife, was reportedly preparing to travel to Peru and has appealed to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to collaborate with local authorities in the search for his son.
Jordan Yap is approximately 174cm tall with black, wavy hair. He is believed to have been wearing a white jacket and a green sunshade sweater. He was reportedly carrying a 40L Durston hiking bag, hiking poles, and a Durston dome tent.
The Australian Embassy in Peru and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been contacted for comment.