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Ecuador Mourns the Passing of Last Ice Harvester, Baltazar Ushca

Baltazar Ushca, Ecuador’s last mountain ice harvester, passed away at the age of 80 after spending over 50 years climbing Mount Chimborazo to extract ice. Ushca was a legendary figure in Ecuador and beyond, known as the last practitioner of the ancient profession of ice harvesting on the country’s highest summit.

The municipality of Guano in central Ecuador announced Ushca’s death, describing him as a national and international icon. Ushca tragically died after a fall while herding cattle at home, when a bull overpowered him, causing serious injury.

Ushca inherited his trade from his father at the age of 15 and continued to climb to the 5,200-meter mark on Chimborazo twice a week to extract blocks of ice weighing up to 20 kilograms. Despite the decline of ice harvesting due to modern refrigeration, Ushca persisted in his trade, inspiring documentaries and receiving recognition, including an honorary doctorate in 2017.

In his later years, Ushca worked as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum, leaving a lasting legacy for his people. The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) praised Ushca’s work as a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of Ecuador.

Ecuador mourns the loss of Baltazar Ushca, a true symbol of tradition and resilience in the face of modernization. His story will continue to inspire generations to come.

Who was Baltazar Ushca?

Baltazar Ushca was Ecuador’s last mountain ice harvester who dedicated over half a century of his life to climbing the country’s highest summit, Mount Chimborazo, to extract ice. He was a legend in the Andean country and the last practitioner of this age-old profession.

What was Ushca’s Legacy?

Ushca’s legacy as the last iceman of Mount Chimborazo made him a national and international icon. He was known as “Taita,” which means companion and father in the Quechua language. Unfortunately, Ushca passed away at the age of 80 after a tragic fall while herding cattle at home.

How did Ushca Inherit His Trade?

Ushca inherited his trade from his father at the young age of 15. From then on, he dedicated himself to climbing Chimborazo twice a week, reaching the 5,200-meter mark to extract blocks of ice weighing up to 20 kilograms using only a pick and shovel.

What Happened to Ushca’s Trade?

The arrival of refrigerators signaled the decline of the ice harvesting profession, but Ushca continued his trade, inspiring several documentaries. Despite the challenges, he persevered and remained committed to his craft until the end of his life.

How Did Ushca Contribute to Education?

At the age of 73, Ushca decided to return to the classroom to complete his primary education. In 2017, he was honored with an honorary doctorate, showcasing his dedication to continuous learning and personal growth.

What Was Ushca’s Role Towards the End of His Life?

Towards the end of his life, Ushca worked as a tourism promoter at the Guano museum, where he shared his knowledge and experiences with visitors. His work was recognized by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) as a valuable contribution to the cultural heritage of Ecuador.

In conclusion, Baltazar Ushca’s life story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the preservation of traditional practices in the face of modernization. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to cherish and honor their cultural heritage.

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