Australian hiker found dead after going missing in Peru

An Australian hiker has been found dead weeks after going missing while trekking in Peru, his loved ones have confirmed.

Jordan Yap, 30, last spoke with his family on September 14, just before he was set to begin a trek of about 120 kilometres through the Huayhuash mountain range on a route called the Cordillera Huayhuash circuit.

The Melbourne man’s family and friends had been desperately searching for the solo hiker after he failed to return to a hostel in the city of Huaraz, about 280 kilometres north of Lima, on September 23.

“With a heavy heart, we are sorry to tell you that Jordan was found, and he did not survive,” the family said in a statement released on Sunday.

The 30-year-old’s loved ones thanked friends and family, the police, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials, those who shared the search on social media and the contributors who tipped in more than $100,000 to an online fundraiser.

“Please continue to remember Jordan as the vibrant man he was, and for the immense joy he brought to so many people's lives,” they said.

“Rest in peace Jordan - from your friends and family.”

According to an earlier statement, Yap’s parents were in Huaraz working with DFAT and had hired a rescue team to help find their boy.

He had been expected back in the Krusty Hotel on September 23 to pick up his belongings and catch a bus to Lima but never checked in and missed his flight to Cusco the following day.

Jordan’s father, Vinh Dao, told The Sydney Morning Herald last month Yap loved the outdoors and had previously trekked in other parts of the world, though never solo.

“He’s an avid outdoor person. In winter time, he will spend most weekends on the snow field, even though he didn’t have a lot of luck with the weather, he loves hiking,” he said.

At the time, Yap’s partner, Anita, said they were “very, very, very worried”.

The Cordillera Huayhuash circuit is considered a scenic but difficult trek, reaching elevations of up to 5000 metres.

Yap’s loved ones asked for privacy while coming to terms with the news.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Peru.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a spokesperson said.