A veteran Japanese climber died while her friend was rescued on the highest mountain in Peru.

Experienced mountaineer Chiaki Inada, 40, and her climbing partner Saki Terada, 35, were stranded near the summit of the snow-capped Mount Huascaran in Ancash on June 24.

The pair, who were stuck at around 6,600 metres (21,700 feet) up the mountain, were able to send an emergency signal via satellite to a local rescue agency, but Chiaki soon fell unconscious due to suspected hypothermia.

The Wilderness Medical Associates Japan (WMAJ), a Tokyo-based group to which the two belonged, said: 'The distress point is about 6,600 metres, just below the summit. Since there are no helicopters in Peru that can fly to this altitude, the rescue team flew by helicopter to the Huascaran evacuation hut and then on foot to the site.'

The rescue team battled through icy terrain and thin air and reached the distressed hikers on June 25.

Chiaki was found alive but unconscious, while Saki was unable to walk. The group began the treacherous descent to the refuge hut at around 4,500 metres, but Chiaki reportedly died during the journey.

Rescuers prioritised evacuating Saki first on June 26, before returning to collect the deceased climber's body.

Beto Pinto, president of the Peru Mountain Guides Association, said: 'They are professional climbers and they came to Huaraz and acclimatised. They have it technically, but here they lacked the altitude. They didn't acclimate properly. They climbed a very difficult route on Huascarán, which is part of the shield.'

WMAJ said Saki was recovering at a local hospital.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the Japanese embassy in Peru was coordinating with local authorities to support the hikers' families.

Mount Huascaran is the highest peak in Peru, standing at 6,768 metres (22,205 feet) above sea level in the Cordillera Blanca range of the Andes. It is known for its stunning glacial scenery and is part of the Huascaran National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.