Cusco, Peru—The high-altitude rescue teams recovered two bodies near the Ausangate circuit early this morning. A severe cold front hit the mountain range late yesterday afternoon. The temperature dropped forty degrees in under two hours.

The victims were experienced climbers from a local trekking expedition. They became separated from their group when visibility dropped to near zero. Winds exceeded seventy kilometers per hour throughout the night.

Rescue operators launched a recovery mission at dawn. They navigated treacherous terrain to reach the site at five thousand meters. Heavy snow pack hampered the initial search efforts.

Local police officials confirmed the cause of death as severe hypothermia. The victims lacked adequate equipment for a storm of this magnitude. Their remains were transported to a Cusco morgue for identification.

Authorities noted that weather patterns in the region have been erratic this season. Meteorologists issued warnings about low pressure systems moving into the Southern Andes. Many tour operators ignored these specific bulletins.

The surviving group members were located by a separate search team around noon today. They are being treated for frostbite and exhaustion at a local clinic. Their condition remains stable but they require oxygen support.

The regional government has placed a temporary moratorium on all high-altitude trekking permits. This ban will remain in effect until the current weather front passes the mountain range. Inspectors are currently reviewing the safety protocols of local guide agencies.

The Ministry of Environment maintains that the storm intensity was anomalous for July. Data collection is ongoing to determine if structural shifts in the climate are increasing storm frequency. Officials remain focused on the legal status of the trekking company involved.