Carlos "Choclo" Monge Cassinelli, a pillar of scientific integrity and great friendship to high altitude researchers throughout the world passed away in 2006, and was honored by his many friends at colleagues at the 2007 International Hypoxia Symposium. Choclo had more than 600 publications to his name, in fields diverse from his medical specialty in renal disease, to the biology of animals adapting to the high altitudes of South America. Those of us who had the pleasure of working with Choclo will always remember the sparkle in his eye, the intelligent, probing questions, and his tremendous sense of humor. He was recognized as a world authority on high altitude dieases, with particular accolades for his work involving high altitude resident populations. This tribute and picture gallery pay tribute to Choclo, written by Fabiola Leon Velarde and Jean Paul Richalet.