Parinacota Volcano

Parinacota is an active stratovolcano situated on the border between Bolivia and Chile, forming part of the Nevados de Payachata twin volcanoes alongside Pomerape. Standing at 6,348 meters, it is one of the most visually striking peaks in the Central Andes. Its near-well-suited symmetrical cone suggests a geologically young age; a massive flank collapse approximately 8,000 years ago created a debris avalanche that dammed local drainage to form Lake Chungará in Chile. The volcano is protected within Bolivia's Sajama National Park and Chile's Lauca National Park. It is primarily composed of dacitic and andesitic lava flows. While currently dormant, geological evidence points to its most recent significant eruption occurring around 290 AD. For the local indigenous Aymara people, the mountain is revered as an 'Apu', a sacred protector spirit. Climbing Parinacota is technically straightforward but remains a serious undertaking due to the extreme altitude and thin air.

Nearby cities

Putre

The Andean village at 3500 meters altitude is a center of ancient Aymara culture and an ideal acclimatization base for exploring Lauca Na…

Mamiña

A historic Andean village perched at 2,700 meters, renowned for its therapeutic volcanic hot springs and mud baths.

History & landmarks

Iglesia de Curahuara de Carangas

A colonial church on the Altiplano, called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes due to its well-preserved frescoes.

Monumento a la Virgen del Socavón

A gigantic statue representing the patron saint of Oruro, majestically towering over the city on Santa Bárbara hill.

Santuario de la Virgen del Socavón

An important religious shrine in Oruro, dedicated to the patron saint of miners and the destination of the famous Oruro Carnival.

Lauca National Park

A spectacular national park in the high Andes with the Chungará Lake and volcanic peaks.

Nature

Uru Uru Lake

Uru Uru Lake is a shallow lake near Oruro, fed by the Desaguadero River.

Lake Poopó

Lake Poopó was once Bolivia's second-largest lake but has largely dried up due to climate change and water diversion.

More places

Pomerape Volcano

Pomerape, together with the neighboring Parinacota, forms the distinctive Payachata volcanic system.

Acotango

Acotango is a prominent volcano in the Quimsachata Cordillera, known for old sulfur mines on its slopes.

Nevado Sajama

An extinct stratovolcano and the highest peak in Bolivia, located in the remote Western Andes.

Tata Sabaya Volcano

Tata Sabaya is a volcano in the central Andes, known for massive prehistoric sector collapses.

Cordillera Occidental

The western spine of the Bolivian Andes, forming a high volcanic border with Chile.

Tunupa Volcano

The imposing Tunupa Volcano towers over the northern edge of the Salar de Uyuni and is a sacred mountain for the local people.

Santuario del Socavón

An important pilgrimage church in Oruro, deeply connected to the local mining culture and forming the center of the famous carnival.

Altiplano Alpaca Breeding

At extreme altitudes, indigenous herders raise alpacas and llamas, continuing an ancient tradition that provides wool and meat.