Pomerape Volcano

Pomerape is a stratovolcano on the border of Bolivia and Chile, serving as the northern component of the Nevados de Payachata group. Reaching an elevation of 6,282 meters, it is slightly lower than its twin, Parinacota, yet it is geologically older and considered more technically challenging to climb. The volcano is located within Bolivia's Sajama National Park and is connected to Parinacota by a high-altitude saddle. Its structure shows more significant signs of erosion than its symmetrical neighbor, indicating its volcanic activity ceased much earlier. Geologically, Pomerape dates back to the Pleistocene and consists mainly of andesitic lava flows. The surrounding region is characterized by extreme aridity and high winds, conditions that favor the formation of 'penitentes' (spike-like snow structures) on its glaciers. In local folklore, the two mountains are often depicted as a pair of lovers or rival brothers. The slopes provide a habitat for high-altitude specialists such as vicuñas and Andean condors.

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.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana

A white, Moorish-style pilgrimage church on Lake Titicaca that houses the famous wooden statue of the Virgin of Copacabana.

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

Parinacota Volcano

Parinacota is a massive, snow-capped stratovolcano on the border between Bolivia and Chile.

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.