Explore All Volcanoes

**Lanín Volcano**, towering at **3,776 meters**, is an iconic symmetrical stratovolcano that straddles the Chile-Argentina border. Its perfect conical shape and snow-capped summit make it one of the most photographed mountains in the Araucanía region. Sacred to the Mapuche people, Lanín means "rock that fell" or "dead" in Mapudungun, reflecting its dormant nature with no recorded historical eruptions.

**Llaima** is one of Chile's largest and **most active volcanoes**, standing at an impressive **3,125 meters** within [Conguillio National Park](/parks/conguillio). This massive stratovolcano has erupted frequently throughout recorded history, with over 50 documented eruptions since the 17th century. The region's Mapuche people named it "Llaima," which translates to "trench" or "bloodletting" in Mapudungun, reflecting both reverence and respect for its powerful nature.

Lonquimay Volcano gained international fame during its remarkable 1988-1990 eruption when a new crater formed on its flank on Christmas Day 1988, earning it the nickname "Navidad Crater" (Christmas Crater). This strombolian eruption lasted for over a year, creating stunning night displays and adding a new volcanic cone to the landscape. At 2,865 meters, Lonquimay offers climbers a more accessible summit compared to its neighboring giants.

Villarrica is one of Chile's most active volcanoes and one of only a handful of volcanoes worldwide with a persistent lava lake. Located in the heart of the Chilean Lake District, this stratovolcano towers at 2,847 meters above sea level, featuring a stunning snow-capped cone that dominates the landscape. The constant glow from its lava lake can often be seen at night, making it a mesmerizing sight for visitors and mountaineers who venture to its summit.

**Tolhuaca Volcano**, reaching **2,806 meters**, is part of the Tolhuaca National Park and offers one of the most accessible volcanic experiences in the Araucanía region. This stratovolcano has no recorded historical eruptions, making it a relatively safe and popular destination for families and beginning mountaineers. The name "Tolhuaca" comes from the Mapudungun language, meaning "cattle corral on the mountain."

Sierra Nevada is a volcanic complex located immediately northwest of Llaima Volcano within Conguillio National Park. At 2,554 meters, this glacier-covered volcano features multiple overlapping cones and craters formed over thousands of years of volcanic activity. Its proximity to Llaima creates a dramatic landscape of contrasting volcanic forms.

**Mocho-Choshuenco** is a complex volcanic massif featuring twin peaks: Mocho at 2,422 meters and Choshuenco at **2,415 meters**. Located in the northern Los Ríos Region, this volcano system is known for its heavily glaciated slopes and challenging climbing conditions. The volcano's remote location and technical difficulty make it a destination primarily for experienced mountaineers.

Quetrupillán is a lesser-known stratovolcano located between the famous Villarrica and Lanín volcanoes. At 2,360 meters, this volcano offers a quieter alternative to its more popular neighbors while still providing challenging climbs and spectacular views. Its name means "white behind" in Mapudungun, referring to its snow-covered slopes as seen from certain angles.

Sollipulli is a unique ice-filled caldera volcano located in the heart of the Andes, straddling the border between Chile and Argentina. Unlike its more famous neighbors, Sollipulli features a massive 4-kilometer-wide ice-filled crater that contains approximately 15 cubic kilometers of glacial ice. This extraordinary combination of volcanic and glacial features makes it one of the most distinctive volcanoes in the region.