Volcanoes fascinate with their majestic height, their geological significance and the imposing landscapes that surround them. The highest volcanoes in the world are mainly located in the mountain ranges of South America and offer spectacular natural scenery as well as challenging ascents for adventurers. Here are the ten highest volcanoes in the world and their special features.
1. Ojos del Salado, Chile/Argentina – 6,893 meters
The Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world and is located in the Andes Mountains on the border between Chile and Argentina. It is a stratovolcano and impresses with its massive height as well as its dry, barren environment in the Atacama Desert. The volcano is known for its crater lake, which is considered the highest lake in the world. Despite its height, the Ojos del Salado is considered relatively accessible to mountaineers.
2. Monte Pissis, Argentina – 6,793 meters
Monte Pissis, also located in the Andes, is the second highest volcano in the world. It is located in a remote region in western Argentina and is known for its impressive, colorful landscape. Its summit region is covered by glaciers, which makes it particularly fascinating. Because of the remoteness and the extreme conditions, only a few climbers dare to climb.
3. Nevado Tres Cruces, Chile/Argentina – 6,748 meters
Nevado Tres Cruces is a stratovolcano in the Andes, also located on the border between Chile and Argentina. It consists of two main peaks, the Tres Cruces Sur and the slightly lower Tres Cruces Centro. The surrounding region is part of the Nevado-Tres-Cruces National Park, which is known for its extraordinary landscape. The volcano offers breathtaking views of the surrounding salt lakes and deserts.
4. Llullaillaco, Chile/Argentina – 6,739 meters
The Llullaillaco is not only one of the highest volcanoes in the world, but also an important archaeological site. At its summit, the well-preserved remains of three Inca mummies were found, indicating the religious significance of the volcano. The volcano is located in a remote region and is known for its extremely dry conditions. Mountaineers are rewarded with a unique combination of natural and cultural history.
5. Cerro Tipas, Argentina – 6,658 meters
Cerro Tipas, also known as Cerro Cazadero, is an extinct volcano in the Argentine province of Catamarca. It belongs to the same volcanic chain as the Ojos del Salado. The volcano is less known and visited than others in this list, but it offers impressive scenery and abundant wildlife. The ascent is not too technically demanding, but requires a good physical condition.
6. Incahuasi, Chile/Argentina – 6,638 meters
The Incahuasi, whose name means “House of the Inca” in the Quechua language, is an extinct volcano in the Andes. It is located near the Ojos del Salado and offers a similarly barren, spectacular landscape. The volcano is known for its clear starry skies, which are appreciated by astronomers and photographers. The region is also rich in geothermal activity and unique geological formations.
7. Antofalla, Argentina – 6,437 meters
The Antofalla volcano is located in the Argentine province of Catamarca and is part of a huge volcanic system. The surrounding area is characterized by salt lakes and colorful mineral deposits, which give the landscape an extraordinary appearance. The volcano is relatively unknown and therefore a destination for adventurers who want to get off the beaten track. Its remote location makes it a real insider tip.
8. San Pedro, Chile – 6,145 meters
The San Pedro volcano is located in the north of Chile and is part of the Atacama volcanic complex. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the region and impresses with its regular eruptions. The climb to the top of San Pedro is challenging, but offers spectacular views of the Atacama Desert. The proximity to other geothermal attractions such as the geysers of El Tatio makes the region particularly interesting.
9. Parinacota, Chile/Bolivia – 6,348 meters
Parinacota is an impressive stratovolcano on the border between Chile and Bolivia. Together with the neighboring Pomerape volcano, it forms the well-known Parinacota-Pomerape volcanic system. The volcano is known for its almost perfect cone and its location in the Lauca National Park, which offers rich flora and fauna. Its proximity to Lake Chungará, one of the highest lakes in the world, makes it a popular destination for nature and mountain lovers.
10. Chimborazo, Ecuador – 6,263 meters
Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and an extinct volcano in the Andes. Due to the geometry of the Earth, the summit of Chimborazo is the farthest point on Earth from the center of the Earth. The volcano is known for its snow-capped peaks and its importance in Ecuadorian culture. Chimborazo attracts both experienced mountaineers and trekking enthusiasts.
