How to get by car to Lastarria Volcano in the Andes?
Volcán Lastarria is a stratovolcano located on the border between Chile and Argentina. A mining road south of the summit tops out at 5,324m (17,467ft) above sea level. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Where is Lastarria Volcano?
The volcano, also known as Azufre volcano, is located on the border between the Antofagasta region in Chile and Catamarca Province in northwestern Argentina, in a very remote area, being about 93 miles from the nearest inhabited place.
Why is it called Lastarria Volcano?
It is named in honor of José Victorino Lastarria (1817–1888), a renowned Chilean intellectual and politician who described the riches of the Atacama Desert, and who refers in his works to the "Azufre" volcano, following the observations of Rodulfo Amando Philippi.
How risky is Lastarria Volcano?
The volcano is part of the Central Volcanic Zone, just at the northern end of the larger Lazufre volcanic region. It has not erupted in historical time, but has displayed strong fumarolic activity for at least 70 years on the summit and down the northwestern slopes.
Is there a road to Lastarria Volcano?
Set high in the Central Andes, Volcán Lastarria can be accessed from the Chilean side via unmarked mining roads, often starting near abandoned sulfur extraction sites close to its southwestern base. A mining road south of the summit tops out at 5,324m (17,467ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in the country. These narrow, winding routes—originally built for sulfur mining—are not marked on standard maps and require a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle and high-resolution satellite navigation. Due to the intense fumarolic activity and challenging terrain, the drive can be dangerous.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic&video: YUKOPILOT