Arintica, Volcanic summit in Arica y Parinacota Region, Chile

Arintica is a 5,597-metre stratovolcano in the Arica y Parinacota Region of Chile, just north of the Salar de Surire and near the Bolivian border. It has a main summit in the north, a slightly lower southern summit and a western subsidiary peak, with a glacial valley between them. The main summits and Cerro Calajalata form a northeast-southwest ridge, and active rock glaciers lie on its flanks.

The mountain formed through volcanic activity in two geological phases about 637,000 years ago, bearing witness to this ancient geological history. The lava formations show how the region took shape over a vast span of time.

The mountain sits within the Salar de Surire Natural Monument, where local communities maintain ties to this high-altitude region and continue traditional ways of life. Visitors can sense the human presence in this harsh environment, where people have worked with the landscape for generations.

The summit requires serious altitude acclimatization and preparation due to the extreme elevation and harsh climate of the region. Access is difficult and visitors should expect challenging conditions throughout.

The southwestern flank holds Calajata, a notable lava dome with a different rock composition from the main mountain. Equally remarkable is a rare forest of Polylepis trees that thrives at this elevation, where few plants grow.