Tacora

Tacora is a dormant stratovolcano located in the far north of Chile, rising to about 5,980 meters. The summit features a crater approximately 500 meters across, with the caldera facing northwest.

Mining began on the volcano during the 1800s, focusing on sulfur extraction from its slopes and crater area. Processing works were built on the mountain to handle the extracted material during this period.

Local communities view the mountain as an important landmark that shapes their relationship with the Andean landscape. The peak serves as a reference point in their daily life and connection to the highland region.

Access is by unpaved road that requires four-wheel drive vehicles, starting from the nearby settlement of Chislluma. The route gains over 1,300 meters of elevation and can be rough, so checking conditions beforehand is recommended.

The mountain holds large deposits of sulfur coating its crater and northern and eastern slopes. Steam and gases continue to rise from the summit through active fumaroles, revealing geothermal activity beneath the dormant surface.

GPS coordinates: -17.72037,-69.77273

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:27