Monte Burney

Monte Burney is a stratovolcano in Southern Patagonia whose crater opens wide at the summit while glaciers cling to its northwestern slopes. These ice fields are visible from a distance and create a striking contrast between the dark rock and white ice.

The volcano was named after James Burney, an officer who sailed with Captain James Cook during his late 18th-century expeditions along the southern coast. This naming reflects the era when Europeans began mapping this remote region more systematically.

The region contains multiple tephra deposits that provide evidence of prehistoric human settlements and their movements across Southern Patagonia through time.

Reaching this volcano requires specialized climbing gear and careful planning since the area lacks trails and established facilities. Weather conditions change rapidly in this region, so visitors need to be prepared for sudden shifts.

The first documented ascent occurred in 1973 when a small team of mountaineers reached the summit despite extreme conditions. This early climb demonstrates how few people have stood at this remote peak.

GPS coordinates: -52.32725,-73.37066

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03