Hornopirén, Stratovolcano in Los Lagos Region, Chile
Hornopirén is a stratovolcano in Los Lagos Region rising to 1,572 meters with lava flows extending from its southwestern base. The surrounding national park area features glaciers, forests, and steep slopes that frame the volcanic mass.
The volcano records activity dating back to 1835, marking a significant period in the geological development of Los Lagos. These eruptions were part of the tectonic movements that shaped southern Chile's landscape.
The name combines Spanish 'horno' (oven) with Mapudungun 'pirén' (snow), showing how two languages meet in this place. This blend of words reflects how indigenous peoples and Spanish settlers both shaped the region over centuries.
The national park around the volcano is explored on foot, with hiking trails of varying difficulty through forests and to viewpoints. Visitors should come prepared for changing weather, as this region experiences rapid conditions shifts.
The volcano sits directly on the Liquiñe-Ofqui fault zone, a major tectonic line that shapes its behavior. This geological position explains why the peak remains active and constantly changing.
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