Mocho-Choshuenco, Stratovolcano in El Ranco Province, Chile
Mocho-Choshuenco is a stratovolcano in the Los Ríos Region with two prominent peaks reaching about 2400 meters and covered by glaciers. Temperate rainforest surrounds the slopes, creating a dramatic landscape where ice and vegetation meet.
The volcano experienced its last major eruption in 1937, sending lava and ash across the surrounding land. Before that, an eruption in 1864 caused significant changes to the landscape with powerful explosions.
The name blends Spanish and Mapuche words, with Mocho meaning headless and Choshuenco referring to yellow waters. This linguistic mix reflects how indigenous and colonial cultures have shaped the region's identity.
The volcano is accessible from the shores of Lago Ranco with several routes available for climbing. The Choshuenco peak offers a more manageable approach for those attempting the ascent.
About twenty small cones sit at the base of the volcano, forming what geologists call the Grupo Fuy system. These subsidiary cones spread across extensive fields of lava and volcanic deposits that tell the story of repeated eruptions.
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