Volcán Nuevo, Active volcano in Patagonia, Chile
Volcán Nuevo is an active volcano in Patagonia's Aysén region, situated roughly 80 kilometers southwest of Coyhaique city. It features a caldera about five kilometers across and sits within dense Valdivian forest.
Geologists from the University of Chile discovered this volcano in 2015 during helicopter surveys and ground expeditions across the remote region. This finding revealed previously unknown volcanic activity in this part of Patagonia.
The name "Mate Grande" reflects the mate-drinking tradition common in the Aysén region, as locals noticed the caldera's resemblance to a gourd used for this beverage. This connection shows how the landscape has become woven into local identity.
Snow covers the volcano for most of the year, and combined with its elevation and surrounding forest, reaching it proves challenging. Expect difficult terrain and demanding conditions when attempting a visit.
The volcano sits on the Liquiñé-Ofqui fault line and shifts several centimeters each year, indicating potential future seismic activity in the area. This ongoing movement makes it a valuable site for earthquake research.
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