Huaynaputina

Huaynaputina is a stratovolcano in Moquegua Department that rises to approximately 4,850 meters. The structure features three vents arranged within an amphitheater-shaped formation, with active fumaroles and mineral-rich hot springs visible on its slopes.

The volcano produced the largest eruption in South American history in 1600. This event was powerful enough to cause temperature drops across the Northern Hemisphere and significantly alter global climate patterns.

The name comes from Quechua, the language spoken by indigenous peoples in the region for centuries. This term reflects how local communities traditionally understood and described volcanic activity.

Access to the volcano is via the Moquegua region, with the Arequipa metropolitan area serving as the main hub for transportation and accommodation. Plan visits during the dry season when weather conditions are most stable for hiking and exploration.

The deposits at Calicanto show five distinct layers that document the sequence of the 1600 eruption. These layers contain both Plinian tephra and crystal-rich ash that reveal the power and stages of that catastrophic event.

Location: Moquegua Department

Elevation above the sea: 4,850 m

Made from material: andesite

Part of: Volcanic arc of Peru

GPS coordinates: -16.61583,-70.85000

Latest update: December 18, 2025 11:41