Juriques, Stratovolcano on Bolivia-Chile border

Juriques is a stratovolcano on the Bolivia-Chile border, immediately southeast of Licancabur. Its summit reaches 5,704 m and holds a crater 1.5 km across at its widest diameter. Laguna Verde lies at the foot of the volcano, and archaeological sites are found on the summit or in its surroundings.

The name Juriques comes from Kunza-speaking inhabitants and means 'without a head', referring to the regional geological character. Volcanic activity shaped this formation over thousands of years as the Andes mountain range developed.

Juriques takes its name from the Kunza word juriqi, meaning 'without a head', a reference to the volcano's form. Archaeological sites lie on its summit and in its surroundings, evidence of pre-Hispanic activity at over 5,700 metres. Laguna Verde sits at the foot of the mountain, on the Bolivian side near the Chilean border.

Access requires a 4x4 vehicle to reach the upper trailhead around 4,500 meters elevation, then several hours of hiking to the summit. You should prepare for thin mountain air and bring adequate water and sun protection for the exposed terrain.

The nearby Laguna Verde displays changing colors in its mineral-rich waters depending on wind patterns and temperature shifts throughout the day. This color transformation occurs from the interplay between suspended minerals and varying light conditions at high altitude.