Zapaleri, Historic site at the tripoint of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile
Cerro Zapaleri is a volcanic mountain at the border where Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile meet, featuring two summits of equal height with a small lake nestled in one crater. The structure shows layers of volcanic material built up over time through repeated eruptions.
The mountain formed millions of years ago through intense volcanic activity in this high-altitude region. Multiple eruptions and geological processes shaped what visitors see today.
The mountain served as an obsidian source for ancient peoples, with the stone traded and used far beyond the immediate area. This shows how connected communities were across the high plateau.
The mountain can be reached through protected nature reserves from different countries depending on your route. Preparation and proper gear are essential given the extreme altitude and remote location.
One summit holds a frozen lake while the other was eroded at its center, yet both reach the same height. This unusual erosion pattern makes the mountain a geological oddity worth noticing.
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