Olca-Paruma

Olca-Paruma is a volcanic complex in the northern Andes along the Chile-Bolivia border, stretching across several kilometers and composed of multiple volcanic peaks. The highest elevation rises prominently above the surrounding summits and dominates the topography of this mountain region.

The volcanic complex showed significant eruptive activity between 1865 and 1867, marking an important phase in the geological history of the northern Andes. These eruptions represent key moments in the long-term volcanic evolution of this region.

The volcanic complex sits in a region inhabited for decades by mining communities adapted to extreme high-altitude conditions. The rugged landscape shapes daily life and how local people relate to this harsh mountain environment.

Visitors need specialized mountaineering equipment and should allow time for altitude acclimatization before approaching the complex. Conditions are harsh and require careful preparation and physical endurance.

The southern slopes preserve glacial formations from the last Ice Age, including moraines that record ancient climate patterns. These ice remnants offer insights into the climate history of this high alpine region.