San Pablo, Stratovolcano in Antofagasta Region, Chile

San Pablo is a dormant volcano in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, near the Bolivia border, reaching an official height of 6050 meters. It is joined to the younger San Pedro volcano by a high col. Its central crater was eroded and a glacier formed inside. The volcano is built from three groups of andesite lavas, known as the Lower, Middle and Summit Groups, which variously contain pyroxene or hornblende.

German mountaineer Hans Berger completed the first recorded ascent in September 1910, establishing the initial climbing route up the volcano. This early expedition marked the beginning of modern exploration of the peak by western alpinists.

The volcanoes San Pablo and San Pedro lie in a zone of strong Inca influence, yet no trace of Inca presence has been found on either summit or in the surrounding area. The name San Pablo comes from the Spanish Catholic tradition brought to the region.

Climbers need specialized high-altitude equipment and proper acclimatization to reach the summit due to extreme elevation and harsh weather. Plan your visit during the drier months when conditions are more stable and allow time for your body to adjust to the altitude.

San Pablo's summit crater was eroded and later filled by a glacier, and the whole mountain was then dusted with ash blown over from neighbouring San Pedro. Its lavas come in three andesite groups, the Lower, Middle and Summit, some carrying pyroxene and others hornblende. The first recorded climb was in September 1910, by Hans Berger of Germany.