Overview:

Lascar Volcano is an inactive stratovolcano located in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, near the Atacama Desert. It is the most active volcano in the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes, and has been active since the Pleistocene. The volcano rises to a maximum height of 6,380 meters (20,957 feet) above sea level. The current caldera at the summit of the volcano is 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles) in diameter. The most recent major eruption occurred in 1993. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Chile
Prominent Features:

1. Spectacular view of the Salar de Atacama and neighbouring volcanoes: The Lascar Volcano can be seen from the Atacama salt flat, providing a spectacular view of the area's other volcanoes, including the Cerro Pajonales, the Cerros La Tuna and Los Morros. 2. One of the world’s most active volcanoes: Lascar is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, producing regular explosions, ash plumes and lava flows. 3. Accessible summit: Thanks to its location in the Antofagasta desert region of northern Chile, Lascar is one of the most accessible volcanoes in the world. Tourists can hike close to the summit and enjoy amazing views of the surrounding area. 4. Lunar landscape: Lascar has had a dramatic effect on the landscape in the surrounding area, creating an otherworldly, lunar like landscape. 5. Unique wildlife: The unique environment that the Lascar Volcano has created in the region has led to the formation of diverse and unique flora and fauna. Several endemic bird species have been spotted in the area, along with other unique species of plants, flowers and other animals. This national monument of Chile portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Lascar Volcano is located in the heart of the Andes Mountains in northern Chile, and is the most active volcano in the region. It is renowned for its persistent eruptive activity and has been active since the Pleistocene period, approximately 30,000 years ago. The volcano was formed by the rapid upwelling of magma through the earth’s crust, which created a vent system that made Lascar one of the most important geothermal energy sources in the world. The magma from the Lascar Volcano created a landmass that was then formed into the trough of the present-day Atacama Desert. Archaeological findings from the region have been dated back to 13,000 to 17,000 years ago, when the region was inhabited by hunter-gatherer tribes. Remnants of their ceremonial structures can still be found around the site of the volcano today. In the nineteenth century, the Lascar Volcano attracted many visitors from around the world. At the time, it was difficult to ascend the steep sides of the volcano, and only the hardiest of explorers could make the arduous journey to its summit. In 1856, two French geologists, Pierre Hippolyte Faujas de Saint-Fond and Honoré Théodore Christophe, made the first ascent of the volcano. The volcano began to erupt more frequently in the early 1970s, when the frequency of eruptions doubled to an average of twenty-two per year. This increased activity caused significant amounts of ash and lava to be ejected from the vent of the volcano, causing great damage to the nearby towns and villages in the Atacama Desert. Lascar Volcano has since calmed down, and is now safer for tourists and those living in the vicinity. Although it has not erupted since 2006, its volcanic activity is monitored continuously by the Chilean government and local authorities. In March 2003, the Chilean government designated the area around the Lascar Volcano a National Park, protecting the local flora and fauna as well as the volcano’s unique geothermal features from further human impact. Tourists are still free to visit the area and hike up the volcano, however, they are urged to do so with caution. You must visit one of these historical places in Chile on your Chile tour

Interesting facts:

1. Lascar is the largest active volcano in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. 2. Lascar is one of five active volcanoes in the Antofagasta Region and one of two active volcanoes in the Antofagasta Province. 3. Lascar’s summit stands at an elevation of 5,592 meters (18,346 ft) and dominates the northern horizon of the Atacama Desert. 4. The volcano is composed of three overlapping stratovolcanoes with lava domes, and is considered a polygenetic volcano. 5. Lascar has a large 19 km-long summit caldera which has formed over many eruptive cycles. 6. Its last recorded eruption was in 1993, with historical eruptions recorded throughout the 20th century. 7. Lascar has been monitored continuously since 1988 by a seismic station at its base. 8. The volcano is one of the more active volcanoes in the region and has produced lava flows and ash falls in the past. 9. Many of the villages in the region were affected by Lascar’s recent eruptions, and local residents have been warned to take precautions against the ash fall. Visit one of the famous monuments of Chile with your friends and family.