Chaiten Volcano

Chaiten had no recorded historical eruption and was believed to have last erupted around nine thousand years ago when, in May 2008, it began an explosive eruption with almost no warning, spreading ash across Chile and Argentina to the Atlantic and building a new lava dome in the caldera; later study found an eruption around 1640 as well. The town of Chaiten ten kilometres away was evacuated; ash and then lahars down the Blanco river buried a large part of it in mud and the government initially decided to abandon the town entirely, though residents returned and part of it was rebuilt. A steep trail climbs to the caldera rim, from which the dome and the destroyed forest are visible.

What's there

• A volcano thought long dormant - which erupted in 2008 with little warning.
• A new dome in the caldera - built during the eruption.
• A town partly buried - by ash and lahars down the Blanco.
• A trail to the rim - a steep two to three hour climb.

When to go

December to March. A full day.

Before you go

The climb is steep, muddy and through ash-killed forest with no shade or shelter. Rain is frequent. The volcano is still monitored and access can be closed. The buried part of Chaiten is a real place people lost, not a viewing attraction.

Nearby

Pumalin park surrounds it; Chaiten town is on the coast below.

Key facts