Pomerape

Pomerape is a stratovolcano located on the Chilean-Bolivian border (Oruro Department, Sajama Province, Curahuara de Carangas Municipality). It is part of the Payachata volcano complex, which also includes Parinacota Volcano to the south. The word "Payachata" alludes to their physical appearance and signifies "twins." Lower on the northern side, glaciers can be seen at elevations of 5,300–5,800 meters (17,400–19,000 feet).

Pomerape is a lava dome complex with lava flows that have been deposited on top of the domes. Around 200,000 years ago, it was active. The lava domes formed initially and were later buried by the true volcanic cone, which is made up of hornblende andesite rather than rhyolitic-dacitic domes. At this time, the "Chungará Andesites" and Parinacota's lava dome complex were formed. Pomerape is linked to a mafic magma erupting from an adventive vent. The main cone last erupted 106,000 +/- 7,000 years ago, whereas the adventive vent dates from 205,000 +/- 24,000 years ago.

The east ridge is alpine grade PD for climbing the volcano. On the south face, there are more difficult routes, some of which are on a 50-degree snow/rubble slope. A camp can be set up for these routes at 5,300 meters (17,390 feet) in the saddle between Parinacota and Pomerape. Penitentes (tall ice-blade needles) can be a major challenge depending on the season, making the ascent physically tough or impossible.

Location: Bolivia/Chile

Range: Cordillera Occidental

Elevation: 6282 m | 20610 ft