Parinacota (volcano)

Parinacota Parina Quta
Parinacota and Chungará Lake
Highest point
Elevation	6,348 m (20,827 ft)
Prominence	1,989 m (6,526 ft)
Isolation	20 kilometres (12 mi)
Listing	Ultra
Coordinates	18°10′S 69°09′W / 18.167°S 69.150°W / -18.167; -69.150Coordinates: 18°10′S 69°09′W / 18.167°S 69.150°W / -18.167; -69.150
Geography
Parinacota Parina Quta Location in Bolivia, on the border with Chile
Location	Bolivia – Chile border
Parent range	Andes
Geology
Mountain type	Stratovolcano
Volcanic arc/belt	Central Volcanic Zone
Last eruption	290 CE ± 300 years
Climbing
First ascent	1928
Easiest route	snow/rock scramble

Parinacota (in Hispanicized spelling), Parina Quta or Parinaquta (Aymara parina flamingo,quta lake, "flamingo lake") is a massive dormant stratovolcano on the border of Chile and Bolivia. It is part of the Payachata volcanic group. The other major edifice in that group is the peak of Pomerape. Parinacota's last eruptive phase has been dated using the helium surface exposure technique, which ties the eruption to 290AD ± 300 years.

One of the most dramatic eruptive events in the volcano's past was 8,000 years ago, when a major collapse of the edifice produced a 6 km³ (1.44 cubic miles) debris avalanche, which blocked nearby drainage patterns, creating Chungará Lake.

The volcano and Pomerape straddle the border between Sajama National Park (Bolivia) and Lauca National Park (Chile).

Climbing the volcano is relatively easy, alpine F grade, on a snow/rubble slope of about 35 degrees. A camp can be established at 5,300 m at the saddle between Parinacota and Pomerape. Depending on the season, the main difficulty can be a snow formation called penitentes which make the ascent physically difficult or impossible. It is attempted by about one party per week in the season. If needed, guides and transport can be hired from Sajama village, 27 km away on the Bolivian side of the mountain.