- Address: San Jose de Maypo, Metropolitan Region, Chile;
- Height above sea level: 5,264 m;
- The last eruption: 1908;
- First ascent: 1867;
- The mountain range: the Andes.
Almost on the border with Argentina, on the territory of Chile is one of the main natural attractions of the country - the active volcano Maipo. This is one of the southernmost points of the Andean mountain system, to the south is only Mount Sosneado, but unlike Maipo, it does not exhibit volcanic activity.
Maipo volcano - description
The height of the mountain is about 5000 km above sea level, but it is not the highest point. Not far from Maipo is the Castillo volcano, it is almost 500 m high. The Maipo volcano, Chile, is not popular with its altitude, but with a special ideal form. It differs from its "neighbors" in that it has an absolutely even conical shape with a narrow vent. This is a classic form of the volcano, so it is so popular with tourists and is on the list of natural attractions in Chile.
Location
Travelers are attracted by the picturesque and the area in which the attraction is located. If you look at the Maypole volcano on a map, you can see that it is located in the crater of the Diamond, which got such a name, thanks to its shape resembling a faceted gem. The crater formed as a natural zone about 500 thousand years ago, it has dimensions of about 16 by 20 km and a height of almost 2000 m above sea level.
Sightseeings nearby
Close to the Maypo volcano there are such natural attractions:
- After the large eruption of Maypole in 1827, when the donkey was asleep and the lava was petrified, a beautiful volcanic lake, Laguna del Diamante, formed at its foot, the waters of which are filled with groundwater and rain.
- Extraordinary is the canyon near Maipo, along which flows a river with the same name. A suspension bridge is thrown across the river, it leads from a gently sloping bank to the opposite plateau, 1300 m high. Tourists stay on the bridge for a long time, because it has a wonderful picturesque view of the valley of the Maypo volcano, a beautiful lake and numerous small waterfalls.
What to see next?
Tourists here are attracted not only by beautiful views, but also by the organization of excursions. Interestingly, most excursions are horseback riding around the neighborhood with a visit to cafes, craft shops and shops. Around there are shops of local sellers of mountain honey, national Chilean sweets, bakery, jewelry and souvenirs. Travelers can visit the local villages and get acquainted with the unique way of life of the villagers.
How to reach the volcano Maipo?
To reach the volcano Maipo can be from the capital, the city of Santiago , in less than 2 hours the bus takes tourists to the foot of the mountain, in front of which stretches the amazing valley.