Stretching over 4,000 miles from north to south, Chile presents an impressive array of terrains. Bounded by the towering Cordillera de los Andes on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, its landscape varies from the Atacama Desert to remote glaciers. At the heart of this geographical diversity are the mountains in Chile.
Most of Chile is rugged, dominated by two primary mountain ranges: the Coastal Mountain Range and the Andes. The Coastal Range, though lesser-known, boasts peaks like the Sierra Vicuña Mackenna, rising nearly 10,000 feet. In contrast, the Andes, running the entire country’s eastern length, include some of the highest mountains in Chile. With peaks averaging around 16,000 feet, the Andes’ terrains transition from northern deserts to southern rainforests.
Want to know more? Lace up your hiking boots, and let’s explore these towering giants in detail.
Nevado Ojos del Salado
Nevado Ojos del Salado, Region de Atacama, Chile (Credit: Peter Giovannini via Getty Images)
Rising at an elevation of around 22,615 feet, Ojos del Salado claims its fame as the tallest of Chile’s highest mountains, and the highest volcano on the planet. What more, as if these accolades were not enough, within its summit crater lies the world’s highest lake. This is in spite of the exceptional aridity of its surroundings, which prevent any permanent snow cover, vegetation growth, or glacier formation. A geological marvel, its last known eruptions were long ago, in the Pleistocene and Holocene eras.
Nevado Tres Cruces
Laguna Santa Rosa with the volcano Nevado Tres Cruces at sunset. (Credit: Peter Giovannini via Getty Images)
The name of this volcanic massif, translating as “three snowy crosses,” hints at the three peaks it possesses. Known as Tres Cruces Sur, Centro, and Norte, they rise to 22,139 feet, 21,749 feet, and 19,780 feet respectively, making this the sixth highest mountain in the Andes as well as one of the tallest mountains in Chile. As with the neighbouring Ojos del Salado, it’s located in a region renowned for its hyper-arid conditions, leading some to compare the barren landscape to that of the Moon.
Llullaillaco Volcano
Llullaillaco. (Credit: Raul Salas via Getty Images)
Set in an area inhabited by donkeys, guanacos, and a plethora of bird species, Llullaillaco rises to around 22,110 feet, easily earning its third position among the highest mountains in Chile. And yet, this is far from the peak of Llullaillaco’s claims to fame. For one thing, with its last known eruption having occurred in 1877, it’s the world’s highest historically active volcano. And, in 1999, it achieved a different sort of record, becoming the site of one of the highest archaeological discoveries in the world. This was the finding of a trio of centuries-old Incan mummies, all in an extraordinarily good state of preservation.
The Biggest Mountains of Chile: Other Noteworthy Peaks
Nevado Juncal. (Credit: diegograndi via Getty Images)
Chile’s towering peaks extend beyond its most renowned mountains, revealing lesser-known but equally fascinating summits. While some peaks are celebrated for their sheer height, others deserve recognition for their geological significance, cultural relevance, or sheer aesthetic grandeur.
Tupungato Volcano
This conical stratovolcano, with an elevation of 21,555 feet, boasts a rich geological history. Its name has myriad translations, with “star gazebo” and “white dove” being the most intriguing.
Parinacota Volcano
Rising to 20,610 feet, Parinacota is a part of the mesmerising Payachatas chain. As legend has it, these mountains are the resting places of an Inca prince and princess.
Nevados Olivares
At 20,394 feet, it dominates the Coquimbo Region and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes.
Sillajhuay
Meaning “devil’s chair” in Aymara, this 19,625-foot high mountain range is a significant cultural landmark and is revered as a “mallku” or sacred mountain.
Nevado Juncal
At approximately 19,580 feet, this mountain, notable for its snowy and steep northern slope, has drawn the attention of glaciologists worldwide.
The Tallest Mountains in Chile
Licancabur volcano at sunset. (Credit: ricardomartinez via Getty Images)
Chile’s peaks rise as silent storytellers, recounting tales of history, culture, and nature’s unparalleled might. The volcanic origins of many of these mountains offer a glimpse into the tumultuous geological processes which have been at play for millennia.
These formations, ranging from the parched landscapes of the northern deserts to the verdant expanses of the southern temperate rainforests, underline the diverse topographical palette of Chilean terrain. The interplay of elevation, climate, and geological factors gives each of the biggest mountains of Chile a unique character, and forming a key element of the country’s fascinating natural beauty.
