Acotango

Mountain Volcano on Bolivia-Chile border in Andes

An Andean stratovolcano on the Bolivia-Chile border, part of a high volcanic group; visited by experienced climbers for high-altitude routes, glaciated slopes and regional mountain vistas.

Main image
Main image

Acotango is a high stratovolcano on the Bolivia-Chile border in the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes. It is part of a cluster of high Andean volcanoes and is visited by mountaineers for high-altitude climbs.

The mountain rises above the surrounding altiplano and contributes to the region’s volcanic skyline; trails for ascents start from high-altitude access points on both sides of the border. Climbs require acclimatization and alpine experience for snow and ice conditions near the summit.

Acotango is located in the high Andean zone, with nearby volcanoes and salt flats common in the surrounding landscape; access is from regional highland towns and roads across the altiplano.

  • Border volcano: The peak lies on the Bolivia-Chile border and forms part of the high Cordillera Occidental volcanic chain.
Acotango
-18.3822, -69.0478

Tips for Visiting Acotango #

  • Plan any approach during the southern Hemisphere dry season (roughly May-October) when routes and high-altitude camps are least prone to storms and snow; summit attempts in wet months are far more hazardous.
  • Treat Acotango as a serious high-altitude climb: coordinate with experienced local guides, allow multiple days for acclimatization, and confirm permit/border requirements if your approach involves crossing between Bolivia and Chile.
  • Expect long, exposed high-puna approaches; the best logistics and up-to-date route information come from outfitters based in nearby towns (Oruro/Sajama side or Chilean Putre), so organize transport and support through them rather than attempting independent access.

Best Time to Visit Acotango #

For climbing Acotango, aim for the Southern Hemisphere dry season (May-September) when conditions are most stable.

Dry season (best for ascents)
May-September · Lower slopes ~0-10°C; summit well below freezing (−20°C or colder possible)
More stable weather, clearer skies and lower precipitation - preferred period for high-altitude climbs.
Wet season
November-March · Lower slopes ~0-10°C; summit well below freezing
Higher chance of storms, snow and poor visibility; mountaineering is more hazardous.

Weather & Climate near Acotango #

Climate

Acotango's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in December) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -17°C to 7°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
Warmest Month
-17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -7°C. The wettest month with 97 mm of rain.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -10°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -13°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-13°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -16°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-16°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -17°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-17°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -16°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-16°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -13°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-13°

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -12°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 7°C and lows of -10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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