Chaitén (volcano)

Chaitén is a rhyolitic volcano in Chile’s Los Lagos Region that produced a major eruption in May 2008, surprising many observers because it had no large historical eruptions in the preceding centuries. The eruption produced large ash clouds, pyroclastic flows and destruction in the nearby town of Chaitén.

The 2008 event caused the evacuation of local residents and significant disruption to regional transport and infrastructure, and it prompted ongoing monitoring and scientific study. The volcano’s summit area contains a lava dome complex that was active during the eruptive phase.

Prior to 2008 the volcano was little-known in modern records; the eruption brought it to international attention and changed the local landscape through ash deposition and reshaping of vents. Scientists continue to survey the volcano to assess hazards and any renewed activity.

Chaitén volcano lies near the Gulf of Corcovado on Chile’s southern Pacific coast and is closely associated with the small coastal town of Chaitén, which served as the main local transport and access point during and after the eruption.

• 2008 eruption: The volcano produced a major eruptive episode in 2008 that led to evacuation of the nearby town and large ash plumes; the area remains monitored for activity.

What to See #

• Summit dome and vents: The volcano's summit area, which contains a lava dome and vents that were active during the 2008 eruption.
• Town of Chaitén: The nearby town and port that were heavily affected by the 2008 eruption and subsequent evacuations, and which serve as the main access point for visitors and researchers.