Pomerape

Mountain Stratovolcano on the Chile–Bolivia border, popular mountaineering objective

Pomerape, a snow‑capped stratovolcano on the Chile-Bolivia border, attracts high‑altitude climbers and mountaineers; climbs require acclimatization, glacier routes and clear views of the Andean plateau.

Main image

Pomerape is a high Andean stratovolcano on the border between northern Chile and Bolivia, forming part of the Payachata volcanic group. The peak rises to over 6,200 metres and is frequently visited by mountaineers acclimatising at high altitude.

The volcano stands close to its twin, Parinacota, and the two form a visually striking paired cone group above the Altiplano. Routes approach from the high plateau, and climbs require acclimatisation and basic glacier or snow travel skills depending on conditions.

Pomerape and its neighboring volcanoes are products of Andean volcanism; their cones and lava flows record successive eruptive phases. The massif sits within a high-altitude landscape of salt pans, puna grassland and high Andean lakes.

The mountain is located in Chile’s Arica y Parinacota Region on the border with Bolivia, within the high Andean plateau near other volcanic peaks and protected highland landscapes.

  • Twin volcano: Often climbed together with neighboring Parinacota as the Payachata twin volcanic massif, making it a common objective for high-altitude mountaineers.
Pomerape
-18.1263, -69.1267

Tips for Visiting Pomerape #

  • Plan visits in the Andean dry season (roughly May-October) and go for early-morning outings when winds are usually calmer and visibility for photographing the volcano is best.
  • Use viewpoints around Laguna Chungará and the surrounding Lauca National Park area for iconic, unobstructed vistas of Pomerape and its twin Parinacota rather than trying to drive to the steep flanks.
  • Acclimatize in nearby towns (for example Putre) at lower elevation before attempting any high-altitude treks; altitude effects are common in this region and a gradual ascent improves safety and enjoyment.
  • Check park entrance rules and any permit requirements for Lauca National Park in advance-protected-area regulations and access hours can change seasonally.

Best Time to Visit Pomerape #

For stable conditions and reduced storm risk, visit during the high-Andes dry season (roughly May-October); expect very cold conditions near the summit year‑round.

Dry season (best for visits/climbs)
May-Oct · well below freezing at summit; much colder than lowlands
More stable weather with fewer afternoon storms-preferred window for high-altitude approaches and technical climbs, though summit conditions remain very cold.
Wet/warmer season
Nov-Apr · very cold at summit; increased storm risk
Higher chance of afternoon storms and poorer visibility; weather can be rapidly changeable at high elevation.

Weather & Climate near Pomerape #

Climate

Pomerape'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 -18°C to 7°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 66 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
NovemberMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-8°
58%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
3.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-8°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
3.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-9°
58%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
3.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -11°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.

64 Good

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-11°
46%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
11.6h daylight

May

May is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.

68 Good

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-15°
30%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.1h daylight

June

June is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.

68 Good

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-18°
29%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
10.9h daylight

July

July is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.

68 Good

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-18°
27%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.0h daylight

August

August is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -17°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and clear sunny skies.

68 Good

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-17°
26%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.4h daylight

September

September is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.

68 Good

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-14°
29%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

October is freezing with highs of 7°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.

66 Good

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-13°
32%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
3.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of 7°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and clear sunny skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-11°
34%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
3.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-9°
48%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
3.6
UV Index
Extreme
13.1h daylight

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