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Pomerape

Mountain

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.

Pomerape SantiagoSan Pedro de AtacamaTorres del Paine National ParkValparaísoPucónPuerto VarasPomerape
In this guide

Pomerape essentials

Country: Chile
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Peso ($)
Emergency: 133

Pomerape at a Glance

About Pomerape

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.

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

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
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -8° - 6° -6° 106 mm partly cloudy 58% 4.3 m/s 3.3 extreme 13.0h
February Poor -8° - 5° -6° 104 mm partly cloudy 62% 4.1 m/s 3.1 extreme 12.6h
March Acceptable -9° - 5° -6° 96 mm mostly sunny 58% 3.6 m/s 3.0 extreme 12.1h
April Good -11° - 6° -7° 15 mm clear 46% 3.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 11.6h
May Good -15° - 5° -10° 10 mm clear 30% 3.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.1h
June Good -18° - 3° -14° 10 mm clear 29% 4.5 m/s 1.7 very high 10.9h
July Good -18° - 3° -14° 9 mm clear 27% 4.4 m/s 1.8 very high 11.0h
August Good -17° - 4° -13° 4 mm clear 26% 4.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.4h
September Good -14° - 5° -10° 11 mm clear 29% 4.3 m/s 2.8 extreme 11.9h
October Good -13° - 7° -8° 11 mm clear 32% 4.0 m/s 3.4 extreme 12.4h
November Very Good -11° - 7° -7° 31 mm clear 34% 4.4 m/s 3.7 extreme 12.9h
December Acceptable -9° - 6° -6° 58 mm mostly sunny 48% 4.4 m/s 3.6 extreme 13.1h