San Pablo (volcano)

San Pablo is a stratovolcano in the Andes located in Chile’s Antofagasta Region, set within the high-altitude Altiplano plateau. It is part of the Andean volcanic belt and the wider chain of volcanoes that run along the western edge of South America.

The volcano forms part of an arid, elevated landscape characteristic of northern Chile, with glaciated summits present on some Andean peaks in the region. Geologically it belongs to the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes and is one of several stratovolcanoes in the area.

San Pablo’s volcanic landform is set among high plain terrain and salt flats typical of the southern Altiplano. Local access is limited and conditions are those of a high-elevation mountain environment.

The volcano lies inland in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, within the Andean highlands and distant from major coastal cities; the nearest regional centers are accessible only after long overland travel.

• High-altitude access: Part of the high Andes volcanic zone, the volcano sits in a sparsely populated high-altitude landscape where access is by mountain roads and 4x4 tracks.

Approaches begin from regional towns in Antofagasta Region; distances are long and roads remote. Arrange transport and guides from the nearest administrative centres.

• If attempting an ascent, hire a local guide familiar with Andean weather and altitude acclimatization.
• Start early - mountain shadows lengthen quickly and afternoon winds can make summit slopes treacherous.