Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex
Average Elevation: 4600 m
Location: 21-24ºS; 66-68ºW
Since the late Miocene, an intense episode
of ignimbrite volcanism has resulted in a
major silicic volcanic province, the Altiplano-
Puna Volcanic Complex (APVC), between
latitudes 21º- 24ºS in the Central Volcanic
Zone. The APVC covers an area of about
50,000 km2 between the Atacama basin and
the Altiplano.This high altitude plateau is
built on thickened continental crust that
attains a maximum thickness of almost 70
km. Volcanism is largely restricted to the
margins of this remarkable physiographic
province in the Cordillera Occidental.
Several large nested caldera complexes were sources of huge regionally distributed
ignimbrite sheets. Most of the major calderas are complex nested structures with
evolutionary histories spanning several millions of years. Holocene activity has been within
the APVC in the form of large silicic lava domes and flows. Many geothermal manifestations
also occur throughout the region. Most of these are inconsequential, but the existence of
two large active geothermal fields indicates that the province as a whole is still active. In
addition to numerous minor warm springs within the area of the APVC, there are two major
active geothermal fields; one at El Tatio in Chile and another at Sol de Manana in Bolivia.
Sol de Manana is located in Bolivia at 22º23'S; 67º4'W approximately 22 km south of
Laguna Colorado. Geothermal manifestations occur over an area of about 120 km2 at
elevations between 4,800 to 5,000 m. Thermal manifestations in this area are somewhat
different in character to that at El Tatio. While a few geysers are found, the main features
are large vigorously boiling mudpools. There are few springs and little surface runoff.
Volcan Putana, one of the few volcanoes with strong active fumaroles, is located 18 km
south of Sol de Manana. ( Volcano Wold)
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of ignimbrite volcanism has resulted in a
major silicic volcanic province, the Altiplano-
Puna Volcanic Complex (APVC), between
latitudes 21º- 24ºS in the Central Volcanic
Zone. The APVC covers an area of about
50,000 km2 between the Atacama basin and
the Altiplano.This high altitude plateau is
built on thickened continental crust that
attains a maximum thickness of almost 70
km. Volcanism is largely restricted to the
margins of this remarkable physiographic
province in the Cordillera Occidental.
Several large nested caldera complexes were sources of huge regionally distributed
ignimbrite sheets. Most of the major calderas are complex nested structures with
evolutionary histories spanning several millions of years. Holocene activity has been within
the APVC in the form of large silicic lava domes and flows. Many geothermal manifestations
also occur throughout the region. Most of these are inconsequential, but the existence of
two large active geothermal fields indicates that the province as a whole is still active. In
addition to numerous minor warm springs within the area of the APVC, there are two major
active geothermal fields; one at El Tatio in Chile and another at Sol de Manana in Bolivia.
Sol de Manana is located in Bolivia at 22º23'S; 67º4'W approximately 22 km south of
Laguna Colorado. Geothermal manifestations occur over an area of about 120 km2 at
elevations between 4,800 to 5,000 m. Thermal manifestations in this area are somewhat
different in character to that at El Tatio. While a few geysers are found, the main features
are large vigorously boiling mudpools. There are few springs and little surface runoff.
Volcan Putana, one of the few volcanoes with strong active fumaroles, is located 18 km
south of Sol de Manana. ( Volcano Wold)
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