What is the highest active volcano in the world?

The highest active volcano in the world is Ojos del Salado, rising to roughly 6,879–6,893 metres above sea level on the Chile–Argentina border.

Nevado Ojos del Salado belongs to the High Andes and stands near the southern end of the Puna de Atacama, one of the world’s driest high plateaus. The international border crosses its summit, so the volcano is associated with both Chile and Argentina.

Its height is sometimes reported differently because surveys use different reference points and measurements. The mountain is a complex volcanic massif rather than a single neat cone, with numerous craters and overlapping volcanic structures. A small permanent body of water near the summit is often described as the world’s highest lake.

“Active” does not mean that lava is erupting continuously. Ojos del Salado is generally regarded as dormant, but its relatively recent volcanic history and geothermal activity place it among active volcanoes. It is higher than other famous active volcanoes such as Etna, Vesuvius and Kīlauea.