Which volcano is the world’s highest active volcano, rising 6,893 metres in the Andes?

Ojos del Salado is the world’s highest active volcano, rising 6,893 metres in the Andes.

The volcano lies on the Argentina–Chile border, within the high Atacama region. Its summit is part of the Andes, the vast mountain chain formed by the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate. Ojos del Salado is also the highest mountain in Chile.

Although classified as active, Ojos del Salado does not erupt frequently. Its most recent known activity was a minor steam emission reported in 1993, rather than a major lava-producing eruption. This is why “active” does not mean that an eruption is happening continuously or is necessarily imminent.

Ojos del Salado is sometimes confused with nearby Llullaillaco, another exceptionally high Andean volcano. Llullaillaco is taller than many volcanoes worldwide, but Ojos del Salado holds the recognized record for the highest active volcano. The summit environment is extremely dry, cold and oxygen-poor, making climbing difficult even though the route is not considered among the world’s most technically challenging high-altitude climbs.