Villarrica

 

Villarrica volcano, located in southern Chile’s Lake District, stands as one of the most active volcanoes in South America. This imposing stratovolcano is distinguished by its near-perfect conical form and a persistently active lava lake within its summit crater. Villarrica’s frequent eruptions, characterized by strombolian explosions and lava flows, have shaped the surrounding landscape.

Location:	Villarrica, Chile
Coordinates:	-39.422248, -71.936248
Volcano Type:	Stratovolcano

 

Villarrica’s Location

 

Villarrica’s Latest Status

2026: Ongoing activity alternating between periods of intense degassing and moderate Strombolian activity that frequently ejects incandescent material up to 500 meters.

 

Villarrica’s Eruptive History

Year	Activity
1558	First historically documented eruption – details of the scale and nature of the eruption are limited.
1640	Moderate-sized eruption likely involving lava flows and ash emissions.
1948-1949	Moderate-sized eruption with a focus on lava flows. Lahars generated by the eruption caused significant damage and loss of life.
1963-1964	Series of eruptions characterized by lava flows, ash emissions, and dangerous lahars.
1971-1972	Significant eruption featuring explosive activity, lava flows, and substantial lahars that again caused fatalities.
1984-1985	Major eruption with extensive lava flows, ash emissions, and a sustained period of activity.
2015	Spectacular eruption with high ash columns, lava fountaining, and pyroclastic flows necessitating evacuations.
2016-17	Persistent lava lake present.
2022	Ongoing minor eruptive activity, primarily consisting of strombolian explosions, ash emissions, and fluctuations in the crater lava lake.
2024	The volcano is currently erupting, characterized by summit crater incandescence, Strombolian explosions, and ash emissions.
2025	Ongoing activity alternating between periods of intense degassing and moderate Strombolian activity that frequently ejects incandescent material up to 500 meters.

 

Villarrica Monitoring

For monitoring of this volcano, please refer to SERNAGEOMIN.

 

Villarrica Images