Nevados de Chillán
Ñuble
Nevados de Chillán is a prominent group of stratovolcanoes located in the Andes of the Ñuble Region in Central Chile. It comprises a complex of overlapping volcanic peaks, including Cerro Blanco (3,212 m), Volcán Viejo (3,089 m), and Volcán Nuevo, which formed between 1906 and 1945. The volcanic complex is divided into two main subcomplexes: Cerro Blanco and Las Termas, each containing several volcanoes such as Santa Gertrudis, Gato, and Arrau. This area is one of the most active volcanic zones in the region, with ongoing geological activity including recent eruptions and the formation of new volcanic structures. The surrounding landscape is marked by valleys and rivers that support diverse ecosystems and small local communities. The Nevados de Chillán also hosts ski centers and thermal hot springs, making it a destination that combines natural beauty, adventure, and geothermal phenomena in a unique Andean setting.
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Tip: Visitors should consider the best time to visit during the Southern Hemisphere's winter months for skiing activities or the warmer months for hiking and geothermal exploration. It is advisable to check volcanic activity alerts from local authorities due to the area's active nature. Booking accommodations and ski passes in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Discounts may be available for groups or extended stays. Visitors should prepare for variable weather and altitude conditions and respect safety guidelines around volcanic zones.
Interesting facts
- •Nevados de Chillán consists of eighteen volcanoes grouped into two subcomplexes: Cerro Blanco and Las Termas.
- •Volcán Nuevo grew taller than Volcán Viejo by the mid-1980s due to lava dome formation.
- •The complex includes active volcanoes with recent eruptions as recent as the 21st century.
- •The area features ski resorts and thermal hot springs, integrating natural volcanic activity with tourism.
- •Volcanic activity in 2015-2016 led to a yellow alert due to ash emissions and crater formation.
- •The complex is surrounded by valleys that feed several rivers important to the local hydrology.
History
The Nevados de Chillán volcanic complex was formed approximately 650,000 years ago, with significant volcanic activity shaping its current structure.
Between 1861 and 1865, eruptions formed the Santa Gertrudis volcano, followed by the formation of Volcán Chillán Nuevo between 1906 and 1948.
The volcano Arrau emerged between 1973 and 1986, with newer formations such as Chudcún in 2005 and Sebastián in 2008.
Recent volcanic activity has been closely monitored, including ash emissions and seismic events, leading to alert levels issued by Chile's National Geology and Mining Service (SERNAGEOMIN).
Place Guide
Cerro Blanco Subcomplex
This subcomplex includes volcanoes such as Santa Gertrudis, Gato, Cerro Blanco, Colcura, Calfú Pichicalfú, and Baños, representing some of the older volcanic formations within the Nevados de Chillán complex.
Las Termas Subcomplex
Comprising volcanoes like Shangri-La, Nuevo, Arrau, Viejo, Chillán, and Pata de Perro, this subcomplex contains the most active and recently formed volcanic features, including the Volcán Nuevo lava dome complex.
Volcán Nuevo Lava Dome1906-1945
Formed between 1906 and 1945, the lava dome complex of Volcán Nuevo is a key geological feature that reflects the ongoing volcanic activity in the region.
Ski Centers and Thermal Springs
The Nevados de Chillán area hosts popular ski resorts and thermal hot springs that attract visitors year-round, combining recreation with natural volcanic phenomena.
