Incahuasi facts for kids

Incahuasi is a huge volcano located in the Andes Mountains. It stands tall at 6,621 metres (21,722 ft) (about 21,722 feet). This makes it one of the highest mountains in the entire Andes range. Incahuasi sits right on the border between two countries: Argentina and Chile.

What is a Volcano?

A volcano is like a special mountain with a hole or opening at the top. This opening connects to a pool of hot, melted rock deep inside the Earth. This melted rock is called magma. When magma, ash, and gases escape from the volcano, it's called an eruption.

Volcanoes can be different shapes and sizes. Some are tall and cone-shaped, like Incahuasi. Others are wide and flat. They are often found where Earth's giant plates meet.

Where is Incahuasi Located?

Incahuasi is found in the central part of the Andes Mountains. This mountain range stretches along the western side of South America. The volcano is right on the border between Catamarca Province in Argentina and the Atacama Region in Chile.

Being on the border means that parts of the volcano are in both countries. This area is known for its many tall peaks and dry, desert-like landscapes.

Incahuasi: A Stratovolcano

Incahuasi is a type of volcano called a stratovolcano. These volcanoes are also known as composite volcanoes. They are built up over many years by layers of hardened lava, ash, and rocks.

Stratovolcanoes often have a classic cone shape. They can have explosive eruptions. However, Incahuasi is not known for recent eruptions. It is considered a very old volcano.

Exploring the Area Around Incahuasi

The area around Incahuasi is very remote. It has a harsh, dry climate. Despite this, it is home to some unique plants and animals. The landscape includes high-altitude deserts and salt flats.

Near Incahuasi, you can find beautiful natural features. One example is Laguna Verde, a green lake. This lake gets its color from minerals in the water. It adds a splash of color to the rugged mountain scenery.

Climbing Incahuasi is a big challenge. Because it is so tall, climbers need special equipment and experience. The air is very thin at such high altitudes. The weather can also be very cold and windy.

Images for kids

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  Incahuasi is the volcano at the left and El Fraile immediately right. The green lake is Laguna Verde

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  Incahuasi from Las Grutas. The eastern lava domes and the northeastern monogenetic volcanoes are clearly visible.

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  View from Las Grutas

See also

In Spanish: Volcán Incahuasi para niños