About Escala
Escala is a lava dome rising to 4,000 meters (13,124 feet) in Bolivia's South America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Escala is located in Bolivia, within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 21.60° S, 66.88° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. Standing at 4,000 meters above sea level, Escala towers above the alpine zone, where vegetation gives way to bare rock, snow, and ice for much of the year. The high elevation means the upper slopes experience significantly colder temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The volcanic landform is characterized as a minor, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
Endogenous extrusions at the andesitic Escala lava dome in SW Bolivia occurred during the Holocene (Kussmaul et al., 1977). Later analysis of higher-resolution satellite imagery showed no evidence of Holocene domes in this area (de Silva 2007, pers. comm.).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Escala.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Escala
Is Escala an active volcano?+
Escala is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "unknown." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Escala?+
Escala has a summit elevation of 4,000 meters (13,124 feet) above sea level. At 4,000 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Escala?+
Escala is classified as a Lava dome. Lava dome volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Escala located?+
Escala is located in Bolivia, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -21.600° latitude, -66.880° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Escala?+
Escala can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Bolivia may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
