About Peinado
Peinado is a stratovolcano rising to 5,741 meters (18,836 feet) in Argentina'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
Peinado is located in Argentina, within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 26.62° S, 68.12° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At 5,741 meters above sea level, Peinado reaches well into the permanent snow and ice zone. Glaciers and snowpack on the upper slopes create the potential for lahars — destructive volcanic mudflows — during eruptions, as heat rapidly melts ice and snow. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Peinado sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Argentina near Peinado, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The symmetrical Cerro Peinado stratovolcano in Argentina is the source of well-preserved Holocene lava flows from summit and flank vents (de Silva and Francis, 1991). The upper part of the cone is covered by pyroclastic material. Possible pyroclastic-flow lobes extend to the NW and N. An apron of pristine lava flows that extends to 6 km were erupted from the main cone and from flank vents, including a prominent ESE-flank vent. It is surrounded by small fields of older cinder cones, maars, and lava flows, located along N-S-trending faults, which are related to the Salar de Antofalla and Antofagasta volcanic fields.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Peinado.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Peinado
Is Peinado an active volcano?+
Peinado is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Peinado?+
Peinado has a summit elevation of 5,741 meters (18,836 feet) above sea level. At 5,741 meters, it stands taller than Mount Rainier (4,392m) and is among the world's major volcanic peaks.
What type of volcano is Peinado?+
Peinado is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Peinado located?+
Peinado is located in Argentina, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -26.623° latitude, -68.116° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Peinado?+
Peinado can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Argentina may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
