About Maca
Maca is a stratovolcano rising to 2,960 meters (9,712 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1560 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Maca is located in Chile, within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 45.10° S, 73.17° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 2,960 meters above sea level, Maca rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. 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
Maca 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 Chile near Maca, 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 basalt / picro-basalt, 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.
Eruption History Summary
Maca has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 410 CE to 1560 CE. These eruptions span roughly 1,150 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The glacier-covered, basaltic-to-dacitic Volcán Macá stratovolcano lies within a caldera and contains a summit lava dome. Five flank cinder cones and lava domes lie along a NE-trending fissure that extends 15 km from the summit SW to Bahía Pérez. The volcano lies along the regional Liquiñe-Ofqui fault zone, and a lava flow from a cinder cone at Bahía Pérez erupted as recently as between 1450 and 1670 CE.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1560 | — | Confirmed Eruption | SW flank (Bahía Pérez) |
| 410 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Maca
Is Maca an active volcano?+
Maca is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1560 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Maca last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Maca occurred in 1560 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Maca has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Maca?+
Maca has a summit elevation of 2,960 meters (9,712 feet) above sea level. At 2,960 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Maca?+
Maca 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 Maca located?+
Maca is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -45.100° latitude, -73.170° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Maca?+
Maca can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Chile may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
