🌋VolcanoAtlas

Tutupaca

Stratovolcano(es) in Peru

Last Eruption: 1802

Key Facts

Elevation

5,801 m (19,032 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano(es)

Location

-17.026°, -70.372°

Region

Central Andean Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Tutupaca consists of two dissected volcanic edifices, of which the southern appears more youthful. Collapse of the northern edifice produced a debris avalanche that traveled 7 km N. Postglacial lava flows are present, the largest of which originated from the saddle between the two edifices.

Solfataric activity was noted in the Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World. Based on morphological evidence, de Silva and Francis (1990) suggested that reported historical eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries (listed in the Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World) more likely originated from the more youthful-looking Yucamane volcano. Work by Samaniego et al.

(2015) showed that activity in 1787-89 and 1802 CE originated at Tutupaca, and they considered the 1780, 1862, and 1902 reports to be valid as well.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

    Risk Level

    Population at RiskModerate
    Infrastructure RiskModerate
    Aviation RiskSignificant

    Geological Composition & Structure

    Rock Types

    Primary
    Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
    Silica Content
    Intermediate (57-63% SiO₂)

    Tectonic Setting

    Subduction zone
    Formed by oceanic plate subduction, typically producing explosive eruptions due to water-rich magmas.

    Age & Formation

    Epoch
    Holocene
    Evidence
    Eruption Observed

    Eruption Statistics & Analysis

    MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
    Total Recorded EruptionsUnknownLowModerately active volcano
    Maximum VEIVEI UnknownMinorLocal impact potential
    Recent Activity224 years agoHistoricalHistorically active

    Monitoring & Alert Status

    Monitoring Networks

    Global Volcanism Program
    International eruption database

    Current Status

    Normal
    No recent activity. Routine monitoring continues.

    Nearby Volcanoes in South America Volcanic Regions

    Regional Volcanic Activity
    The South America Volcanic Regions contains multiple active volcanic systems. Cross-regional magma interactions and tectonic stresses can influence eruption patterns across the entire arc. Monitor regional seismic activity and volcanic alerts.

    Quick Info

    • Smithsonian ID: 354040
    • Evidence: Eruption Observed
    • Epoch: Holocene

    About the Photo

    Tutupaca consists of two eroded edifices that are seen in the center of this July 2020 Planet Labs satellite image monthly mosaic (N is at the top; the image is approximately 10 km across). The complex contains lava domes and a number of these have undergone collapse. The eastern edifice has a horseshoe-shaped collapse scarp that opens towards the NE.

    Satellite image courtesy of Planet Labs Inc., 2020 (https://www.planet.com/).

    Basic Information

    This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.