Cerro Miscanti (also known as Ipira[4]) is a mountain of volcanic origin located in the
Antofagasta Region of
Chile, immediately south of
Chiliques and north of
Miñiques. It towers over
Laguna Miscanti. Rock samples from Cerro Miscanti are of
andesitic composition,[5] but andesite-containing
dacites have also been found.[6]
The edifice covers an area of 38 square kilometres (15 sq mi) and bears traces of a westward collapse, which exposed the internal sector of the volcano. A new volcano grew inside the collapse scar. Miscanti may be either extinct or may have erupted in the
Pleistocene-
Holocene. Renewed eruptions are likely to consist of lava flows, which could impact the northern shores of Laguna Miscanti.[7]
An
Inka sanctuary has been reported from Cerro Miscanti.[8]