Chile is within the so-called “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic plates clash below the surface of the Pacific Ocean generating the most volcanic and seismic zone on the planet. Chile has the second most volcanoes in the world, with more than 2000. Still, Chile has adapted over time, learning how to minimize the impact of this threat and eruptions are infrequent. In one particularly surprising event, the Chaiten volcano in northern Patagonia erupted in 2008 after lying dormant for over 9,000 years.

 

These volcanoes may pose an ever-present natural threat, but they also possess tremendous natural beauty and climbing them is a thrill for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures. In this issue, Camilo Novoa writes about summiting the elusive Corcovado volcano and details our 5 favorite volcanoes to climb in Chile, and science writer Debora Gutierrez reports on the ongoing scientific research here to understand and monitor them. 

 

Also in Issue 30, photographer Eliseo Miciu has a stunning, 14-page fine art photo essay that succeeds in revealing the soul of Patagonia; Javiera Benavente writes about swimming in the frigid waters of the wilds of southern Patagonia; Rodrigo Barria profiles Spanish winemaker Miguel Torres and his admirable efforts to bring environmental sustainability to the global wine industry; Isaac Gurdiel tells us about exploration of the little-known Santa Ines Island; and Barney Lindsell examines the gaucho rodeos in Patagonia called jineteadas.