| Pomerape | |
|---|---|
 Pomerape and the saddle below, as seen from south (Parinacota slopes) | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,282 m (20,610 ft)[1] |
| Prominence | 950 m (3,120 ft)  |
| Isolation | 4 km (2.5 mi) |
| Coordinates | 18°07′33″S 69°07′39″W / 18.12583°S 69.12750°W |
| Geography | |
| Parent range | Andes |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Pleistocene |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | snow/ice climb |
Pomerape is a stratovolcano lying on the border of northern Chile and Bolivia (Oruro Department, Sajama Province, Curahuara de Carangas Municipality).[2] It is part of the Payachata complex of volcanoes, together with Parinacota Volcano to the south. The name "Payachata" means "twins" and refers to their appearance.[3] It hosts glaciers down to elevations of 5,300–5,800 metres (17,400–19,000 ft), lower on the northern slope.[4]
Pomerape is a complex of lava domes, accompanied by lava flows which were emplaced atop of the domes.[5] It was active about 200,000 years ago.[6] The lava domes formed first and were later buried by the actual volcanic cone, which unlike the rhyolitic-dacitic domes is formed by hornblende andesite.[7] The "Chungará Andesites" and lava dome complex of Parinacota were laid down at this time.[8] Pomerape is associated with an adventive vent that has erupted mafic magmas. The main cone was last active 106,000 +- 7,000 years ago,[9] the adventive vent is dated to 205,000 ± 24,000 years ago.[10]
Climbing the volcano is alpine grade PD by the east ridge.[11] Harder routes exist on the south face, sometimes on 50+ degree snow/rubble slope. For these routes a camp can be established at 5,300 metres (17,390 ft) at the saddle between Parinacota and Pomerape. Depending on the season, the main difficulty can be penitentes (tall ice-blade needles), which make the ascent physically difficult or impossible.