Villarrica, Chile
Vaclav Sebek/Shutterstock
It might look pretty, but beware: the snow-capped peak of Villarrica is one of South America’s most active volcanoes. Rising above the lake and town of the same name in southern Chile, it erupted as recently as 2015, spewing ash and lava high into the air and causing a mass evacuation in the area. Increased activity was also seen in early 2023, with steam and volcanic gases spewn into the air.
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SEBASTIAN ESCOBAR/AFP/Getty Images
Despite the recent seismic activity, Villarrica remains popular with adventurers who hike up the treacherous peak to peer at the cavernous steaming crater at its summit. Looming near the popular tourist resort of Pucón, the volatile volcano's snow-clad slopes are also popular with daredevil skiers in winter.