Cerro Capurata, also known as Elena Capurata or Quimsachatas is a stratovolcano in the Andes of Bolivia and Chile. To the south of Capurata lies Cerro Casparata and straight west Guallatiri, which shares a near-identical elevation with Capurata.

Geography and geomorphology

It is on the border of the Parinacota Province of Chile (Putre commune) and of the Bolivian province of Sajama (commune Turco). Compared to Acotango and Humurata, Capurata's rocks are relatively well preserved. Some hydrothermal alteration, partly associated with fumarolic activity, is present however. The total volume of the edifice is 19 km3 and has been eroded by glaciers. The volcano is formed by lava domes, lava flows and pyroclastic flows. Sulfur deposits formed by solfataras are also found on Capurata. The west side of the mountain is covered with snow and ice. Two crater depressions on the summit have an appearance that suggests a Holocene age.

Incan Ruins and First Ascent

A 10 x ruin towards the northern site of the summit. The structure was probably built by the Inkas and it was photographed by Pedro Hauck during his last ascent in 2014. The first recorded climb is by Pedro Rosende and Ignacio Morlans (Chile) in 10/07/1967.

Elevation

It has an official height of 5990 metres, but handheld GPS devices have indicated that it is actually 6013 m or 6014 m high.