GEOSITE

Pencil Hill (Cerro Lápiz)

Mount Lápiz is one of the best-kept secrets of Chile Chico. It is located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of the municipal capital. Its geological value lies in the fact that some of its rocks are over 1 billion years old—together with others found in Mount Galera (Coyhaique commune), they are the oldest in all of Chile.

Where was the Aysén Region 1 billion years ago? Why are some rocks on Mount Lápiz black and others green?

You can find out more about this fascinating geoheritage in the book Geosites of the Aysén Region, a scientific outreach publication created by the Chelenko Geopark Project, available for free download here.