Peru’s ‘smallest volcano in the world’ identified as baby mud volcano
The Peruvian Geophysical Institute investigated a mound near Songoña in the Cusco region, dubbed the ‘smallest volcano in the world’ by local media, and identified it as a small mud volcano. Authorities ruled out any immediate geological hazard to the surrounding community.
Baby mud volcano in Cusco, Peru - July 2025. Credit: IGP
A small cone-shaped structure near Songoña, Canchis Province, Peru, was confirmed to be a mud volcano following a field inspection by the Peruvian Geophysical Institute (IGP) on July 10 and 11, 2025.
The investigation was conducted in coordination with local authorities and residents in the district of San Pablo, following growing public interest in the formation, which had been referred to in local media as the “smallest volcano in the world.”
The structure, which first appeared in November 2024, has gradually adopted a more defined conical shape over the past three months.
Initial thermal measurements taken on July 10 showed that the material emitted from the mound was at ambient temperature. No evidence of volcanic activity such as high temperatures, magma, lava, or ash was found.
The IGP confirmed the structure to be a mud volcano — a natural geological phenomenon caused by the upward migration of gases from underground, which transport clay-rich sediments and water to the surface.
¡IGP estudia el 'volcancito de lodo' de Cusco!
— Instituto Geofísico del Perú (@igp_peru) July 14, 2025
Expertos de la institución llegaron a San Pablo para analizar esta singular estructura que ha sorprendido a muchos. ¡Aquí te contamos todo lo que debes saber! pic.twitter.com/2NT1ua9czb
Unlike magmatic volcanoes, mud volcanoes do not pose thermal or eruptive risks. Their structure may resemble a traditional volcano, including a central vent, but their emissions are cold, non-toxic, and sediment-based. The confirmation rules out any immediate geological hazard to the surrounding community.
The only known volcano in the Cusco region with potential hazard implications is Quimsachata, which IGP began temporarily monitoring in November 2024. A permanent monitoring station is planned for the site, in line with IGP’s existing real-time monitoring network for Misti, Ubinas, and 11 other volcanoes across the country.
During the inspection in Songoña, field teams collected samples of the expelled material and conducted environmental measurements, including pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids. The mound was also mapped using drone-based imaging and precision GPS to develop a 3D model for ongoing monitoring.
The data will be used to assess potential effects on soil and water sources in the vicinity. Findings will be consolidated in a technical report to be submitted to local authorities.
A public outreach session was held on July 11 at the municipal theater in San Pablo, where IGP scientists explained the characteristics and implications of mud volcanoes compared to traditional volcanic systems.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.