The volcanic history of the Altiplano-Puna volcanic complex is poorly known, due to the overlap and burial of older volcanic centres beneath younger ones, difficulties in separating different ignimbrites, the lack of erosion resulting in poor exposure of the units and the challenges of accessing the remote region. Chronological correlations indicate that volcanic activity commenced 10 million years ago and increased 8 million years ago; the onset of volcanic activity was likely triggered by the entry of basaltic magma in the crust after a portion of the lithosphere had broken off. Between 8-4 million years ago large scale eruptions occurred, such as these at Cerro Panizos, Coranzulí, Vilama, Cerro Guacha and La Pacana. Volcanic activity decreased by the Pleistocene, during which activity occurred within the La Pacana caldera and at Cerro Purico, with the most recent eruptions formed the Cerro Chao dome and the Cerro Chascon-Runtu Jarita complex. Ongoing surface deformation at Uturunku is viewed as a sign that volcanic activity in the Altiplano-Puna volcanic complex is still ongoing. Seismic imaging shows the existence of a partially molten magma body in the crust beneath the Altiplano-Puna volcanic complex.