[3] Llaima's activity has been documented since the 17th century, and consists of several separate episodes of moderate explosive eruptions with occasional lava flows.

[4] A 1640 eruption is thought to have contributed to a pause in the Arauco War between the Spanish and Mapuches established at the Parliament of Quillín in 1641.

[6] Prior to that it had been known as Chañel a Mapuche word in reference to the pointy shape of its summit before the eruption.

[citation needed] For the 2010–30 period an eruption of Volcanic Explosivity Index 2 or more is expected based on statistics.

Research that models the internal architecture of the volcano indicate that Llaima has reached its maximum height and that any large eruption of lava will likely occur from flank vents and not from the summit.