Volcanoes can be found around the world. Getting to see an active volcano up close is something everyone should experience once in their lifetime. Here, we chat with several bloggers to find out which volcanoes they suggest visiting and why:
Pacaya, Guatemala
Around 23,000 years ago, Pacaya erupted for the first time. The volcano, which is located in Guatemala, is thought to have erupted at least 23 times since the 16th century. One of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, Pacaya last erupted in 2014 causing ash to rain down on Guatemala City, Antigua and Escuintla.
“I found the hike to Pacaya’s crater exhilarating,” Gemma from Girls That Travel tells us. “I opted for an organised tour that departed early in the morning. The walk began in a lush cloud forest and allowed us to walk right to the crater to see the lava flow. Pacaya was brooding that day and I was lucky enough to see some pretty big fiery boulders hurtling down the side.”
The area near Pacaya is full of things to keep you busy during your trip. Naciones Unidas National Park is located on the outskirts of Guatemala City, overlooking Pacaya and Lake Amatitlán. As one of the capital’s last green spaces, it provides a unique area for visitors to explore and admire.
Volcán de Fuego, Guatemala
Volcán de Fuego, which is also in Guatemala, is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and it regularly produces ash plumes and lava. When an eruption occurs, ash clouds can reach heights exceeding 1km.
“I got to stand at the bottom of Volcán de Fuego and caught footage and photos of it smoking in our presence,” says Charlotte from Scarlet Slippers. “I went with my university for a field course for my final year of forensic science studies. My lecturer worked in the forensics department in Guatemala for more than 10 years, helping them to develop their anthropology system.”
Guatemala borders Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador in Central America. It boasts picturesque landscapes and many natural wonders including the emerald pools of Semuc Champney.
Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
Iceland is home to Eyjafjallajökull, a towering glacier-capped volcano that last erupted in 2010. The mountain is 5,417ft at its highest point and its crater is 3 to 4km in diameter. The volcano had been dormant for 180 years until activity in 2010.
Iceland boasts more than 130 active volcanoes and the alluring natural phenomena can be seen from almost anywhere. Adventures.com says that Icelandic nature is unique and since the island is so small, you can experience a lot in a short time frame.
A northern lights cruise will take you to Iceland where you can see Eyjafjallajökull as well as a possible glimpse at the aurora Borealis. The city of Reykjavík is a popular place for visitors to try and see the glowing lights blazed in an otherwise silent sky.
Mount Etna, Sicily
Sicily is home to Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna. Standing tall at 10,912ft, it is the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps. Italy is known for being a volcanically active country, three of its volcanoes, Mount Etna, Stromboli and Mount Vesuvius, have erupted in the last 100 years. Mount Etna lies on the east coast of the Italian island of Sicily and has experienced frequent eruptions over the last 2,700 years. The eruptions over the years have meant that the mineral-rich soil provides an ideal place for orchards and vineyards to thrive on the lower slopes.
“We went up Mount Etna on a perfect April day,” Izzy and Phil from The Gap Decaders tell us. “We hiked above the clouds and looked with awe into the rumbling abyss of the main crater, which was spewing gas and sparks of magma, like an angry dragon. The terrain is fascinating; snow, ice, volcanic ash and, everywhere you look, clouds of sulphur gas and steam creep along the landscape, wrapping around your ankles and warming your feet.”
There are plenty of things to enjoy during a trip to Sicily, as well as marvelling at Mount Etna. Palermo is Sicily’s capital and has a unique character making it a great place to explore for first-timers to the island or more accustomed visitors. Its varied landscape offers something for everyone, with a range of cafes, restaurants, bars, theatres and museums to enjoy, you’re sure to have a packed itinerary.
Mount Teide, Tenerife
Mount Teide is an active volcano in Tenerife. The volcano majestically stands inside Teide National Park and visitors can enjoy a cable car ride during an excursion to Spain’s highest volcano, which at 12,200ft, is the third-highest volcanic structure in the world. The volcano last erupted during the early 1900s, so it certainly isn’t the most active volcano to admire but its imposing structure against the rocky backdrop of the park is undoubtedly impressive.
“The summit of Mount Teide can be seen from most places in the south of the island but up close and personal it is truly spectacular,” Keeley from Phat Cupcake explains.
The hot climates of the Canary Islands make it the perfect wine-growing location and Tenerife includes abundant microclimates, partially due to the altitude difference between Mount Teide and the sea level. Tenerife has 5 separate wine appellations and grapes grown on these islands create a variety of wines which complement sweet or savoury dishes.
