Guatemala's breathtaking beauty owes much to the
37 volcanoes standing over the country's rugged landscapes of fertile
farms, colonial towns and azure lakes. While most of these volcanoes
are dormant, the Pacaya, Fuego and Santiaguito Volcanoes are active,
providing a glimpse of nature's awesome subterranean power. Guatemala's
volcanoes are as diverse as the country itself and offer an unforgettable
challenge to the adventurous traveler. Many visitors will wish to
climb at least one volcano while in Guatemala; the ascent of any
one will be rewarded by a spectacular view. Pacaya (2550 m / 8366
ft): Is located to the southeast of Guatemala. For over 30 years
it has been expelling pyroclastic material, typical of a strombolian
eruption.
Agua (3766 m / 12,352 ft)
It's the one of the most perfect conical-shaped volcanoes and the
fifth in height of all Guatemala. A climb up to this volcano is
recommended for spectacular views of Antigua Guatemala and the pacific
coast far below to the south. The winding trails to the summit of
this volcano offer hundreds of picture perfect scenes for the avid
photographer. The hiking time is about 5 hours from the village
of Santa Maria de Jesus.
Fuego (3763 m / 12343 ft)
Constantly spewing small ash clouds, this monstrous volcano's last
major eruption occurred in 1974. Fuego's eruptions are vertical
explosions from its summit crater. No lateral vents are well defined,
and no record of historic lateral vent activity exists. The eruptions
are usually including glowing avalanches which descend the barrancas
surrounding the cone. The larger vertical explosions result in widespread
ash fall blankets. Larger eruptions lasts only hours, a shorter
period than smaller eruptions, which can continue for days. The
hike up its barren slope is grueling, and most visitors will be
content to admire Fuego's beauty from the safety of Antigua's cobblestone
streets.
Acatenango (3976 m / 13041 ft)
The third volcano that watches over Antigua Guatemala is the third
highest volcano in Central America. Acatenango is Fuego's dormant
twin. It was active in 1,924 but up to date it is quiet. It has
two summits; the north summit is named Yepocapa. A hike to the top
takes about 6 hours. Acatenango can be climbed all the year, but
the best months are from late November to early April. From the
summit you can see other volcanoes like Agua, Fuego, and Pacaya
and far in the horizon other volcanoes from the highlands.
Atitlán (3537 m / 11,601 ft)
This is the tallest of the three volcanoes dominating the Lake Atitlán
which summit takes about 8 hours to reach. The reward is a breathtaking
view of the world's most beautiful lake and Guatemala's Pacific
coast. Its last eruption occurred in 1853. Along with its beautiful
views it also offers great vegetation and wild life.
San Pedro (3505 m / 11,496 ft)
This is perhaps the most frequently photographed of all Guatemala's
volcanoes. San Pedro's beautiful cone seems to rise from the waters
of Lake Atitlán. The hike to the top takes about 6 hours
and views are limited due to vegetation on the summit. Horseback
ridings on the slopes of this volcano are some of the popular activities
for the tourists visiting Lake Atitlán.
Tolimán (3158 m / 10358 ft)
The hike to this volcano is about four hours from the village of
San Lucas Tolimán in Lake Atitlán. The town is named
after the volcano on whose slope it resides. Its name comes from
"tol," the wild vegetation that grows on the lakeshore
and that serves as raw material for the production of many products
and utensils that are used in the daily lives of the local Mayans.
Tolimán is also one of the three volcanoes that give incredible
views to the picturesque lake.
Santa Maria (3772 m / 12,372 ft)
One of Guatemala's most beautiful volcanoes, Santa Maria towers
over the city of Quetzaltenango. Prior to 1902, Santa Maria volcano
was inactive for at least 500 to several thousand years erupted
violently following series of earthquakes. Following almost 20 years
of repose, a volcanic lava dome began forming within the 1902 crater
This new dome, located on the south west side of Santa Maria, was
called Santiaguito which has been continuously active since its
inception. The hike to the top takes about 4 hours. Camping on the
summit is recommended to witness a spectacular night-time lava show
from Santiaguito Volcano below.
Santiaguito (2500 m / 8200 ft)
This is considered the most dangerous volcano in Central America
and one of the 15 most dangerous in the world due to its constant,
frequently violent eruptions. Fortunately, Santiaguito can be viewed
from a safe distance and at a unique vantage-from above! This youthful
74year-old volcano first erupted on Volcán Santa Maria's
southern flak in 1922. Red-hot lava spurts hundreds of meters into
the air and flows in rivers down the volcano's side.
Cerro Quemado (3197 m / 10,486 ft)
Cerro Quemado is an exogenous dome complex that last erupted in
1818. It's location at the edge of Quezaltenango, Guatemala's second
largest city makes it a prime volcanic hazard, however, and the
prehistoric record shows that Quezaltenango was the site of devastation
1200 years ago. Cerro Quemado is a popular day hike from Quetzaltenango;
this volcano offers fields of broken lava and steam vents.
Zunil (3542 m / 11,618 ft)
One of the least visited volcanoes in Guatemala, even though it's
really accessible. This is a very ancient volcano even when it is
hard to tell if it is a volcano or a mountain. According to Guatemalans
it is considered a volcano because of its sportive importance. This
impressive volcano has a really breathtaking view of the Guatemala's
volcano chain. On the slopes of this volcano there are several hot
springs such as Fuentes Georginas which is a great place to rest
after an exhausting hike. Zunil is joined to other volcano called
Santo Tomás. Its deep rainforest is the home of a lot of
birds and animals.
Chicabal (2900 m / 9,512 ft)
In the craters of two of Guatemala's volcanoes are found emerald
lakes. One of these, Chicabal is a sacred place of worship for the
Maya people who live nearby. Chicabal's summit is perhaps the most
magical of all Guatemala's mystical scenery. The crater lake can
be reached in about two hours from the village of San Martín
near Quetzaltenango. Clouds and mist float down the forested sides
of the crater and across the lake creating an ever-changing panorama,
completely obscured one minute and perfectly clear the next. An
unusual celebration occurs at Chicabal every year on the Thursday
forty days after Easter. Villagers carry armloads of flowers up
to the lake and construct altars, some floating in the water, to
the accompaniment of traditional music played by elderly men on
wooden flutes and drums. There is another crater lake to the east
of Guatemala, Ipala Volcano, which can be reached in an easy two-hour
hike.
Tacaná (4093 m / 13425 ft)
Located in the Mexican border, Tacaná is the second highest
point in Central America. It has no record of eruptive activity
in historic time but it does exhibit bursts of fumaroles activity,
and preceded by a considerable increase in seismic activity. The
hike to this volcano provides a challenging hike to Mexican and
Guatemala mountaineers alike. It is a tough climb at least 10 hours
to reach the summit.
Tajumulco (4220 m / 13,842 ft)
This is the tallest volcano in Central America, in the western department
of San Marcos. A climb to the summit of this magnificent volcano
takes the traveler through a fairy tale landscape of sheep-herding
peasants and pine glades but the hike to the top, which begins at
a high altitude, is relatively easy. Tajumulco is one of two places
in Mesoamerica where the nearly-extinct horned guan survives.
