Volcanoes

Volcanoes are great to look at, fun to climb, but they can be really scary when they erupt. Guatemala has four active volcanoes: Pacaya, Volcán de Fuego, Santiaguito and Tacaná. The nastiest event was back in 1902, when Santa María erupted, taking over 6,000 lives. It lasted 19 days and the ash reached a height of 28km. In 1922, a new volcanic vent formed in the enormous crater, and formed a new volcano, Santiaguito, which has been erupting ever since and now it is possible to climb to the summit of Santa María and look down the eruptions active in this volcano, a very unique experience. Since late 2006 Pacaya has been acting up, with increased lava flow and ash. But this volcano is special, in 2005 it was declared National Park and has become a tourist attraction. It is located 47.5 km south of Guatemala City, but you can arrive through Antigua Guatemala as well. One of the most recommended volcanoes, because of its easy rising and beautiful view. If you are lucky, you will get to see some lava really close and take some amazing pictures.