There is quite a long list of impressive volcanoes for volcano lovers. Their activity status ranges from years of dormancy to actively erupting daily. Some might be too dangerous to see, while some are safe for tourists, but one thing's for sure, they are all alluring in their ways. What sets volcano hiking different from ►
There is quite a long list of impressive volcanoes for volcano lovers. Their activity status ranges from years of dormancy to actively erupting daily. Some might be too dangerous to see, while some are safe for tourists, but one thing's for sure, they are all alluring in their ways. What sets volcano hiking different from typical mountain hiking is the number of geothermal activities it offers, apart from the priceless feeling of reaching the summit after hours of intense hiking and witnessing its beauty closely.
Never put your guard down when visiting the deceitful Sakurajima in Kyushu, Japan. The 3,665 feet-tall volcano may look safe and tamed, but it is one of the world's most active. Although it aggressively emits smoke and ashes daily, the last recorded eruption of Sakurajima was in 2018. Visitors and those wishing to see the volcano up close are advised to stay at least 2 kilometers away to prevent possible harm. The Kelimutu Volcano in Flores Island, Indonesia, on the other hand, will leave you stunned because of its peculiar formation. At 5,377 feet high, the volcano has three cones, a distinct feature from other volcanoes. And instead of smoke, ashes, and lava, Kelimutu looks like three bowls of the lake that change their color depending on its volcanic activity. It last erupted in 1968, and speculations are going around that its next eruption might cause the lakes to change their appearance or, worse, be gone. Another distinctly rare volcano on the list is the Philippine's Mayon Volcano. It is widely known for its perfect cone shape, making it every photographer's dream. Its geometrically perfect form is even prettier to the eyes when no clouds hug its body, so check the weather forecast and visit during a sunny day to get a glimpse of its natural beauty. It usually pushes locals to evacuate the place when it is very active. Myths and legends about Mayon's existence are passed down from generation to generation.
Another beautiful but dangerous volcano found in Asia is Indonesia's Mount Merapi. Nothing stops visitors from basking in a volcano's beauty, no matter how risky it might be, and people who visit and have visited Mount Merapi are living proof of that. The volcano might be officially closed to tourists because of the government's fear of repeating the 2010 incident when the volcano's eruption killed thousands of locals that lived on its base. But its beauty remains irresistible for most people. The majestic stratovolcano can be toured by booking a paid jeep tour. If you enjoy trekking and climbing, you may also do, but with safety precautions. The 9,550 feet tall Merapi's last eruption was in 2020.
Now, we move forward in exploring Europe's wonders. The 12,198 feet-tall Mount Teide of Spain was officially announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. If you wish to look at its beauty without sweat, a cable car would be available for you, but you may also reach the peak through hiking. It last erupted in 1909 and is still active but considered safe for tourists. The giant and most active volcano in Europe is Italy's Mount Etna, which stands tall at 10,922 feet. It last erupted in 2017 and has been seen as dangerous ever since. It is primarily pretty when it explodes, with its lava and smoke that look like fireworks. You may also witness its stunning beauty by riding a cable car. Many hikers love its landscape perfect for adventure, and it also offers ski resorts. It might get cold due to the high altitude, so wear appropriate clothes. Another stunning volcano found in Italy is Mount Vesuvius, widely known for covering Pompeii in ash and taking thousands of lives. The incident caused experts to be constantly wary of its activities. It stands tall at 4,202 feet and is one of the volcanoes that form the Campanian volcanic arc. The Eyjafjallajökull volcano is the perfect destination if you enjoy a cold climate. It is hot amidst the coldness of Iceland. It is not hot enough to melt the layers of ice covering it. It erupted last 2010, and though it looks tamed, it previously caused international flight disruptions that left hundreds of passengers stranded for days. It is suitable for hikers since you can book a tour and a professional driver if you wish to reach the volcano's summit. The volcano is 5,417 feet tall in Suðurland, Iceland.
In Congo's Virunga National Park, you will find the rare Mount Nyiragongo. It is known for having one of the largest lava lakes in the world. The volcano has always attracted tourists for its unusual beauty, 11,000-foot height, and lava lake in its crater. Visitors can bask in the lava lake's beauty, but experts still monitor it for future threatening volcanic activities. It last erupted in 2002, which resulted in the death of 147 people.
Two of the five volcanoes forming the island of Hawaii are the Mauna Loa and the Kilauea Volcano. Elevated at 13,679 feet, the Mauna Loa is the taller and bigger sibling of the Kilauea, which stands at 4,091 feet. It is also steeper than its neighboring volcano, resulting in much faster lava flow during an eruption. On the other hand, Kilauea, which translates to "spewing" in Hawaiian, is distinct from other volcanoes due to its shape. Unlike the typical cone-shaped volcanoes we usually see, Kilauea is shaped like a shield that spews lava. It devastated 700 homes when it last erupted in 2018. One can find these two in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. For a multipurpose volcano tour, visit Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano. It is famous for its abundant biodiversity, outdoor and bird-watching activities, and the volcano's wonders. At the foot of the volcano, you will find the town of Tabaco, which was previously destroyed by an eruption. The city has since rebuilt itself by offering a hot spring spa to travelers. It's been dormant since 2010, with a height of 5400 feet. If you crave something new, visit New Zealand's Whakaari or White Island. The volcano is proud at 1,053 feet in the middle of the sea in the Bay of Plenty. You may ride a boat to witness its beauty, but you may also opt for a bird's eye view for a more unforgettable experience through a helicopter.
◄
