12 Spectacular Volcanic Destinations for Thrill Seekers
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Exhilarating, daring, magnificent, activity-filled, and instagrammable—there are many reasons to visit a volcanic destination. Other than exploring spectacular scenery, depending on which volcanic destination you go to, it can end up being an engaging history and science class—don’t we all love an immersive experience?
There are many spectacular volcanic destinations thrill seekers can visit and enjoy some adrenaline rush. Whether you are just looking for an opportunity to explore Earth’s dynamic nature or are simply into adventure, these spectacular volcanic destinations are gems you should add to your bucket list.
Mauna Loa, Hawaii, USA
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Hawaii is not only about pristine beaches and beautiful coastlines (well, those are irresistible stunners) but also home to some of the must-visit volcanoes. A good reason to visit Hawaii is to see the Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on earth in terms of volume and mass. This volcano has erupted 34 times since its first eruption in 1843.
Despite its massive height, summiting Mauna Loa is becoming a popular outdoor activity in Hawaii. Three different treks can be taken to summit Mauna Loa, but only the Observatory Trail allows you to do it in a day.
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Kilauea, Hawaii, USA
At an altitude of 4090 feet, Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It has been erupting periodically since 1983, the most recent being on September 16, 2023.
Despite being an active volcano, Kilauea is one of those mountains that is hiked throughout the year. Hiking on Kilauea gives unbeatable views of the Hawaiian Rainforest, and sometimes steam rises from the bottom of the crater. Although you can hike this volcano independently, hiring a professional tour guide will enhance your overall experience.
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Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy
Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and boasts an altitude of more than 11000 ft. This volcano has been erupting continuously since 1500 B.C. It has been recognized as the most active stratovolcano in the world and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is also the volcano to visit if you’re into history, geophysics, and the science of volcanoes in general; UNESCO recognizes it as one of the most closely studied and documented volcanoes in the world.
Although Mount Etna is an active volcano, climbing it is generally safe. To access the mountain, take a bus or drive from Catania’s railway station to Rifugo Sapienza. Then, take a cable car to the volcano’s station. Once you are there, your hike can begin.
There are more ways to explore Mount Etna, including walking around the vast nature surrounding it, helicopter rides, mountain biking, and quad-tours.
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Mount Bromo, Java, Indonesia
Standing at an altitude of 2329 meters, Mount Bromo is one of the active volcanoes in Indonesia. Since 1767, this mountain has spewed out more than 60 times. The most recent one was in October 2016 and is expected to erupt soon.
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, home to Mount Bromo, monitors the volcanic activities and closes down in case of any to protect tourists from incidents. However, when the park is open, you can visit this volcano, enjoy the scenic beauty of nature, and interact with the ancient Javanese culture. Just be sure to check well in advance.
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Mount Vesuvius, Italy
If you’re looking for a day trip from Naples, a good one would be Mount Vesuvius; they are just 9 km apart. It is famous for erupting and burying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. Although Mount Vesuvius erupted several times during the 18th and 19th centuries, it has not spewed out since March 1944.
The beauty of this volcano is that it is easy to climb. Within 30 to 40 minutes, you can reach this mountain’s summit since the path to follow is well-marked and maintained. The best time to hike Mount Vesuvius is in the fall or spring, as the weather is mostly mild and the crowds are relatively small.
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Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano stands at 1657 meters above sea level and is located in Arenal Volcano National Park’s rainforest landscape. Although it has not erupted since 2010, hearing some rumbles and seeing smoke and puffs when you visit is possible.
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While you cannot summit this volcano, several trails within Arenal Volcano National Park can take your adventurous spirit to a different level. Luckily, most of these trails are flat and short, which makes them ideal for beginners. Take the Coladas de Lava trail for unbeatable mountain views and surroundings.
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Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, and for good reason: its cultural significance and beauty are unbeatable. Although this mountain erupted more than 300 years ago, geologists warn that it might do so again any time soon.
Since it is a famous landmark, you can expect its trails to be crowded when you visit. Besides hiking, you can go boating in the nearby lakes, just marvel at the snow-capped peaks, or see the charming villages surrounding the mountain.
In addition to Mount Fuji’s stunning beauty, you will love that it is only 2.5 hours from Tokyo. On a clear day, you can spot the peaks of the mountains from major cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, and Hakone.
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Mount St. Helens, Washington, USA
Standing at approximately 8,500 feet (2,500 meters), Mount St. Helens is the most active volcano in the continental United States. The last time it erupted was in 2008, but geologists believe it is recharging, which means it might erupt anytime soon.
Summiting Mount St. Helens is challenging due to its steep and rugged terrain. It takes 7-12 hours to get to the top if you are an avid climber. For the best experience, hire a guide to explore the vast terrains and features of Mount St. Helens; you do not want to miss any essential highlights.
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Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala
Your trip to Guatemala is never complete without hiking in the Pacaya Volcano. The mountain had been dormant for centuries, but it recently regained its glory as one of the most active volcanoes in the country. The recent activity allows tourists to witness lava flows, spewing ashes, and smoking craters up close.
For safety reasons, the park requires a guide to lead the hike. Some highlights of hiking Pacaya include marshmallows roasting above the volcanic heat vents, trekking over dried lava flows, catching views of dense forests and terraced farmlands, and spa treatments to soothe tired muscles.
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Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland
Iceland is known for its otherworldly features, and Eyjafjallajokull will blow your mind away.
Despite offering breathtaking views, hiking Eyjafjallajokull’s 5,500-feet (1,700-meter) summit alone has been marked as dangerous for beginners; you need to book a tour guide for the entire trek. If you are not keen on summiting this volcano, consider taking the Fimmvörðuháls trail. The 15-mile-long trail is ideal for hikers of all skill levels and will treat you to amazing views of lava fields, rivers, waterfalls, and so much more.
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Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level. Exploring Kilimanjaro is not just about its iconic status but also its rich ecological biodiversity. As hikers ascend the mountain, they are treated to different zone changes, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows to glaciated peaks.
To summit Mount Kilimanjaro, you can take several routes, including Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai(widely considered the easiest route), and the Northern Circuit. Each route has different difficulty, scenery, and length.
Generally, hiking to the top takes 5 to 9 days, and climbers are advised to undergo altitude acclimatization before attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. Luckily, many guided trips offer altitude acclimatization days before the journey’s onset to help climbers adapt to the sharp altitude changes.
While the climbing can be challenging, the views from Uhuru Peak (the highest of Kilimanjaro’s peaks) are worth it.
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Mount Rainier, Washington, USA
Mount Rainier is a stratovolcano at 14,411 feet (4,392 meters) above sea level. It is known for its massive glaciers, old-growth forests, diverse wildlife, and alpine meadows.
If you want to summit Mount Rainier, you can choose from various climbing routes, but the most popular include Disappointment Cleaver, Emmons-Winthrop, and Kautz Glacier routes.
Beware: Many routes may require technical climbing skills, such as rope management, ice climbing, and glacier travel. However, even if you are not a skilled climber, you can still have unique experiences, catching views from the base and exploring the rest of Mount Rainier National Park.
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