Volcano Adventures in Central America
Once considered a gateway to hell, the Central America Volcanic Arc is now a playground for adrenaline junkies and volcano enthusiasts from around the world.
The mix of dormant and occasionally active volcanoes that make up the spine of the Central America isthmus is home to a diverse landscape that provides the perfect backdrop to a variety of volcano adventures. Whether you tackle several volcanoes on a single trip or take them on one by one, these five volcanoes in Central America are ready for adventurers to explore.
Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador
The Santa Ana Volcano, also known as Ilamatepec, is the highest volcano in El Salvador. Standing at 7,812 feet (2,380m) above sea level, it’s the third highest point in the country, located less than an hour from the capital city of San Salvador. Santa Ana’s crater is one of the largest in the world. An eruption in 2005 means that visitors can see the relatively fresh impact. Guided tours are available for a popular four-hour hike to the summit that offers stunning views of Lake Coatepeque and the Pacific Ocean.
Relaxing at Volcán Rincón de la Vieja in Costa Rica
Situated in a 54-sq-mile (140-sq-km) national park, the expansive Volcán Rincón de la Vieja, which translates to “old lady’s nook,” is an hour and a half from the town of Liberia. Although eruptions have temporarily closed off hikes to the 6,217ft (1,895m) summit, there are shorter hiking loops around the park and to other peaks such as Volcán Santa María, which measures 6,286 feet (1,916m). However, visitors may choose to relax instead of hiking; a collection of thermal springs, long thought to have healing properties, are spread throughout the park, with many requiring minimal hiking to access. Tours to the national park and hot springs are readily available from many Liberia-based companies.
Birdwatching at Barú Volcano in Panama
Barú Volcano is Panama’s highest peak at 11,398 feet (3,474m). Located in the Chiriqui highlands, the dormant volcano and its seven craters are a birdwatching paradise. Approximately 250 species of birds, including the elusive quetzal, thrive in Parque Nacional Volcán Barú. Two routes lead to the volcano’s summit: the path from Boquete is easier, though still strenuous, taking five to six hours from the park gate to the summit. The alternative route from the town of Volcán is designed for experienced mountaineers, taking 10 to 12 hours. A popular option for seasoned hikers is to start a guided ascent at night, arriving at dawn to enjoy stunning views at sunrise. Therefore, the dry season from January to April is the most favorable time to explore.
Volcano Surfing at Cerro Negro in Nicaragua
At just 160 years old, Cerro Negro is the youngest volcano in Central America. Standing at 2,388 feet (728m), this Nicaraguan volcano is located just outside of León and is one of the most active in the region. Nonetheless, this hasn’t deterred thrill-seekers from hopping on specially designed boards and surfing down its black gravel slopes. Volcano surfing (or volcano boarding) is exactly what it sounds like, trading out the ocean for ash-covered hills. This exhilarating activity combines joy with the thrill of adventure. Various local agencies offer tours that include both hiking and surfing the volcano, an experience that takes about 45 minutes to ascend and only minutes to descend.
Witnessing an Active Volcano in Guatemala
For those seeking a true volcano experience complete with fresh lava and smoking sulfur, Pacaya in Guatemala is an essential destination. Known as one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, its typical small eruptions of ash remain harmless to visitors. In fact, various hiking tours provide opportunities to roast marshmallows over the heat emanating from volcanic rock. Standing at 8,373 feet (2,552m) and located about a 1.5-hour drive from Antigua, the hike to the summit takes approximately two hours and rewards adventurers with views of Agua and Lago de Atitlán. If hiking isn’t appealing, visitors have the option to rent horses for a more leisurely ascent.
This article was originally published in May 2019.
