Amazing volcanoes to hike

21.03.2022.

There are around 1500 volcanoes in the world, some are active but some are dormant. Dangerous and breathtking- volcanoes give an adventurous feeling. Though I imagined volcanoes to be the rare thing on the Earth, the Mother Nature seeks to surpise. Kilauea on Hawaii is the most active volcano on Earth. The surprising fact is that even Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive stratovolcano.

Let’s dive deeper into the topic and get to know some of the most amazing volcanoes to hike. That’s why I collaborated with around 20 bloggers in this exquisite post.

Let’s start with the most famous one in Europe:

Volcanoes in Europe:

Etna, Siciliy contributed by Caroline from Veggie Way Farer

Mount Etna is located on the island of Sicily, and is a far from dormant Vulcano although the last major eruption dates back to 1992. There are various options to reach the summit, the most popular one being to take the cable car from the Rifugio Sapienza followed by a bus tour to Torre Del Filosofo, which marks the beginning of the hike to the top of Mount Etna this however will cost €60.

The second option is to take the cable car up to Rifugio Sapienza and hike up to the summit, a 40-minute brisk walk will get you there. The third (free) option is to hike from the visitors center to Rifugio Sapienza (1.5h) followed by the summit hike (40 min). Whatever option you decide to choose ensure you are wearing the proper hiking gear and always pack a jacket (the summit tends to get very cold).

What to expect on the top

Weather permitting, the views you will get at the top will absolutely blow you away. Little Sicilian villages dotted around the inlets surrounded by sparkling waters in a dazzling array of blues. If you are lucky you might even be able to spot some of the little islands encircling Sicily.

Stromboli, Siciliy contributed by Emily Lush from Wander-Lush

One of three active volcanoes in Italy, Stromboli is both a volcanic mountain and an island. Its location in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of north-west Sicily is both picturesque and remote, making this one of the most exciting volcanoes to hike in Europe.

Stromboli – AKA the ‘lighthouse of the Mediterranean’ – is in a constant state of eruption, releasing plumes of smoke and even short bursts of lava throughout the day and night. The light show is visible from the other islands in the arc, which are all accessible from mainland Sicily via hydrofoil. But for an up-close look, one of the best things to do in the Aeolian Islands is summit Stromboli after day.

Hiking to Stromboli

Guided trekking expeditions depart from the island’s main town in the late afternoon and arrive at the top of the mountain in time for dusk. The hike takes around 5-6 hours in total and requires a medium level of fitness. Good walking shoes and safety gear is essential – if you don’t have your own, you can hire them from one of the small shops on the island.

Mount Vesuvius, Italy contribured by Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

Mount Vesuvius is one of the three active volcanoes in beautiful Italy. It’s a 17,000 years old volcano directly next to the city of Naples in Campania in the southwestern part of Italy.

Due to the fact that approximately three million people live right around the Vesuvius volcano, it is ranked as one of the most dangerous active volcanoes on planet earth.

As of today, Vesuvius is listed as a dormant volcano but it is still the second most active volcano in the world due to constant eruptions and earthquakes.

Nevertheless, in spite of the fact that Mount Vesuvius is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, it is also one of the most visited tourist attractions and one of the most stunning places in Italy.

Hiking to Mount Vesuvius

The best way to organize hiking Mount Vesuvius, in case you don’t have your own car, is through a travel agency in Naples.

The agency’s bus will take you to the entrance of theVesuvius National Park where the hike starts.

Once you hiked up to the crater, you can head to the main crater of Vesuvius situated at an altitude of 1,281 meters and walk around it. This breathtaking hike is very easy and suitable for people of all ages.

Puy de Dome, France contributed by Elisa from Travel France Bucket List

The Chaine des Puys is a series of 80 sleeping volcanoes located in Auvergne, in central France. Because of its geological importance and stunning beauty, the Chaine des Puys is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2018.

The Puy de Dome volcano (1,465m) is the highest summit, and it is a popular place to visit for a hiking day or just to admire the views. The Puy de Dome is also a place of worship since ancient times, and visitors can still see the remains of a Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to the God Mercury.

Clermont Ferrand is the closest city to the Puy de Dome. From there, it is possible to reach the area by car or by shuttle bus. Most of the hikes start from the car park, and there’s also a small train which arrives at the summit.

Hiking to the summit

The hike up to the summit is not long (2 km, 45 min to 1 hour) but –  like most of the volcanos – is steep, so good sturdy shoes and trekking poles are highly recommended. The Chemin des Chèvres and the Sentier des Muletiers are the two most popular hikes.

Mount Teide, Tenerife contributed by Paulina from Paulina On The Road

Mount Teide is the third largest volcano in the world and looking at the scenic summit is what makes this volcano special. It is one of the most beautiful sights to enjoy in Tenerife.

There are a lot of activities that travelers would not like to miss at Mount Teide. One of them is Teide National Park because this volcanic area has a unique surrounding. It is even the tallest peak in Spain at 3,718 meters. The travelers can enjoy a drive around the area for a one-of-a-kind experience. Another must-have experience is witnessing the beauty of Mount Teide from a cable car.

Hiking & visiting the volcano

During the night, the travelers must witness the natural scenic views from Las Canadas del Teide, which is a unique place to stay. Before the sun sets, travelers must take a self-guided tour to the 7 viewpoints. There is interesting information about the relationship between this park and the planets. Do visit the Narices del Teide viewpoint for a jaw-dropping sunset.

It is an active volcano and you can take trail no. 10 for a hike.

Wondering how to visit Mount Teide? The best way is to get a cable car from the base station known as La Rambleta. 

VOLCANOES IN USA

Mount Rainier, Washington State contributed by Mary from Wanderu

Mount Rainier is an active volcano in the Cascade Range in Washington State. The glacier-topped mountain has an elevation of 14,411’, which means it can be seen from miles and miles away, and the peak is a stunning backdrop to any of the many trails available to hike.

Mount Rainier National Park offers over 260 miles of hiking trails, which is why it’s definitely one of the best vacation destinations in Washington State. Although summiting the volcano is a grueling, multi-day process that requires a permit secured months in advance, the shorter hikes offer just as much beauty for much less effort. 

Hiking the Mount Rainier

Try Nisqually Vista Trail for a short 1.2 mile loop; this family-friendly trail begins at the west end of the Paradise parking lot. Bench and Snow Lakes Trail is a longer 2.5-hour trek to see two gorgeous lakes and colorful meadow flowers in the summer. This trail includes several climbs and drops, so bring water and be prepared to get your steps in. To reach the trailhead, head to the Nisqually Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, continue east on Paradise-Longmire Road, and then bear right onto Steven Canyons Road.

Mount Haleakalā, Maui, Hawaii contributed by Candace from A Journey Inspired

Mount Haleakalā is a massive dormant shield volcano in Maui, Hawaii, with a summit at over 10,000 feet above sea level. Its stunning landscape is protected by Haleakalā National Park and is home to rare and endangered species. Many tourists flock to Haleakalā to view the sunrise/sunset, but the more adventurous of them stay to hike. 
The beauty of Mount Haleakalā is that it is full of as much adventure as you choose – you can hike for the day or make it a multi-day backpacking trip. The further you descend into the crater, the more life and color (in what seems to be a deserted land) you will discover. You may even spot the endangered Hawaiian Silverswords, one of the most rare plants in the world! 

What to wear & How to reach

Despite being on a warm Hawaiian island, expect this summit to be windy and colder, so wear layers including a waterproof windbreaker. Hiking boots are also required because the sand on this volcano literally slides under your feet and it is also very rocky. 
To get to this volcano, you will need to fly into Maui, and drive between around 2 hours from the airport. Some travellers opt to rest for the day somewhere en route, such as in Makawao, before driving up to the peak for sunrise, and completing their hiking after.

Santa Clara Volcano, Utah contributed by J.J. Haglund from The Minivan Bucket List

If hiking to the top of a volcano is on your bucket list, you may not have to travel as far as you thought. Southern Utah may be better known for red sandstone cliffs than black lava rocks, but if you pay close attention it’s actually more common than you’d expect.

In fact, just one hour away from Zion National Park near the town of St. George is the Santa Clara Volcano. It’s an inactive volcano that last erupted 27,000 years ago and formed not one but two cinder cones. The north cinder cone sits on private land and doesn’t have any marked trails but the south cinder cone features a 1.7 mile round trip trail.

Hiking the volcano

To hike it, just look for the Cinder Cone Trail just past the north entrance of Snow Canyon State Park. Once you hike to the top, you can circle the entire rim of the volcano and scope out epic views of the red and white sandstone cliffs of Snow Canyon. It’s one of Southern Utah’s hidden gems, so you’ll often have the trail to yourself – a big relief if you’ve been fighting the crowds at Zion. 

VOLCANOES IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

Pacaya in Guatemala contributed by James Ian from Travel Collecting

Volcán de Pacaya is an active volcano in Guatemala, close to Antigua and Guatemala City. The hike up the volcano is a popular half-day trip from Antigua, a popular tourist town. 

The hike is relatively easy, mostly past farmland and through jungle. It takes about 1.5 hours up a clear trail to the top. Locals also offer horse rides throughout the hike for weary hikers.  

Although the volcano is not the highest peak in Guatemala, it is a quintessential active volcano with plumes of smoke constantly billowing from the top. Near the summit is a lava field, which is the furthest most people go.

Hiking the volcano

With a guide to make sure you are safe, it’s possible to walk around part of the lava field. A trick that local guides have is to take some marshmallows with them. At the lava field, they find a spot where the lava is hot, and roast marshmallows from the heat of the lava. It’s a cool trick! 

Hikes further up the peak are possible at times, though this depends on how active the volcano is, and are much more challenging. Overnight trips are also possible. When the volcano is especially active, you can see the red glow of flowing lava near the top in the dark.  

Volcán Atitlán, Guatemala contributed by Dean and Laynni at Routinely Nomadic

Volcán Atitlán is one of three impressive volcanoes looming over its namesake, beautiful Lake Atitlán. This dormant volcano is the tallest of the three at 3,500 metres above sea level and enjoys the best views, with Volcán Tolimán and Volcán San Pedro in the immediate foreground, the stunning blue water of the crater lake in behind, all surrounded by steep hills and ridges.

However, the views don’t end there. On a clear day, at least 8 more volcanoes are wonderfully visible, including Acatenango, Pacaya, Agua and the extremely active Fuego near colonial Antigua. Off to the northwest, near Quetzaltenango (Xela), you can see Santa María, Zunil, Santo Tomas and Tajamulco, the tallest volcano in Central America. Just a stunning panorama.

Hiking the volcano

The hike itself starts at around 1,800 metres just outside the largest town on the lake, Santiago Atitlán. It is a very challenging hike with over 1,700 metres of elevation gain and a final hour that involves a fair bit of loose dirt and gravel. However, the views are well worth it. Most people can expect to take 3-4 hours going up and 2-3 hours coming back down.

Irazu Volcano, Costa Rica contributed by Sarah McArthur from Costa Rica Vibes

Irazu Volcano is located in the Cartago region of Costa Rica, just an hour from the main international airport of the country. This is the highest volcano in the country with a height of 11,260 feet (3,432 m). The Irazu Volcano is active, however there haven’t been any eruptions since 1994. 
The main crater is next to the parking lot and does not involve any hiking. After visiting the main crater, walk to the narrow road and hike up to the upper view point. This hike will take about 25 minutes. At the top, it is not unusual to be above the clouds. On a clear day it is possible to see the Turrialba Volcano erupting in the distance. 

How to reach

The best way to visit is by driving to the summit of the volcano and paying the $15 entry fee. Once inside the property all cars are directed to back into the parking spaces. This is to ensure that all visitors can evacuate quickly in the case of an eruption.
After visiting Irazu, check out Prusia Forest. It is part of the Irazu Volcano National Park (but you will need to drive there). This forest has several hiking trails including one through a dense pine forest. 

Chachani volcano, Peru contributed by Daniel James from Layer Culture

When looking for amazing volcanoes to hike in the world you can not hide from the fact Peru offers some of the best hikes. The impressive Chachani volcano near Arequipa stands at 6050m and is the tallest volcano that you can hike in the region.

There are many things to do in Arequipa that make it a hiker’s paradise, including organized hiking tours, which you will need to join to be able to hike to the dormant Chachani. The best tours are usually 2 days but you can even do a one-day tour where you start walking along some tricky trails towards base camp before you ascend and start to reach the snow line that encrusts the volcano’s peak.

Since the altitude is so high there, you will want to avoid altitude sickness by preparing well ahead of time. Many taking part in this hike choose to arrive in Arequipa for a short period first as a way to acclimatize.

Villarica volcano, Chile contributed by Joanna from The World In My Pocket

Villarica is one of the most impressive volcanos in Chile. It is located in the Lake District of Chile and it is an active volcano, with its last major eruption in 2015. The best place to base yourself in, if you want to hike Villarica, is the town of Pucon. Most of the people who travel to Pucon are here to climb Villarica, therefore there are many companies in town that will offer guided tours. You can only hike Villarica with a professional guide in a tour organised by an accredited company.

Hiking the volcano

It takes an entire day to hike Villarica and it is not easy at all. The peak of the volcano is covered in snow, so you will require special equipment to climb it, which is provided by the company you go with. Keep in mind that you will carry all the equipment. The first part of the hike is through ash and going up is quite difficult as the ground is not stable. Once you reach the snow, you will have to add crampons to your shoes, to continue. From here, the terrain becomes very steep, as you approach the crater. Once you reach the top, you will have to put a gas mask on, as the carbon dioxide concentration in the air is very high.

The fun part of hiking Villarica is actually going down. This is because you will slide down the snow, on a plastic sledge, until you reach the ash again. Hiking Villarica is a spectacular activity, and one of the most memorable things to do in Pucon.

Cerro Toco, Chile contributed by Marjut from The Smooth Escape travel blog

Cerro Toco is a dormant volcano in the eastern part of the Atacama Desert in Chile, just 6 kilometers from the border with Bolivia. It’s one of the most popular volcanoes to hike in the region due to its proximity to the town of San Pedro de Atacama, which is the main base for visitors wanting to explore the desert.

For those looking for an adventure, hiking Cerro Toco is definitely one of the best things to do in the Atacama Desert. As the summit of the volcano is at a whopping 5,600 meters, it is highly recommended that you do this high-altitude trek with an experienced guide. Not only do the guides know the best route to the top but they are also equipped with oxygen tanks and oximeters to ensure everyone’s safety.

Although it takes just 2 hours to get to the summit, the high altitude and thin air make this ascent quite challenging. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Andean Plateau and a stunning landscape that looks like it belongs to another planet. You can enjoy views of endless desert plains, the copper-colored Licancabur and Juriques volcanoes and the gorgeous Laguna Blanca salt lagoon.

Cotopaxi, Ecuador contributed by Carley from Home to Havana

Hiking to the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the most beautiful yet demanding hikes in Latin America, involving winter gear, ice picks, and crampons after an overnight at the refuge near the glacier line of this active volcano.

The easiest way to organize a trip if by planning to stay at the Secret Garden Cotopaxi – this lodge-style hotel is located in the heart of Cotopaxi National Park, and offers transportation every day from its sister Secret Garden location in Old Town Quito.

Hiking the volcano

Visitors can get up to a certain distance in a 4X4 vehicle, then hike up to the Jose Rivas Refuge before hiking the additional 45 minutes to the glacier line. Fun excursions offered by nearby tour companies rent bikes to bike down the volcano. Plenty of visitors hike to the refuge or glacier line – at this elevation, even making it this far is a feat!

For those looking to reach the top of the volcano, you’ll camp overnight at the Jose Rivas Refuge and wake up very early before the sun rises to start the trek to the summit. Guides try to time the hike so you’ll be able to arrive right as the sun rises over the valley.

AFRICA

Nyiragongo, Congo Republic contributed by De Wet & Jin from The Museum of Wander

Nyiragongo in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most awe-inspiring sights to behold in all of Africa. This active volcano inside Virunga National Park is home to the largest lava lake on earth. Seeing the bubbling lava waves bubbling and crashing is a once in a lifetime experience.

Hiking Nyiragongo is quite strenuous, as the path leading to the summit goes straight up the steep side of the volcano. Hikers must join a small group led by Virunga Park rangers. The rangers will pace the hike with a few much-needed breaks along the way. Expect to reach the summit in about seven hours.

There are a few basic shelters on the crater’s rim where visitors will spend the night. Sitting on the crater’s edge at night, surrounded by the red glow and listening to the crashing lava below is something that will stay with you forever.

Besides the challenge of the hike itself and the spectacular lava lake, hikers can look forward to some unique Afro-montane vegetation and camaraderie among your group of hikers, guides and porters.

INDONESIA & OCEANIA

Mount Yasur, Vanuatu- Oceania contributed by Eloise from My Favourite Escapes

Mount Yasur is an active volcano in Vanuatu, on Tanna Island. It is one of the main reasons why visitors come to this small island in the Pacific Ocean. It sits at only 361 metres above sea level, but visitors are not allowed to hike to the summit. Instead, 4WD transfers take tourists up the mount, and it is only a ten-minute walk to the edge of the crater. There are no fences up there, and the explosions and projectiles flying very close are impressive. Sensations are guaranteed.
Those who want to hike can explore the ash plain at the volcano’s base. It does not replace the experience near the crater, but it is an excellent way to admire Mount Yasur from a different angle. Mount Yasur regularly roars, making the ground and your body vibrate and reminding you how powerful Nature is. As you follow the small canyon shaped by the river, you will want to stop often. The black soil and the volcano’s smoke create a fascinating, unreal landscape you’ll rarely see.

How to reach Tanna Island

You can fly to Tanna Island from Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila. Then, you’ll need to book a 4WD ride to take you to the other side of the island to see Mount Yasur. You can stay in a village near the volcano for the night, or go back to town after the tour.

Mount Bromo, Indonesia contributed by David & Intan at The World Travel Guy

The Bromo volcano complex is one of the most spectacular sights in East Java, Indonesia. It’s a relatively short, but steep, hike to the top of the smoking Mount Bromo crater, where you get to look down into an active volcano and you can walk around the rim without any safety barriers. There are some other popular activities you can do here like jeep tours, horseback riding, or dirt biking. The Mount Bromo sunrise viewpoint is known for being especially beautiful, because you get to see a series of volcanoes (both extinct and active) lined up in the first rays of the morning sun.

How to reach

It’s possible to visit the Bromo mountain complex on an extended road trip from Bali (usually in combination with Kawah Ijen), or you can even visit Bromo as a 1 day trip from the nearby towns of Surabaya or Malang! Surabaya has its own international airport with cheap flights from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries.

Ijen, Indonesia contributed by Martina & Jürgen from PlacesofJuma

One of the most amazing volcanoes to hike is definitely the Ijen in Indonesia. Very special is that the hike leads out to the turquoise crater lake Kawah Ijen, which is considered to be the largest acid barrel on earth. Here sulfur is mined under the most difficult conditions

The hike starts right at the parking lot. Be careful, the temperatures can be very cool, especially in the morning. Weatherproof clothing and good hiking shoes are an advantage here! A well-maintained path of about 3 km length leads up to the crater. With some luck, you will start your tour with the sulfur workers.

At the top of the crater, visitors will enjoy an incredibly fascinating scenery. The crater lake is steaming and you will smell the stench of the toxic sulfur. Inside the crater, the workers fill up their bamboo baskets with up to 70 kg of sulfur chunks. After that, they carry down the sulfur to the valley. It is unbelievable what conditions these people are exposed daily!

Tip: It is also possible to hike at night to see the famous blue flames. In addition, you then also have the opportunity to experience the sunrise at the crater rim.

Mount Batur, Bali- Indonesia contributed by myself

Mount Batur at Bali is an active volcano and a popular sunrise spot for hikers at Bali. The last eruption happened in 2000. The hiking tours are pretty popular in Ubud taking 1,5 h to reach the starting point. This has been my first night hike starting at 2h from Ubud with the breakfast included. We had banana pancakes for breakfast in the local mountain hut where we started our journey in this UNESCO Global Geopark.

The volcano overlooks the Mount and Lake Batur at its 1717m offering the fascinating views. The hike is an easy one taking two hours but the challenging part are the rocks that twist the leg.

Many tours start at the same time at 4h and having an official tour guide is recommended. We had two guides in our group.

The weather on the top is pretty cold and we can even see some monkeys on the surrounding point. There are two ways to reach the volcano so it’s a round hike. This is a great way to experience Bali, the tours are running all over the island but mostly from Ubud.

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