9 Awesome Volcano Experiences

11/02/2016

What is it that fascinates us with volcanoes? Is it the danger, the lure of the unknown, the curiosity to witness some sort of volcanic activity with our own eyes? We all want to see that bubbling red lava, witness steaming magma encompass everything in its path as it flows into an ocean, or see Jeremy Clarkson drive a 4X4 up the side of a stratovolcano with the ground so hot the tyres simply melt – admit it – you couldn’t look away from the screen either!

When the movie Dante’s Peak was released, I was obsessed – not with Pierce Brosnan, but with the volcano. I desperately wanted to study volcanic activity and I wanted to know did skinny dippers really boil to death from swimming in thermal hot springs? Only one way to find out!

We know the fumes can be toxic, the sudden explosion of flying rocks unexpected and dangerous, not to mention those dreaded plume clouds potentially catastrophic to air travel. Even the disasters caused by volcanic activity intrigue us – take Pompeii for example. Volcanoes are the catalyst for some of the most spectacular regions in the world – look at the Galapagos Islands.

We wanted to share with you our top picks for volcano related activities – some extreme, others a little tamer. There is a volcano experience for everyone!

1. Climb a Volcano in Iceland

Scale Iceland’s most famous mountain, known as the ‘Gate to Hell.’ It is the second most active volcano on the island. Seismic testing needs to be checked prior to you beginning your climb as the volcano is still very active.

Offering stunning views from the summit as well as feeling the rumble of the mountains belly beneath your feet, this climb is sure to get the pulse pumping.

2. Heli Bungee into a Volcano, Pucon, Chile

If you thought the idea of bungee jumping out of a helicopter was for thrill seekers, now you can bungee from a helicopter into the mouth of a bubbling volcano. The helicopter will hover over the caldera whilst you bungee, coming within 22m of the molten lava.

3. Trek amongst Steam vents and Lava flows, Pacaya Volcano Antigua, Guatemala

This very active volcano in Guatemala sits only about an hour from the city of Antigua. It is not the walk itself that makes this an extreme trek. In fact, the hike up the slope is relatively easy compared to other volcanic treks. What makes this an unusual place to hike is the active steam vents and rivers of lava that run near the trail. Opt for a private guide to avoid the crowds and get further up the mountain than the casual day trippers are allowed to go.

Mountain biking Cotopaxi Volcano

4. Mountain bike down Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Cotopaxi National Park is high in altitude as well as being an abundant wildlife reserve surrounding the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi.

This arid landscape offers one of Ecuador’s best mountain biking experiences. Dirt and gravel roads, challenging mountains and open vast flat plains. On your trusty two wheels, cross through a unique paramo ecosystem whilst being surrounded by impressive volcanic scenery. Read more here.

5. Climb Mount Yasur Volcano, Tanna Island, Vanuatu

Perfect for those who want a dramatic volcano experience without the extensive hike to reach the summit. Mt Yasur is a fairly consistently active volcano with only a short 360m climb to the summit. The best time to summit is in the evenings when the colour, energy and vigour of its eruptions are most visible.

6. Volcano Board on Cerro Negro, Nicaragua

Heard of Ash Boarding? Think snow boarding, except you are shredding down the black ash on the side of a volcano! With your guide, you will do some shorter runs to get a feel for the landscape before ascending to the summit and making your way down to the base on your board.

7. Botos Laguna, Poass Volcano, Costa Rica

Considered by many to be one of the most breathtaking sites in the entire country, if you ever find yourself in Costa Rica, make sure you head to the Poass Volcano. With a 15 minute, not too difficult hike, you can be at the summit of one of Costa Rica’s largest and most active volcanoes. A sunrise hike is best to avoid the crowds and make the most of beautiful views of Botos Laguna, the sapphire lake in the centre of the crater.

8. Volcanoes of Kamchatka, Russia

Kamchatka in Russia is for the true volcano lover. The region is known as one of the most outstanding volcanic regions in the world offering a high density of active volcanoes and a variety of types. A combination of active volcanoes and glaciers form a landscape of great beauty. Surprisingly, this area is also rich in wildlife – home to the world’s largest known variety of salmonoid fish and exceptional concentrations of sea otter, brown bear and Stellar’s Sea Eagle.

9. ATV at Mayon Volcano, Legazpi, Philippines

Mayon is a stratovolcano known for its symmetrical triangular shape, and is one of the worlds most active volcanoes, having erupted 47 times in the past 400 years. Driving an ATV over the lava flows of an active volcano can be quite exciting! For the more adventurous, an overnight hike with a camping stop near the summit is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

10. Bonus experience! Swing at the End of the World, Banos, Ecuador

If the above suggestions don’t float your boat, why not read our blog on the Swing at the End of the World that swings over an active volcano – or does it…..?

 

Looking for more fantastic volcano experiences? Why not check out the Crooked Compass Travel App for more unique experiences!