With shooting flames and bursting lava, these volcanoes attract flocks of tourists from all over the world.
Volcanoes are awe-inspiring natural wonders standing on Earth’s façade from the bygone era. They aren’t just about dramatic displays, but connect us to what’s beyond Earth’s surface. Destructive to their very core and they are our planet’s most creative objects. There are several volcanoes, some of them are dormant, while many are active. Changing their shape and creating stunning landscapes around them with every eruption, volcanoes have an otherworldly beauty to them. Visiting an actual volcano is definitely on every adrenaline junkie’s bucket list. Just picture this: you’re standing on the top of a rumbling giant volcano, overlooking the molten glowing lava and as you peer into the crater you witness a scene that’s primal and not many have the heart to even think about it. Yet, you are living that moment. Think about the ultimate thrill it gives! You can reach them by hiking on designated trails and of course, when it comes to visiting an active volcano, safety is paramount. But if you’re up for the adventure of your lifetime, a hike to these majestic volcanoes is just what you need to take. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 10 active volcanoes that you can climb up to for a captivating experience! Each of the volcanoes is quite active with their volcanic activities and located in the Ring of Fire—a tectonic belt of seismic activity and volcanoes in the Pacific.
1. KAWAH IJEN, INDONESIA
Kawah Ijen, an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia is known for its stunning blue fire and beautiful scenery. It is also home to the world’s largest highly acidic lake, offering striking vistas. Hiking to the top of Kawah Ijen is definitely challenging and intriguing at the same time. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October.
Book Your Stay At– Ijen Resort and Villas – https://www.ijenresortandvillas.com/
Distance: Approximately an hour away.
2. MOUNT ETNA, ITALY
Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, is located on the island of Sicily. This volcano is one of the most frequently erupting volcanoes in the world and despite its high activity, it’s quite accessible to visitors. With guided excursions, you can see the lunar-like vistas, craters, and lava flows.
Book Your Stay At– Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel – https://www.belmond.com
Distance: Approximately an hour away.
3. COTOPAXI, ECUADOR
Cotopaxi is an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains. Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest, and most active volcanoes—it has erupted 87 times in recorded history. To reach this icy summit, hiring an accredited guide is advised to hike the tricky and slippery trails. The best time to visit this volcano is during the dry season—May and June.
Book Your Stay At- Hacienda San Agustin de Callo –https://www.incahacienda.com/
Distance: Approximately 50 minutes away.
4. SAKURAJIMA, JAPAN
Sakurajima is Japan’s most active volcano and the symbol of Kagoshima. This volcano smokes constantly and minor eruptions take place almost daily. You can visit this volcano that has three peaks—North Peak, Middle Peak and South Peak and watch this magnificent object from many observation points specifically made for tourists.
Book Your Stay At- Sheraton Kagoshima https://www.marriott.com
Distance: Approximately an hour away.
5. MOUNT SAINT HELENS, USA
Mount St. Helens located in the Cascade Range of Washington State is an 8,300-foot volcano that offers about 200 miles of hiking trail to the visitors. The scenic trail is replete with gorgeous waterfalls, lakes, canyons and some otherworldly caves.
Book Your Stay At– Great Wolf Lodge – https://www.greatwolf.com/
Distance: Approximately an hour away.
6. FAGRADALSFJALL, ICELAND
After being dormant for over 800 years, Fagradalsfjall erupted in the year 2021 and this went on for 6 months. The dramatic eruption of this volcano after so many years has made it the talking and visiting point for many travellers. You can visit this volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula and watch the molten lava rocks formation around it.
Book Your Stay At– Northern Lights Inn – https://www.nli.is/
Distance: Approximately an hour and half away.
7. KĪLAUEA, HAWAII
On the Big Islands of Hawaii, Kīlauea is one of the most active shield volcanoes globally. The youngest volcano in Hawaii, which is between 210,000 and 280,000 years old, is surrounded by stunning landscapes. When visiting this summit, you can add the Crater Rim Trail across the caldera (large depression formed when a volcano erupts and collapses) of Kīlauea, the Devastation Trail and the Sulphur Banks Trail to your bucket list.
Book Your Stay At-Volcano Village Lodge – https://volcanovillagelodge.com/
Distance: Approximately 13 minutes away.
8. VILLARRICA, CHILE
Villarrica is one of the only volcanoes in the world to have a lava lake inside its crater. One of the most active volcanoes of Chile, it is surrounded by a 2-km-wide caldera that formed around 3,500 years ago. The upper part of Villarrica is permanently covered by snow and has some 40 km² of glaciers. To hike this icy behemoth, you can hire an accredited guide.
Book Your Stay At– Hotel Antumalal– https://www.antumalal.com/
Distance: Approximately 40 minutes away.
9. VOLCÁN DE FUEGO, GUATEMALA
Volcán de Fuego is Central America’s most active volcano. It is notable for being consistently active at a low level, with minor eruptions of gas, ash, and lava every 15 to 20 minutes. Surrounded by the Guatemalan highlands, while visiting this volcano you can watch the red lava bubbling up from the crater and plumes of ashes shooting up into the sky.
Book Your Stay At– Finca San Cayetano – https://sancayetano.gt/
Distance: Approximately an hour away.
10. MASAYA, NICARAGUA
Masaya has the highest peak reaching nearly 2,000 feet above sea level and is situated 20 km south of the capital Managua. What makes this volcano special is that you can drive up to the crater in the evening and witness the glowing and bubbling depths of its lava lake from the front seat. During the day you can join a guided tour to explore the caldera furthermore.
Book Your Stay At– Hotel Amigo Nicaragua — https://hotelamigonicaragua.com/
Distance: Approximately 20 minutes away.
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