Add a bit of explosive excitement to your next vacation with a trip to a volcano! Whether you choose to explore a smoldering, lava spewing active volcano or opt to check out a long extinct volcano there’s something here for everyone;
8. Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica – Arenal only started emitting lava in 1968 and has carried on ever since! There are some great hikes through the surrounding forest although the volcano itself is too dangerous to tackle. Some of the local lodges have stunning volcano views and check out Tabacon where you can swim in volcano-heated waters. If you’re staying in the capital San Jose then you can also explore two other volcanoes; Irazu and Poas.
7. Gunung Batur, Bali, Indonesia – Swap some Bali beach time for an energetic climb up the active Gunung Batur volcano, which if you make the effort to start early, promises stunning dawn views over the amazing landscape.
6. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – We couldn’t do a list of volcano destinations and not mention Kilimanjaro! The highest mountain within the African continent has been offering challenging (yet rewarding) climbs for years and the 5,895m (19,340ft) trek is achievable in about 7 days. Focus on the amazing views from the peak and let the guides, porters and cooks make your trip unforgettable.
5. Kilauea, Hawaii, USA – Hawaii is home to the world’s most active volcano; Kilauea, although it’s pretty rare to actually witness an explosive episode. Visitors are rewarded with close-up lava views which are beautiful at night. Hike around the area, watch the lava as it meets the sea and check out the 40 mile long tunnel which has been formed out of lava, but tread carefully; Kilauea is active don’t forget!
4. Vesuvius, Naples, Italy – Probably the most famous volcano which erupted big-time in AD79 completely destroying Pompeii and Herculaneum. Vesuvius is currently dormant and visitors can drive and walk to the summit and explore the Roman Empire ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
3. Kamchatka, Russia – In the far east of Russia, off the well-worn tourist trail, stands the Kamchatka Peninsula, which is one of Russia’s most amazing natural landscapes. The narrow strip of land that makes up the peninsular is actually home to more than 160 volcanoes including some 29 that are active! Travelers can swim in the thermal springs, go cross country skiing, witness snow in summer and spouting geysers as well as the odd earthquake and tsunami!
2. Cotopaxi, Quito, Ecuador – The highest volcano in the world lies in Ecuador and Cotopaxi stands at 19,400 feet high. Plumes of steam can be seen rising from the volcano although Cotopaxi hasn’t actually erupted for over 100 years. Grab your gear and set out for a challenging mountain climb.
1. Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland – OK so we still can’t pronounce it but we couldn’t leave Eyjafjallajökull off the list! This ash and lava spewing beast became infamous in spring 2010 when its giant ash clouds swept over the UK and much of Europe, grounding hundreds of flights and generally bringing mass disruption. Prior to this outburst, Eyjafjallajökull hadn’t erupted since 1823 – just bad timing I guess!
