Jazmin Li
Guatemala is home to a chain of volcanoes, with 37 recognised volcanoes and three currently active. One of the most famous is the Pacaya volcano, located 25km south of Guatemala City. In 2010, an eruption of Pacaya shut down La Aurora International Airport, which serves Guatemala City and is located 25km from the colonial town of Antigua. Today, visitors can hike up Pacaya to witness its frequent lava flows. Another volcano that can be seen from Guatemala is the Volcán de Fuego, which is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. For a closer view of Fuego's eruptions, many visitors opt to hike up the neighbouring Acatenango volcano.
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What You'll Learn
Guatemala's Pacaya Volcano is 25 miles south of Guatemala City
Guatemala is crossed by a large chain of volcanoes, with around 300 volcanic structures between Mexico to its north and Honduras and Salvador to its south. Of these, 37 are recognised as volcanoes, with three of them currently active. One of these is Pacaya, which is located about 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of Guatemala City. Standing at 2,552 metres (8,373 feet) tall, Pacaya has been continuously active since the 1960s, although it hadn't showered rocks and ash since 1998 until its eruption in 2010.
Pacaya is one of Guatemala's most famous volcanoes, known for its accessibility and frequent lava flows. The volcano is a popular destination for tourists seeking an up-close volcanic experience. Hiking Pacaya is relatively easy compared to other Guatemalan volcanoes, making it suitable for families and casual hikers. The trek takes about two hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. On clear days, visitors can even roast marshmallows over hot volcanic rocks.
In 2010, Pacaya erupted, raining thick ash and small rocks on Guatemala's capital city. The eruption killed at least one person, forced hundreds of families to evacuate, and shut the international airport. Guatemala's Prensa Libre daily reported three dead, but police could not confirm the report. The eruption coated the streets in a layer of gritty black sand, with store owners and residents hosing down their driveways and shovelling heaps of ash and rubble off rooftops and sidewalks.
Pacaya is close to the colonial town of Antigua, where some of Guatemala's highest-quality coffee is grown. It is also near farms, and Guatemala's coffee producers' association has said that the rainy weather after the eruption could help clean ash-covered coffee trees.
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The 2010 eruption killed one and shut Guatemala City's airport
Guatemala is home to a chain of volcanoes, with over 300 volcanic structures between Mexico to its north and Honduras and Salvador to its south. Three of these volcanoes are currently active, one of which is the Pacaya volcano, located about 25 miles (40 kilometres) south of Guatemala City. On May 27, 2010, the Pacaya volcano erupted, killing at least one person and blanketing nearby areas with layers of ash. The eruption sent columns of black ash and small rocks raining down on the capital, coating the streets in a layer of gritty black sand.
The 2010 eruption of the Pacaya volcano had a devastating impact on Guatemala City and its airport. The airport, located 25 kilometres from the volcano, was forced to close due to the hazardous conditions caused by the volcanic eruption. A thick layer of volcanic sand and ash covered the runways, making takeoffs and landings extremely dangerous. Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the region, was shut down for at least two days, with officials working to clear the runways and assess the situation. The closure caused significant disruptions to air travel, stranding passengers and impacting the country's aviation industry.
The eruption of the Pacaya volcano not only took a human toll but also had economic and social repercussions. The closure of the international airport affected tourism and business travel, isolating the country from international air traffic. The eruption also forced the evacuation of hundreds of families living near the volcano, with people seeking shelter in municipal buildings and churches. The volcanic ash and rocks caused damage to infrastructure, and residents had to clean their homes and businesses from the layers of ash and rubble. The eruption's impact was exacerbated by the subsequent formation of a sinkhole in Guatemala City, which collapsed a three-story factory and tragically took another life.
The Pacaya volcano's eruption and its aftermath highlighted the vulnerability of Guatemala City to volcanic disasters. The city's proximity to active volcanoes and its geological composition of volcanic deposits make it susceptible to volcanic hazards. The eruption also brought attention to the need for effective disaster management and response, as authorities worked to evacuate residents, clear debris, and address the infrastructure damage caused by the eruption. The closure of the airport and the disruption to air travel underscored the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters.
The 2010 eruption of the Pacaya volcano serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. The loss of life, the displacement of families, and the disruption to transportation and economic activities underscore the impact of volcanic eruptions on society. The event also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the Guatemalan people, as they worked together to recover from the disaster and rebuild their lives in the shadow of an active volcano. The eruption and its aftermath continue to shape the way Guatemala City prepares for and responds to volcanic hazards, striving to minimise the impact of future eruptions on its people and infrastructure.
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Fuego is one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes
Guatemala is crossed by a large chain of volcanoes, with around 300 volcanic structures between Mexico to its north and Honduras and Salvador to its south. Of these, 37 are recognised as volcanoes, and three are currently active. One of these is Fuego, which at 3,763 metres (12,346 feet) tall is one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes.
Fuego, which means "Volcano of Fire", is known for its frequent eruptions of lava and ash clouds, which can be seen from miles away. These eruptions are often described as spectacular, making Fuego a popular attraction for tourists and photographers. The volcano is also a draw for hikers, who attempt the challenging climb to the summit.
For those seeking an up-close experience of Fuego, many choose to hike up the neighbouring Acatenango volcano, which at 3,976 metres is the third-highest volcano in Guatemala. The challenging overnight hike to Acatenango's summit rewards adventurers with a once-in-a-lifetime view of Fuego's fiery eruptions against the night sky. The hike takes trekkers through lush coffee plantations and cloud forests, up to the otherworldly terrain near the peak.
While Fuego is one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, it can have breaks of one or two weeks during which its activity is limited. The last big eruption of Fuego took place in June 2018, when more than 10,000 people were evacuated as a precaution.
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Acatenango is a challenging hike that offers views of Fuego
Guatemala is crossed by a large chain of volcanoes, with around 300 volcanic structures between Mexico to its north and Honduras and Salvador to its south. Of these, 37 are recognised as volcanoes, three of which are active. One of these active volcanoes, Volcán de Fuego, is one of Guatemala's most active and can be seen from the Guatemalan airport.
Volcán de Fuego, meaning "Volcano of Fire", is located near the city of Antigua and stands at 3,763 meters (12,346 feet) tall. It is known for its frequent eruptions, which occur about every 15 to 30 minutes and can be seen from miles away. The eruptions are often accompanied by spectacular displays of lava and ash clouds, making it a popular attraction for tourists and photographers.
One of the best ways to experience Fuego is by hiking up the neighbouring Acatenango volcano. Acatenango is an inactive volcano that sits about 12 miles (20 km) from Antigua and offers a challenging hike that is still doable for anyone with a basic fitness level. The main path is never dangerous in terms of cliffs or drop-offs, but it is a gruelling workout, and hikers should be prepared to endure hot and sweaty conditions for most of the trek. It is important to note that altitude sickness is a risk, so it is recommended to stay in Antigua for a few days before the hike to get used to the altitude.
The Acatenango hike usually takes two days and includes an overnight stay in a tent at the base camp. The first day is the most challenging, with 1,400 meters of elevation to climb in about 4 to 6 hours. As hikers approach the base camp, they can hear the exploding eruptions of Fuego, which can also be witnessed from the base camp itself. From the base camp, there is the option to hike over to Volcan de Fuego and see the eruptions up close, an additional challenge that involves hiking down the steep and sandy slopes of Acatenango and then climbing up the side of Fuego to a viewing spot close to the active crater.
The second day of the Acatenango hike involves a pre-sunrise start to hike up to the summit of Acatenango to view the sunrise from the top. The sunrise from the summit is a spectacular sight, with a sea of clouds below and the peaks of neighbouring volcanoes, including Fuego, rising above. The descent from the summit back to the base camp takes about half an hour, and then it is another two to three hours to hike back down to the trailhead.
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Agua is a dormant volcano near Antigua, popular for hiking
Guatemala is crossed by a large chain of volcanoes, with around 300 volcanic structures between Mexico to its north, and Honduras and Salvador to the south. Of these, 37 are recognised as volcanoes, three of which are active and can be approached on foot.
One volcano that can be seen from the Guatemalan airport is Volcán Pacaya, which is about 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of Guatemala City. It stands at 2,552 meters (8,373 feet) tall and has been continuously active since the 1960s. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking an up-close volcanic experience.
Another volcano near the airport is Volcán de Agua, a dormant volcano near Antigua that is popular for hiking. Known as "Water Volcano", it stands at 3,760 meters (12,336 feet) tall and is easily recognisable by its symmetrical cone shape. It is a holocene stratovolcano that has not erupted in historic times (in the last 500 years). It is said to be sacred to the Mayas and was called Hunahpu, the name of one of the original deities in their secret text, the Popol Vuh.
The hike to the summit of Agua takes about four to six hours, with a challenging steep slope to climb from the Maya village of Santa Maria de Jesus. The total climbing time for a reasonably healthy person is about five hours. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, and it is recommended to notify INGUAT, the official Tourism Organization in Guatemala, before climbing. There is no fee to climb, but there is a park entrance fee of Q20 per person. It is also recommended to hire a guide, as crime has become a problem on the lower slopes of the volcano.
At the summit, there is a massive crater that includes a soccer field and a shelter. On clear days, hikers can even see the Pacific Coast. There are no restrictions to camping on the volcano, and many groups choose to camp inside the cone.
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Frequently asked questions
Guatemala's La Aurora International Airport is located 25km from Antigua Guatemala, and the Volcan Fuego is located 30km from Antigua. Therefore, it is likely that Volcan Fuego, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, can be seen from the airport.
Volcan Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America and is known for its frequent eruptions. The last big eruption was in June 2018.
Yes, the Acatenango volcano is located near Volcan Fuego, so it is likely that it can also be seen from the airport.
No, there are no volcanoes inside the Guatemalan airport. However, volcanic eruptions can cause the airport to shut down, as happened in 2010 when the Pacaya volcano erupted, coating the runways in ash and rocks.
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