Guatemala Travel
Volcanoes

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Central America is the most volcanically active part of all the Americas, a chain of volcanoes that cause explosive havoc on a regular basis.

Guatemala is situated at the nexus of three tectonic plates so the country is particularly unstable. Thus regular earthquakes, such as those in 1773 that flattened Antigua, and further biggies in 1917 and 1976 that damaged Guatemala City. Disturbed tectonic plates also create volcanic eruptions, volcanoes and great, complex cave systems.

The most attractive results of all this activity are Lake Atitlan, which is a caldera - a collapsed volcanic cone [pictured above], and the ring of fire surrounding Antigua.

Climbing volcanoes is popular and yields spectacular views but guides are needed as some cones are ready to blow and others have occasional bandits cruising in search of rich, solitary tourists.

Some hiker's favourite climbs are: Agua and Pacaya near Antigua, San Pedro near Lake Atitlan and Santa Maria near Quetzaltenango. Pacaya and a part of Santa Maria [Santiaguito] are still active if you like a smoking gun...

Photo © Denzil Watson