10. Popocatepetl Volcano, Mexico
At the last place in list of 10 most amazing volcanoes, we have Popocatepetl Volcano. Also known as El Popo, this is one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico, situated 70 km South-East of Mexico City. Its name in Nahuatl translates to Smoking Mountain. The mount witnesses periodic eruptions, of which the most recent was in 2013. The peak is part of a national park. The visitors’ attraction includes the 16th century monasteries built by the Spanish monks on the slopes of the Volcano, which are now a World Heritage Site. The best season to visit is from December to March.
9. Krakatoa, Indonesia
One of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Karakatoa is part of the Ujung Kulon national park. Its 1883 eruption was one of the most violent in the Volcanic history, destroying an entire island and forming new ones. Around 35,000 people were killed in the explosion and subsequent Tsunami. The new island, formed in 1930, is called Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatoa). It is a popular tourist attraction. Boat trips and fishing in the lagoons are favoured activities. The coastal reefs and rain-forests are home to organisms of many species.
8. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
At an elevation of 5895 meters, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain as well as the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. The dormant volcano, with its three distinct cones, is a subject of reverence of the local Wachagga people. Kilimanjaro is one of the easiest mountains to climb, despite its elevation. It attracts around 20,000 climbers every year. The Kilimanjaro national park, lying on the lower slopes of the mountain, is rich in biodiversity and home to various species of animals.
7. Mt. Bromo, Indonesia
A part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Mount Bromo is one of the most popular volcanoes in South East Asia. Named after the Hindu god Brahma, it has immense cultural importance as well. The locality is inhabited by Tenggerese people who, during the festival of Yadnya Kasada, ascend the volcano and throw vegetables and fruit, sometimes livestock, into the caldera to appease the gods. Watching the sunrise from the mountain is a popular activity. There are horseback riding and trekking opportunities. It is an active volcano, and visits are sometimes limited.
6. Mt. St. Helens, USA
Notorious for its 1980 eruption that cost 57 lives and flattened an area of 600 sq kilometers around it, Mt. St. Helens is one of the most active volcanoes in the US. The volcano and surrounding places are now preserved as part of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The visitors are allowed to go as near as 6.4 kilometers to the crater. The Visitor Center, established in 1987 and Johnston Ridge Observatory, established in 1997, located not far away, have rich cultural and geological information regarding the volcano.
5. Thrihnukagigur, Iceland
Located 21 kilometers away from Reykjavik, this volcano has been dormant for about 4000 years and is not likely to be active in near future. The most impressive feature about Thrihnukagigur is that it is the only volcano in the world which can be explored on the inside. There are facilities to step down the 120 meter deep primary cater. The name of the volcano translates to Three Peaks Crater. It is now protected as part of the Bláfjöll Country Park. The best period to visit is from June to August.
4. Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Arenal is an active volcano with frequent occurrence of lava bursts. Its last eruption was in 1968, almost destroying the town of Tabacon. It is an ideal destination to watch the lava flow. The volcano is surrounded by the Arenal Volcano National Park. Besides enjoying the flora and fauna, the tourists can enjoy various activities like trekking, rafting, swimming and mountain bike riding. Taking bath in the numerous hot springs in the park is also a favourite activity among the tourists.
3. Mt. Etna, Italy
Located in the heart of the island of Sicily, this active volcano is constantly spitting ash and lava. It is the home of mythological creature Cyclops. The snow-covered peak and the craters numbering around 400 present unforgettable views. With an elevation of 3,329 meters, it is one of the tallest peaks in Europe. Apart from climbing, there are jeep tours and cable car service for tourists. The best season to visit is from April to November. It has been included UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
2. Mt. Fuji, Japan
Lying 100 km North-East to Tokyo, Mount Fuji is one of the cultural symbols of Japan. It has an important place in the history and culture of the country and it alone makes the mount an attraction to the visitors. The scenic beauty of the snow-capped peak and the five surrounding lakes is an equally attractive factor as well. Fuji is an active strato-volcano, the last eruption being in 1707, and also the tallest peak in Japan. It is now a part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and attracts around 3, 00,000 climbers an year. The best season is from June to August. From a historical perspective, there are many old shrines as well, as the remains of an ancient culture.
1. Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
Situated in the Bay of Naples, Vesuvius is mostly known for its eruption in 79 AD that erased the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. It is the only active volcano in the continental Europe and last erupted in 1944. The surrounding area is the most densely populated volcanic region in the world. The volcano is now a part of Vesuvius National park. Vesuvius has a significant role in the mythology and local culture. It is a perfect place to experience the volcanic power, and you can see the fuming crater. The ruins of Pompeii and the lava sediments and the beautiful view of the Bay of Naples are features enough to attract the visitors. Vesuvius undoubtedly occupies the top position in the list of 10 Amazing volcanoes to visit.
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