Top 5: Volcanoes in Central America

Central America is an isthmus which joins North with South, and boasts some impressive geological features as a result. Volcanoes run the length of the continent and some even provide fantastic coast-to-coast views on clear days. Below are some of the top picks.

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Tajumulco, Guatemala

Located near the border with Mexico, the highest volcano in Central America comes in at 4,220 meters. Despite its daunting altitude it’s a fairly easy ascent, and one popular with tourists.

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Masaya, Nicaragua

This strange volcano is a caldera, a volcanic feature formed as land collapses after an eruption. It is the only volcano in the Western Hemisphere where you can drive right up to the rim, and is a popular stop on the tourist trail in Nicaragua with good reason.

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Acatenango, Guatemala

This 3,976-meter monster is a notoriously tough climb and involves spending a night camping near the summit. Although many report bitingly cold winds and uncomfortable conditions, it’s worth it for the sunrise views over the active Fuego volcano nearby.

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Concepcion, Nicaragua

Although Concepcion does not offer a particularly remarkable ascent, it forms one half of the volcanic island of Ometepe, in the middle of Lake Nicaragua. The view from the top takes in the neighboring Maderas volcano, Lake Nicaragua, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea on clear days.

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Poas, Costa Rica

A popular daytrip from the capital San Jose, 2,708-meter Poas is one of the largest and most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Visitors will be able to watch as geysers erupt from sulfurous pools and marvel at the coast-to-coast views on clear days.