Santa María Volcano

#2 among destinations in Guatemala

Nature, Natural attraction, Top attraction, Volcano

Gallery (8)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / Public Domain / VolcanSantaMaria03.JPG / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Simon Burchell / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / DavidMPyle / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dyanega / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / NASA / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / USGS geologist Jeff Marso / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Atticusshrugged / URL

Facts and practical information

Santa María Volcano, towering over the Western Highlands of Guatemala, is a prominent and potent symbol of the raw power of nature. This stratovolcano, reaching an altitude of 3,772 meters, is not just a stunning spectacle but also one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. Its most catastrophic eruption in recorded history occurred in 1902 and is considered one of the three largest eruptions of the 20th century.

The volcano's presence has a significant impact on the surrounding landscapes and communities. It is known for its regular ash emissions and pyroclastic flows, which are closely monitored by local authorities. Despite the potential danger, Santa María Volcano is a popular destination for both tourists and scientists. The challenging hike to the summit rewards intrepid adventurers with breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic chain and the opportunity to observe the active Santiaguito lava dome at close quarters.

Santa María Volcano is not only a natural wonder but also a testament to the resilience of the local populations, who have adapted to living in the shadow of such a powerful force. The area around the volcano is rich in biodiversity, adding ecological importance to its geological significance. As a result, this majestic volcano continues to captivate the imagination of all who witness its towering peak and the raw beauty of its eruptions.

Local name: Volcán Santa María Elevation: 12375 ftCoordinates: 14°45'26"N, 91°33'8"W

Location

QuezaltenangoGuatemala

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Day trips

Santa María Volcano – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Holy Spirit Cathedral, Teatro Roma, Zunil, Volcán Santo Tomás.

5.8 miNE
Church
Holy Spirit Cathedral, Quetzaltenango
147 min walk • The Holy Spirit Cathedral also called Quetzaltenango Cathedral, is a Catholic church in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. It was founded by the conquistadors, shortly after having defeated the legendary local hero Tecun Uman.
6 miN
Concerts and shows, Theater
Teatro Roma, Quetzaltenango
154 min walk • The Quetzaltenango Municipal Theatre, known as the Teatro Municipal is a theatre in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. The historical building still hosts theatrical presentations and is also noted for its jazz performances which attract many visitors to the theatre.
4.9 miE
Area
Zunil, Quetzaltenango
126 min walk • Zunil is a town and municipality in the Quetzaltenango department of Guatemala with a surface area of 80 square kilometres. The town of Zunil is located 9 kilometres from the city of Quetzaltenango, on the bank of the Salamá River.
5.8 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Volcán Santo Tomás
149 min walk • Volcán Santo Tomás is a stratovolcano in southern Guatemala. It is also known as "Volcán Pecul", or as "Cerro Zunil" the name of its youngest and most prominent dome which was last active approximately 84,000 years ago.
5.5 miNE
Area
Almolonga, Quetzaltenango
141 min walk • Almolonga is a town, with a population of 12,299, and a municipality in the Quetzaltenango Department of Guatemala, located on the road between Ciudad de Quetzaltenango and Zunil.
3.7 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Almolonga, Quetzaltenango
94 min walk • The Almolonga volcano, also called "Cerro Quemado" or "La Muela" due to its distinct shape, is an andesitic stratovolcano in the south-western department of Quetzaltenango in Guatemala. The volcano is located near the town of Almolonga, just south of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala's second largest city.
6 miNE
National park, Park, View point
Camino Parque Cerro el Baúl, Quetzaltenango
153 min walk • Cerro El Baúl, also known as El Baúl, is a forested lava dome overlooking the valley of Quetzaltenango. It is located about 3 km north of the Almolonga volcano, at the south-eastern edge of the city of Quetzaltenango in Guatemala. And is one of the city's last remaining green areas.
5.9 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Volcán Siete Orejas
151 min walk • Volcán Siete Orejas is a stratovolcano in Guatemala located within the Quetzaltenango Department, in the municipalities of Quetzaltenango, Concepción Chiquirichapa, La Esperanza, and San Martin Sacatepequez. It is in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas.