Volcán Tajumulco
Encyclopedia
Volcán Tajumulco is a large stratovolcano
in the department of San Marcos in western Guatemala
. It is the highest mountain in Guatemala and Central America
at 4220 metres (13,845 ft). Tajumulco has had several historical reports of volcanic eruptions, but none have been confirmed to be true eruptions.
The Volcán Tajumulco was declared a protected area
in 1956 and covers an area of 13,032 .
Trips up the mountain can be arranged by various groups in the city of Quetzaltenango. Typically groups will begin the climb early on the first day and camp at a site approximately 150 meters below the summit. This allows for acclimatization to the high altitude. The following morning the hikers can summit without packs. Views are variable and the peak is frequently engulfed in the clouds and conditions are extremely windy.
On December 20, 2009 the temperatures dropped below freezing and for the first time ever, a snowfall was recorded at the top of the volcano, which also affected the highest town in Central America
, Ixchiguán in the San Marcos department.
Stratovolcano
A stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano, is a tall, conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash. Unlike shield volcanoes, stratovolcanoes are characterized by a steep profile and periodic, explosive eruptions...
in the department of San Marcos in western Guatemala
Guatemala
Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast...
. It is the highest mountain in Guatemala and Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
at 4220 metres (13,845 ft). Tajumulco has had several historical reports of volcanic eruptions, but none have been confirmed to be true eruptions.
The Volcán Tajumulco was declared a protected area
Protected area
Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of their recognised natural, ecological and/or cultural values. There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international...
in 1956 and covers an area of 13,032 .
Trips up the mountain can be arranged by various groups in the city of Quetzaltenango. Typically groups will begin the climb early on the first day and camp at a site approximately 150 meters below the summit. This allows for acclimatization to the high altitude. The following morning the hikers can summit without packs. Views are variable and the peak is frequently engulfed in the clouds and conditions are extremely windy.
On December 20, 2009 the temperatures dropped below freezing and for the first time ever, a snowfall was recorded at the top of the volcano, which also affected the highest town in Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
, Ixchiguán in the San Marcos department.