The List Of Famous Volcanos In The World | Volcano Tourism | Geo Tourism Guide
Have you heard of volcano tourism? This is a relatively less popular term in the landscape of geo-tourism. However, this is a current favorite of thrill seekers visiting the most famous volcanos across the globe.
We all know how the world changed when Krakatoa Blew in Indonesia. It was like an apocalypse bringing tsunamis and massive havoc in the Indonesian archipelago.
However, it is not a one-off incident, and volcanos, with their unpredictable behaviors, can indeed change the course of human civilization.
Naturally, the intrigue around the famous volcanos in the world has always been there. With time, there has been a boost in tourists’ interest to have a closer look at these geological wonders.
Further, tours of these volcanos and volcanic features (hot streams, rivers, crater lakes, boiling ponds, hot springs, natural geysers, etc.) have become popular in Indonesia, Italy, Hawaii, and many parts of the world.
So, are you also interested in volcano tourism or geo-tourism? At Dream and Travel, we have curated the list of top famous volcanos across the globe for you.
We sincerely believe that tourism is not just about visiting the places. It’s about unearthing the stories and exploring different perspectives. Therefore, as always, you will also have some special insights.
The List Of Famous Volcanos In The World: Visiting The Geological Wonders
Our planet is riddled with amazing volcanoes. As geological formations, these volcanos play a number of roles. These are the places of tourist attractions and cultural symbols.
Further, as I just mentioned, the famous volcanos across the world are climate modulators, and they have the potential to change the course of human lives.
No wonder the history of volcano tourism goes back to 1841. Thomas Cook, a British businessman, was the pioneer of volcano tourism, and he took his group to see Mount Vesuvius in the same year.
Today, millions of people are interested in this section of geo-tourism, and there are many activities designed around them. Hiking to volcanos and rappelling are some popular activities in volcano tourism.
Nevertheless, it all starts from the volcano you want to visit. Here is the list of famous volcanos across the globe curated by Dream and Travel.
1. Mount Vesuvius Volcano, Italy
Mount Vesuvius, or the destroyer of Pompeii, is located 9 kilometers away from the city of Naples. Vesuvius is one of the most famous volcanoes out there.
This is the only volcano that holds great historical significance that dates back to 79 AD. When the volcano erupted, the city of Pompeii and Herculaneum was reduced to dust.
Mount Vesuvius is well-connected to Naples by road and train route. However, if you take a train from Naples, you will have to get down at Scavi Station and take a bus or taxi to the Vesuvius National Park.
Today, Mount Vesuvius is quiet but it’s active. It will blow up one day, creating another havoc.
Further, Naples, nearby, has the African tectonic plate beneath. This tectonic plate collides with the European plate constantly and it wants to go under the European plate.
This movement makes the combustion of gases and magma stronger here, even than in Hawaii or Iceland.
| ⁕⁕ Naples Under Threat? Is The Volcanic Monster Brewing? A Dream And Travel Note ⁕⁕ Vesuvius turned Herculaneum and Pompeii to ashes in 79AD. However, is it the turn for Naples now? The volcanoes of Naples are showing some dangerous signs of evolution. Especially one of these bottled-up volcanic superpowers is expected to erupt at any time. It can put the lives of hundreds or thousands at stake. The volcanic activities have already started showing their power in Naples. In May 2024, Naples experienced as many as 160 earthquakes and one of them even recorded a magnitude of 4.4. These earthquakes were caused by a boost in the seismic activities propelled by the magma or gases below. |
Where Can You Stay:
- Seafront Hotel: Puntaguattroventi.
- For Staying With Family In Naples: Grand Hotel Oriente.
Things To Do:
- Apart from enjoying the surreal beauty of Mount Vesuvius, you should also get some authentic Italian cuisine.
- Take a full tour of Naples, Sorrento, and Pompei.
2. Fuji Volcano, Japan
The second volcano on our list is the iconic Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji was named after the Aino tribe’s Goddes of fire. The word symbolizes sky, earth, and fire in a holy union.
However, I do not know the language, and therefore, I cannot confirm. The mountain attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims who want to marvel at this beauty.
The mountain is approximately 3776 meters tall. UNESCO recognizes this volcano as a World Heritage Site. Even though it is seen as dormant, scientists claim that it can erupt at any moment.
The best way to visit Mount Fuji is to take a bullet train from Tokyo. You will find the volcano on your right side.
| ⁕⁕ Fuji Volcano Goes Snowless: What It Implies ⁕⁕ With a summit of 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji remains snowless even in early November 2024. A clear outcome of climatic changes, it is also being seen as a bad omen for Japan. However, the last two summers have been very hot in Japan, and the summer season extended till September. |
Best Places To Stay:
- For a royal ryokan experience, stay at Fuji Onsenji Yumendono.
- Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato is perfect for family stays.
Things To Do:
- Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park is a must-visit on your trip.
- Plan a one-day tour of Tokyo including a traditional Japanese cuisine.
3. Cotopaxi, Ecuador
The Cotopaxi Volcanic Peak has erupted approximately 87 times in history. As a result, this volcano is a part of the ‘Avenues of Volcanoes’ of the eastern Andes.
Some of the most destructive explosions of this volcano took place in the years 1743, 1768, 1853, and 1877.
The Cotopaxi volcano is located in an open grassland, and this makes it a perfect spot for tourists to explore. Subsequently, you can even take cultural tours to make your experience unforgettable.
Cotopaxi is located at the Cotopaxi National Park. You can easily take a car or bus from Quito to reach the national park.
Where To Stay In Cotopaxi:
- Stunning Mountain-Faced Hotel: Hacienda Los Mortinos.
- Stay at Cuscuno Cotopaxi Hostel and Lodge if you are traveling solo.
Things To Do:
- Cotopaxi has unmissable views of the volcanic peak, so indulge in hiking and biking from Quito.
- You must also indulge in a full-day tour from Quito.
4. Mayon Volcano, Philippines
The Mayon Volcano is located on the island of Luzon. This is an active volcano that is popularly lauded as one of the most attractive active volcanoes in the world. While most other active volcanoes have disintegrated due to emission, the Mayon Volcano is standing firmly with its picturesque grandeur. Over a span of 400 years, this volcano has erupted at least 53 times. Still, the volcano has retained its overall symmetry. In fact, this is one of the most symmetrical volcanoes you will come across.
Best Places To Stay:
- For a great Family Stay: The Marison Hotel
- If you want a cozy bed and breakfast feel, stay at Balay de la Rama Bed & Breakfast.
Fun Facts About It:
- Mount Mayon might have destroyed an entire town due to its deadliest eruption, but it is also the most symmetrical volcano in the world.
- Mayon Volcano bestows on a tale of star-crossed lovers.
5. Mount Yasur, Vanuatu
Mount Yasur is a beautiful active volcano. Many call Mount Yasur the lighthouse of the Pacific. In fact, the volcano is not just a beautiful landscape.
It also serves as a very important landmark for ships and their captains. According to sources, this volcano has been active for at least 800 years.
In comparison to other active volcanoes, Mount Yasur is the easiest to access. The volcano is located on Tanna Island, which is easily accessible via ferries. However, this is an active volcano, so be careful and try to have a way out if things go haywire.
Where Can You Stay:
- For spa treatments and luxury services: White Grass Ocean Resort & Spa.
- For a personal beach visit, Rockwater Resort.
Things To Do Here:
- For experiencing Port Vila adventures: Vanuatu Jungle Zipline.
- Witness the Kayaking and Waterfall Tour in Port Vila to spend a day of leisure.
6. Krakatoa, Indonesia
Apparently, the Krakatoa volcano is one of the loudest volcanoes on this planet. The volcano lies in the zone of high volcanic and seismic activity.
The 1883 eruption of the Krakatoa was so loud that waves were audible from Rodrigues, a place near Mauritius.
Scientists claim that the volcano was 10,000 times stronger than the atomic bomb that fell on Hiroshima. The ethereal lava lake of the Krakatoa is one of the biggest attractions for visitors. It lets a visitor dip themselves and forget the worldly stress.
Great Places To Stay:
- If you are somewhere around Sumatra, stay at Grand Elty Krakatoa.
- Best place to stay in Java: Mutiara Carita Cottage.
Things To Do:
- A visit to Krakatoa is incomplete without exploring Baluran National Park.
- This park spreads across 5,000 hectares and lies inside an eroded volcanic peak.
7. Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia
The Nevado del Ruiz of Colombia might be a beautiful volcanic peak. The Armero tragedy or the Mount Ruiz eruption posed one of the biggest threats to humans and humanity. The eruption produced one of the deadliest lahar formations of all time. Four massive lahars moved at a pace of around 60 km per hour. The Armero tragedy had one of the highest death tolls in human history. Even though the volcano has been lying dormant for 150 years, locals believe that it can erupt at any moment.
Where Can You Stay:
- For a classic garden view: El Nido del Condor Ecologde.
- For seaside and peak views: Hotel Termales Del Ruiz.
Things To Do Here:
- Montanos Colombians are at a distance of 6.50 miles from Nevado del Ruiz.
- From hiking tours to private sightseeing, you get an exciting experience here.
8. Mauna Loa, Hawaii
Out of all the volcanoes on this list, Mauna Loa is one of the largest volcanoes when it comes to area and overall mass.
The volcano is not just a piece of landscape; it has transcended that and has become a cultural icon. In the Hawaiian language, the name Mauna Loa’s literal translation is Long Mountain.
The estimated volume of the mountain is around 18,000 cubic miles. We would suggest that you visit this volcano during the twilight hours.
Where Can You Stay:
- For mesmerizing views: Kilauea Lodge and Restaurant.
- “At The Craters Edge” is the perfect guesthouse.
What To Do Here:
- First-time visitors looking for a great hiking experience must take the Big Island Circle Tour in Kona.
- Click Instagrammable pictures at Stargazing- a photo adventure of Mars.
9. Mount Agung, Indonesia
According to geographers, the majestic Gunung Agung is the highest point of east Bali. The most recent eruption occurred in 1963. This eruption was so destructive that it transformed the very climate of the region. While the western slope received more abundant rain, it turned into a fertile landscape. However, the eastern slope remained barren and lifeless. Similar to Loa, Mount Agung plays a major role as a cultural symbol for Balinese people. Citizens of Bali consider this volcano to be sacred and revere it greatly.
Exciting Stays:
- To stay up close with nature: Abian Ayu Villa.
- For a guesthouse experience, Batur Volcano Guesthouse.
Things To Do Here:
- Don’t miss the sunrise view from Mount Batur!
- Check out Lempuyang and the Mother Temple in Agung.
10. Mount Ngauruhoe, New Zealand
According to historical documents and other sources, Mount Ngauruhoe is apparently 2500 years old. The name of the volcano literally translates to ‘throwing hot stones.’
This is an active volcano that has erupted at least seventy times since 1839. This is an active volcano. Hence, plan your trips accordingly.
Where Can You Stay:
- If you want to get a wooden, rural experience, stay at The Park Hotel in Ruapehu.
- Skotel Alpine Resort is the perfect resort to get cozy with your partner and spouse while enjoying nature.
Things To Do Here:
- Once you’ve got a good look at Mount Ngauruhoe, visit the Tongariro peak, which is just 20 km away.
- Tongariro National Park for an ideal day out with family.
Dream And Travel Tips: Stay Safe While Visiting The Most Famous Volcanos
| “When folks are going to a volcano for volcano tourism, they really have to educate themselves. Read up about what the restrictions are, what the local authorities are doing to keep people out and keep people safe.” Matthew Patrick, Geologist, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory |
Volcano tourism is safe. However, you cannot overlook examples like the Whakaari/White Island incident in 2019. 25 people were injured, and 22 lost their lives in this expedition (Source: BBC). So, you really have to go by the book while visiting the famous volcanos in the world.
You need a reputable guide and a local expert, as each volcano is unpredictable. Further, you must cooperate with the local officials, who will be working based on the updates received from volcanologists and authorities of the concerned departments.
The USA and Iceland have systems that promote collaboration between officials and scientists. Thus, the officials get all updates on a real-time basis.
| “There is an automatic notification connected to one of the monitors monitoring seismicity. So that alerts [the authorities] that something is going to happen. When they reach [certain] levels, automatic messages go out to all phones in the area.” Kristín Vogfjorð, Leader of Geoscience Research, Icelandic Meteorological Office |
Moreover, in many cultures, especially in Japan or Hawaii, these volcanos are revered as living beings or presiding deities. So, you must be respectful while visiting them.
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