When considering the tallest peaks on the planet, volcanoes don’t always come to mind. However, there are some truly massive volcanoes in the world, and many of these peaks are still active. Seeing a volcano of such large size can be a truly awe-inspiring experience.
1. Popocatepetl
One of the tallest volcanoes on earth is Popocatepetl, which is located on the border of the states of México, Morelos and Puebla in Mexico. Popocatepetl has a diameter of about 16 miles and is 17,880 feet tall. This peak, which is just 45 miles from Mexico City, often sends ash, smoke or hot rocks into the air. In 2005, it erupted, spewing lava and ash. Since then, smoke, explosions and near eruptions have become more frequent.
2. Guallatiri
Guallatiri, located in Chile, is even bigger than Popocatepetl. This volcano is 19,918 feet tall. It is permanently covered in slabs of ice and snow. Guallatiri is also one of the most active peaks in Chile. Its last full eruption was in 1960, but smoke or steam can often be seen streaming from its top.
3. Sangay
The most active volcano in Ecuador, called Sangay, is also one of the largest in the world. It is 17,388 feet tall. This peak last erupted in 1934, which seems like quite some time ago. However, this eruption never really ceased. Although Sangay experiences periods of calm, it is almost constantly active, and spews lava, rocks, smoke and gas in a nearly endless stream. Despite this, adventurous hikers often attempt to climb the mountain, despite the many dangers presented by it.
4. Klyuchevskaya Sopka
Klyuchevskaya Sopka, which is located in Russia, is another tall volcano. It towers over its neighbors at 15,584 feet. Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the most active peak on the Kamchatka Peninsula, which is home to many other fiery mountains. The mountain, which is covered in a near-permanent layer of snow, erupted in 2010, 2012 and 2013, and constantly spews debris into the air. When it erupts, many of the neighboring volcanoes also erupt.
5. Tajumulco
Another huge, fiery peak is Tajumulco in Guatemala. This volcano is 13,845 feet tall. There have been many reported eruptions, but few of these have been confirmed. It last displayed activity in 2008. Today, Tajumulco is a protected area, mostly enjoyed by hikers who want to explore the mountain’s natural beauty and landscape.
Featured Image from Toby Elliott/Unsplash
