Santiaguito, Active lava dome complex in Quetzaltenango Department, Guatemala.
Santiaguito consists of four distinct domes: El Caliente, La Mitad, El Monje, and El Brujo, with El Caliente currently exhibiting volcanic activity.
The formation of Santiaguito began in 1922 as a result of the catastrophic eruption of Santa Maria volcano in 1902, which ejected 8 cubic kilometers of magma.
Local indigenous communities incorporate the volcanic formations into their traditional stories, referring to the area as Gagxanul in the K'iche' language.
Visitors need to obtain permission from local authorities and hire certified guides to access observation points that provide views of regular small eruptions.
The continuous volcanic activity since 1922 makes this complex one of the longest-running eruption sequences in recorded geological history.
Location: Quetzaltenango Department
GPS coordinates: 14.74187,-91.56898
Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:16
Guatemala offers Maya ruins, volcanoes and colonial buildings for photographers. The landscape features lakes, rainforests and beaches. Cities display Spanish architecture and indigenous markets.
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