San Martín Tuxtla, Shield volcano in Veracruz, Mexico.
San Martín Tuxtla is a shield volcano in Veracruz with gently sloping sides that spread across the landscape, reaching 1,650 meters in elevation. Its summit is crowned by a crater roughly 1 kilometer wide, surrounded by thick forest.
The volcano erupted in 1793, causing widespread ash fall across the region. This eruption shaped parts of the northeastern slope that remain visible today.
Local communities have long called this volcano the Black Mountain, a name reflecting its dark volcanic surface. The name remains part of how people in the region speak about this landmark today.
The forested slopes contain several hiking trails leading to viewpoints on the summit area. Access is on foot and requires steady effort due to the elevation and uneven ground.
Inside the main crater sit two distinct pyroclastic cones, giving the summit an unusual appearance. These inner structures are visible from the higher vantage points and show the volcano's complex geological past.
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