Fuego Volcano Smokes Beside Acatenango’s Summit

Acatenango volcano rises above clouds and forested foothills in Guatemala viewed from an elevated vantage point at dawn.
Acatenango volcano rises above clouds and forested foothills in Guatemala viewed from an elevated vantage point at dawn.

Fuego Volcano rises just southwest of Antigua Guatemala, its summit venting ash and gas almost continuously as one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. At 3,763 meters, it has produced major eruptions as recently as 2018 and continues smaller explosions on a near-daily basis. Acatenango, the taller neighbor at 3,976 meters, last erupted in 1972 and has since become one of Guatemala's most popular overnight treks, drawing hikers who camp near its summit to watch Fuego's activity after dark. Both peaks belong to the Central American Volcanic Arc, formed by the subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate.

Taken February 2020

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Antigua
Historic center of Antigua Guatemala: Santa Catalina Arch, markets, ruins and surrounding volcanoes
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