Believe it or not, but volcanic tourism is an increasingly popular travelling niche offering those with an adventurous side the opportunity to witness the beauty and raw power of both active and dormant volcanoes.
Recently, volcanic tourism has been attracting travellers and nature enthusiasts from all over the world. Whether it’s hiking through hardened lava fields, witnessing bubbling hot springs, waterskiing the surrounding lakes or heading to the edge of a crater, there’s so much to offer
From the origins of their creation and across the world, volcano tourism is here and is very much a thing.
So, why volcanic tourism?
Volcanic tourism, like that seen on sites like volcano.cr, involves visiting volcanic regions to witness and experience the layout of the land that volcanoes have produced right from the start. This way of travelling can include a wide range of activities, including hiking across lava fields, soaking in natural hot springs, exploring lava caves, wakeboarding across crystal clear lakes and even observing minor volcanic eruptions from a safe distance.
What’s the appeal?
Essentially, it’s a blend of adventure, thrill-seeking combined with education and the natural beauty of the earth. Volcanoes are some of the most dynamic and powerful forces that we have on this planet. They shape landscapes and create ecosystems in ways that we can only imagine to create as humans.
For a lot of travelers, the opportunity to stand in the presence of a volcano – whether active or dormant is an experience of a lifetime.
Popular destinations to visit
1) Hawaii
Hawaii is probably one of the most popular and most famous destinations for volcanic tourism. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is known for the ongoing activity of Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. When visiting, travelers can get guided tours to explore the lava tubes, walk on the hardened lava flows and witness the glow of molten lava as it flows into the ocean.
2) Iceland
Iceland is well-known for its diverse volcanic landscape, including the views that come with natural hot springs and waterfalls for any traveller’s dream. The Icelandic highlands are popular for hiking and camping, offering stunning views of the Rhyolite mountains whilst Strokkur is Iceland’s most visited active geyser.
With around 130 volcanoes, Iceland should definitely be on the bucket list for volcanic tourists and travellers.
3) Mount Etna, Italy
Whilst the famous story of Pompeii will forever be a legacy in Italy, just off the coast sitting on the Island of Sicily is Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe.
When visiting, guided tours can take you to see the volcano’s craters and see the lava flowing. Surrounding it are beautiful vineyards and olive groves for an extra travellers experience to sample Italian food and wine.
4) Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano is a famous site after its eruption in 1968, holding the ‘most active volcano’ title across the world. It’s now inactive, or ‘resting’ but there are still daily sites of lava flows and underground rumbles volcanic tourists can experience.
It’s surrounded by a beautiful National Park which holds an abundance of geologic and biological sites and lakes to explore.
The rise of volcanic tourism and is it safe?
Volcanic tourism is a growing and thriving industry attracting adventurous nomads and nature lovers. Each area has their own history and experiences to delight any traveller.
However, this way of travelling can come with risks, despite a steady increase. Depending on where you visit, experiences include boat tours, watersports, helicopter trips and hiking that can ignite a sense of adventure in travelling souls.
That being said, volcanoes can be a connection to the origin story of the place where they sit and can provide incredible insights and unforgettable experiences of some of Earth’s most captivating geological wonders. So, if you’re up for the challenge, you may want to add a volcanic destination to your bucket list.
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