Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Whether they are sitting in silence or making headlines (and disrupting travel) with their violent eruptions, volcanos are the classic symbol of Mother Nature's hidden power. In tribute to her ferocity, we should pay a visit to the following seven marvels before she decides to awaken these volcanic beasts and unleash her fury through their a torrent of magma.
St. Lucia: La Soufriere Volcano
By the boiling streams of acidic pools, the strong sulfuric aromas dominating the air and the hot steam rising out of its ashes, La Soufriere Volcano seems to be sending a message that cautions all visitors to stay away. But if you enter one of the world's drive-in volcanos, do so at your own risk in hopes of not awakening the dormant St. Lucia Volcano from his long slumber.
Although the volcano hasn't erupted since the 1700s, its color-coated façade resulting from remains of magnesium, iron, sulfur and carbon proves that La Soufriere is beautiful as well as it is daunting. Nonetheless, if you choose to ignore the volcano's unspoken threats, explore its dynamic features or even take a dip in its pools - which are believed to be as therapeutic and cleansing as any world-class spa.
Hawaii: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
It takes a brave person to want to stare not one but two active volcanos in the face. But if you can handle their smoldering gazes, you'll be able to witness two of the world's most destructive forces. Maunaloa and Kilauea are the twin volcanic giants that reside in the Hawaii National Park, which can be discovered along the acidic trails and craters carved out of the park's magmatic terrain.
However, Kilauea is recognized as the more domineering of the two, erupting ever-so-frequenting and destroying whatever lies in its path. Thrill seekers are more than welcomed to take a scenic drive along the Kilauea Caldera to get to the Devastation Trail and the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook as well as other attractions. And if you really want to witness this volcano in action, watching its pools of lava empty into the sea is an impressive sight.
Arizona: Sunset Crater Volcano
Arizona offers a landscape bedecked with natural wonders, but none of them hover over the state like a rugged giant like the Sunset Crater Volcano. With its lid visibly blown off, its surroundings transport visitors about 900 years into the past when it spewed lava throughout the area, covering everything in its path with thick molten rock.
Now the Sunset Crater Volcano inactively sits in a peaceful silence and is well-protected by the speckled Ponderosa Pines rising out of its ashy veins. Visions of roaming wildlife also create a hiking adventure that only this symbol of geological history can provide.
New Zealand: Tongariro National Park
The dense fog soaring above New Zealand's Tongariro National Park signifies that the three volcanoes resting here are alive and well. So you must enter silently in order to prevent them from unleashing their spews for disturbing their sleep.
Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe are some of the most active volcanoes in the world, but they offer much more than an eyeful of geological marvels. They are also jam-packed with adventures that exist throughout the entire year. The hilly terrain of Mount Ruapehu converts into a world-class skiing and snowboarding thrill for the daredevil during the winter. The plateaus of the park can also be taken by storm, especially from the Tongariro Crossing, which offers superb trails for the hiker.
Philippines: Mayan Volcano
Rising above the ground at over 2,000 meters, there's no way you can miss the glorious presence of the Mayan Volcano as it looms over the country. And since its last eruption in 1993, the volcano makes sure its ghostly appearance is never underestimated.
The Mayan Volcano is the Philippine's most active volcano and features a classic cone-shaped façade with the tops of head appearing to be punctuating the sky by the way the clouds soar directly above it.
Canary Islands: Timanfaya National Park
Hell hath no fury like Mother Nature's scorn, and when you add a sea of volcanoes into the mix, you better proceed with caution. The Timanfaya National Park is a chain of volcanoes located in on the Timanfaya region of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Unlike many volcanic eruptions, this natural wonder did not occur millions of years ago. In fact, it emerged during the 18th century when a collection of lava spewing volcanoes began to rise out of the ground for a period of 19 days.
Completely covered in molten rock, the villages that were located in the face of this lava storm transformed into heaps of ash as volcanic emission continuously flowed until it reached its final destination, the Atlantic Ocean. Such a rich history makes the Timanfaya National park a must-see spectacle. Guided tours constantly shower the area with curious visitors exploring the rainbow-effect of colors splashed across this scorching, acidic destination.
Costa Rica: Irazu
Don't be fooled by the silence of this colossal volcano, because its last eruption in 1996 left the residents of Cartago and San Jose, Costa Rico in a panic as it released fire and brimstone along the landscape. So there's no telling what it has next up its sleeve.
In the meantime, this crater-shaped giant is one of Costa Rica's main attractions, offering picturesque views of for anyone willing to climb the dizzying elevations of the country's tallest volcano. Towering at a height of approximately 11,000 feet with monolithic clouds swarming above its head, you won't want to be caught dead in Irazu's tracks when it awakes. So take full advantage of this sleeping beauty while it hibernates.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
