Tacaná
| Tacaná | ||
|---|---|---|
 Tacaná volcano |
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| height | 4064 m | |
| location | Guatemala , Mexico | |
| Coordinates | 15 ° 7 '59 " N , 92 ° 6' 34" W | |
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| Type | Stratovolcano | |
| Last eruption | 1986 | |
| particularities | sixth highest mountain in Mexico; second highest mountain in Guatemala | |
 Slopes of the Tacaná |
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The Tacaná is with 4064 m (in other sources up to 4093 m are mentioned) after the neighboring volcano Tajumulco the second highest mountain in Central America .
location
The Tacaná is located in western Guatemala on the border with Mexico ; it still belongs to the former province of Soconusco . The distance to the Pacific coast is about 50 kilometers (air line). The volcano forms the northwest end point of the Central American part of the Sierra Madre mountain range with its many volcanic mountains (including Atitlán , Fuego , Agua , Ilopango ).
geology
The Tacaná is a constantly active stratovolcano , the last eruptions were recorded in 1855, 1878, 1903, 1949/50 and 1986. The 1950 pyroclastic current eruption was the strongest in 500 years.
climate
Due to its height, the slopes of the mountain extend over several climate zones, which range from the almost tropical climate in the lower area to the cool mountain regions. In its summit zone there are three collapse craters ( caldera ). At the foot of the Tacaná - especially in the area around the city of Unión Juárez - there are several hot springs ( aguas calientes ) and several coffee plantations .
Ascent
The Tacaná can be climbed from Sabinal, Finca Navidad and Unión Juárez. The ascent takes about 10 hours; It's much faster downhill. Usually you start shortly before dawn to be back at the hotel in the late afternoon.
Biosphere reserve
The Tacaná Biosphere Reserve, established by the Mexican government, covers an area of 6,378 hectares and was included in the list of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in 2006.
See also
Web links
- Tacaná in the Global Volcanism Program of the Smithsonian Institution (English)
- Volcano Tacana - Info (English)