Tajumulco
| Tajumulco | ||
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 Tajumulco volcano |
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| height | 4220 m | |
| location | Guatemala | |
| Mountains | Sierra Madre | |
| Notch height | 3980 m ↓ isthmus of Tehuantepec | |
| Coordinates | 15 ° 2 '35 " N , 91 ° 54' 13" W | |
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| Type | Stratovolcano | |
| rock | Andesite , dacite | |
| particularities | highest mountain in Guatemala and Central America | |
 Tajumulco summit crater |
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The Tajumulco [ taxuˈmulko ] is the highest mountain in Guatemala and Central America with its 4220 m . The stratovolcano belongs to the Sierra Madre de Chiapas , which on the Guatemalan side is only called Sierra Madre , and consists of two peaks and a crater over 50 m wide.
location
The Tajumulco is located in the far west of Guatemala in the department of San Marcos . From San Marcos or the adjoining San Pedro Sacatepéquez to the small community of San Sebastián at the foot of the mountain there are about 30 kilometers of winding slopes; buses run. The mountain is about 70 kilometers (as the crow flies) from the Pacific coast.
history
The volcano is estimated to be extinct - how far back the last eruption was is unclear. Various reports suggest outbreaks in the 19th century, but none of them are proven. The fact that houses in a settlement were destroyed in October 1765 was the result of a rock fall .
climate
The volcano is located in an area overgrown by pine forests with a cool and humid climate. The fertility on its slopes is extremely high; There are still fields at an altitude of almost 3000 m - mainly maize, potatoes and vegetables are grown. Winter temperatures can - especially at night - drop to values below 0 ° C; However, snowfalls are very rare and melt away quickly.
Ascent
An ascent of the Tajumulco is possible as part of a one-day hike (preferably in the winter months with little rain), but the local infrastructure (hostels, mountain huts, etc.) is still poor. There are several camping options (also near the peaks). The view can be restricted by (morning) fog on some days; it is extremely cool at night.
See also
Web links
- Tajumulco in the Global Volcanism Program of the Smithsonian Institution (English)
- Tajumulco - Photos and information on the ascent (English)