Volcán San Pedro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Volcán San Pedro |
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Las Yeguas | |
![]() Volcán San Pedro, seen from Panajachel
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 3,020 m (9,910 ft) |
Listing | Volcanoes in Guatemala |
Geography | |
Location | Sololá, Guatemala |
Parent range | Sierra Madre |
Geology | |
Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
Last eruption | unknown |
Volcán San Pedro is a large volcano in Guatemala. It stands tall at 3,020 meters (9,908 feet) high. This volcano is located right on the shores of Lago de Atitlán. It is sometimes called Las Yeguas.
The volcano is in the Sololá Department of southern Guatemala. At its base, you can find the village of San Pedro La Laguna.
Contents
What is Volcán San Pedro?
Volcán San Pedro is a type of volcano known as a stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes are also called composite volcanoes. They are usually tall and cone-shaped. They are built up over time by many layers of hardened lava and ash.
How Stratovolcanoes Form
Stratovolcanoes form when tectonic plates crash into each other. One plate slides under another in a process called subduction. This causes rock to melt deep underground. The melted rock, or magma, then rises to the surface. It erupts as lava and ash, building the volcano layer by layer.
Where is Volcán San Pedro Located?
Volcán San Pedro is found in the Sierra Madre mountain range. This range stretches across parts of Central America. The volcano is a key part of the landscape around Lake Atitlán. Lake Atitlán is a large lake formed in a volcanic crater.
Is Volcán San Pedro Active?
The last time Volcán San Pedro erupted is not known. It is considered a dormant volcano. This means it is not currently erupting. However, it could erupt again in the future. Scientists keep an eye on volcanoes like San Pedro.
Exploring Volcán San Pedro
Many people enjoy hiking up Volcán San Pedro. The climb offers amazing views of Lake Atitlán. You can also see the surrounding towns and other volcanoes. The hike usually takes several hours to reach the top.
The Village of San Pedro La Laguna
The village of San Pedro La Laguna is at the foot of the volcano. It is a popular spot for tourists. Visitors can enjoy the lake and learn about the local culture. The village is named after the volcano.
Nature Around the Volcano
The area around Volcán San Pedro is very green. It has rich plant life and many animals. The slopes of the volcano are covered in forests. These forests are home to various species of birds and other wildlife. Protecting this natural area is important.