Volcán Tajumulco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Volcán Tajumulco |
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Crater of the Volcán Tajumulco
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,203 m (13,789 ft) |
| Prominence | 3,980 m (13,060 ft) |
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| Geography | |
 Volcán Tajumulco
Location in Guatemala
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| Location | San Marcos, Guatemala |
| Parent range | Sierra Madre |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Central America Volcanic Arc |
| Last eruption | Unknown |
Volcán Tajumulco is a huge stratovolcano (a tall, cone-shaped volcano) located in the San Marcos area of western Guatemala. It is the highest mountain in all of Central America, standing at 4,203 meters (13,789 feet) tall. This impressive peak is part of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountain range, which starts in Mexico's southern state of Chiapas.
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About Volcán Tajumulco
Tajumulco is made up of a type of hardened lava called andesitic-dacitic lavas. These lavas sit on top of a large, steep cliff whose origin is not fully known.
The Volcano's Peaks and Crater
Volcán Tajumulco has two main summits, or tops. One of these summits has a large crater (a bowl-shaped opening) that is about 50 to 70 meters wide. A flow of old lava from the volcano's northwestern summit goes down into a steep valley on the same side of the mountain.
When Did It Last Erupt?
Scientists are not sure about the volcano's past eruptions. The exact date of its last eruption is unknown. There are some old reports from the 1700s and early 1800s that mention eruptions. However, experts today believe these reports are likely not accurate.
Visiting the Volcano
The area around Tajumulco is not very crowded. The closest town is San Marcos, which is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) to the southeast. Even though not many people visit, you can climb the volcano. The climb usually takes about five hours from a small village called Tuichán.
The views from the top can be amazing, but they can also be hard to see. The area is often covered in mist and clouds. The worst time for clear views is usually between April and September.
See also
In Spanish: Volcán Tajumulco para niños
- List of mountain peaks of North America
- List of mountain peaks of Central America
- List of volcanoes in Guatemala
- List of mountain peaks of Central America
- List of elevation extremes by country
