Volcan Santa Maria

Volcan Santa Maria is a high (3,770m), classic volcanic cone and boasts astonishing views into the neighbouring, active but lower Volcan Santiaguito’s crater. Santa Maria is a volcano of two halves – one a long, forested slope to its small cone-top, the other smashed and broken by the eruptions of the last century.

This is a long day walk – 10km/4.5hrs to the summit and 8-9hrs return, but it is worth the slog, as you savour the visual drama around you.

Santa Maria has been violently active (and killed thousands) from 1902, when it spewed ash that fell as far away as San Francisco and opened up a huge new crater 1km across to the south-west of the existing high cone. A complex of lava domes, collectively called Santiaguito, has emerged in that crater and remains periodically highly active. (One can see it being larger than its parent one day. Lots of us know that one.)

The climb begins from the village of Llanos del Pinal (2,500m) and climbs steadily through agricultural land to the base of the Santa Maria’s huge and shapely cone. From here it is a steep track which can be slippery after rain.

This is demanding walking on a high, remote mountain with unpredictable weather and where altitude can cause problems. Come prepared and take your time.

KEAdventures organise a thrilling-looking 7-volcano expedition www.keadventure.com.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Mar%C3%ADa_(volcano) has good information on Santa Maria and its violent past.

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We’d love to share more! Please help us by recommending your best walks/making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Guatemala’s Volcanoes walk page.