OverviewConsiderated as the highest technical climbing from Guatemala. Santiaguito is a dacitic lava dome complex which has been growing since 1922 in the crater left by the catastrophic 1902 eruption of Santa Maria volcano, Guatemala. Activity has involved small explosions, incandescent rockfalls, emission of block lava flows and dome inflation. Pyroclastic flows generated by collapses at lava flow fronts or resulting from dome collapses have also sporadically occurred.
Explosions occurred very often at this time. every a couple or hours all days. A major indirect impact of activity has been the frequent mobilization of loose volcanic material during the rainy season, which has resulted in numerous lahars (mudflows). These lahars have damaged infrastructure and settlements, notably El Palmar Viejo village 10km downstream of the volcano, which had to be abandoned in 1998.
Getting ThereThe summit of Santa Maria volcano provides a birds-eye view of activity at Santiaguito. Alternatively, viewpoints exist to the North. Approach from the South is complicated by private fincas and numerous inpassable deep erosion gulleys. Climbing on El Brujo Dome is possible via a Northerly approach, but a guide is absolutely necessary to find the route. Clearly, this is dangerous and rarely offers better views than the other locations mentioned. Recently, even climbing onto the rim of active Caliente dome has been offered.
CampingIs possible to camping in a crater area. But no facilities at all. No water, just prepare with enoght water and food. External Linkshttp://www.photovolcanica.com/VolcanoInfo/Santiaguito/Santiaguito.html
Santa Maria volcano Images
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Guatemala
