Chasing active volcanoes: Put a bit of heat into your holiday

Looking to let off a bit of a steam? You’re not the only one. Chasing an active volcano doesn’t mean you need to be running away from lava flow in your sandals – there are plenty of active volcanoes you can safely fit into your holiday.

Mount Kilauea, Big Island, Hawaii

This fiery mountain is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has been erupting constantly since 1983. If you’re looking to holiday in Hawaii, you simply must schedule a visit.

Hiking at Kilauea volcano is possible, although it’s definitely a demanding activity. There are over 150 miles of trails in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including short walks through tree fern forests and prehistoric lava tubes, plus hikes through rainforests or across the crater floor spotting birds, insects, cinder and spatter cones. Ask our travel specialists about staying on the trail itself and watch out for steam vents, earth cracks and cliffs. It’s the kind of holiday that would make even Bruce Willis envious.

Mount Semeru, East Java, Indonesia

Semeru volcano in East Java’s Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park is the highest volcano in Java and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. If you’re hoping for some action, you’re pretty much guaranteed an eruption every 30 minutes – a stunning belch of steam and smoke dominates the sky, along with occasional ash and stones. You wouldn’t want to get too close.

This beautiful force of nature can force ash emissions up to 400 metres above the crater, most of which occur in the southeast area of Mahameru. Also in the park, Mount Bromo is still smoldering in a landscape that doesn’t look unlike the moon, surrounded by the Sea of Sand. This is a photographer’s paradise.

Our travel specialists can help arrange accommodation in Jakarta and a flight to nearby Surabaya, so why not combine your volcano-spotting with a bit of luxury in either Java or Bali first?

Villarrica, Chile

Standing proud and tall above the lake and town of the same name, Villarrica is one of Chile’s most active volcanoes. It is also one of only five volcanoes in the world known to have an active lava lake in its crater. Also known as Rucapillán, there are numerous guided hikes to the crater, which tend to begin in the town of Pucón.

Our adventurous travel specialists can take care of any arrangements, including accommodation. And if you’re feeling extra flush, helicopter sightseeing tours are also a great way of seeing the crater from above. We can also help you plan the right time to go, as you need to time your hiking ascent properly so as not to be stumped by low clouds or increased seismic activity.

You can also ski on the northern slopes in the winter months, so whichever time you plan to travel to Chile, there will be something for everyone in your adventurous family to enjoy.

If you’re fit and looking for an exciting volcano-based holiday that includes some hiking, ask our Concierge Traveller adventure travel specialists and get ready to pack suitable clothes, shoes and a volcano care kit.

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