| Volcán Tajumulco | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 4,220 m (13,845 ft) |
| Prominence | 3,980 m (13,058 ft) Ranked 24th |
| Listing | Country high point Ultra |
| Location | |
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Volcán Tajumulco
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| Range | Sierra Madre |
| Geology | |
| Type | Stratovolcano |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Central America Volcanic Arc |
| Last eruption | DECEMBER 20,2008 |
Volcán Tajumulco is a large stratovolcano in the department of San Marcos in western Guatemala. It is the highest mountain in Guatemala and Central America at 4,220 metres (13,845 ft).[1] Tajumulco has had several historical reports of volcanic eruptions, but none have been confirmed to be true eruptions.
The Volcán Tajumulco was declared a protected area in 1956 and covers an area of 13,032 .[2] Trips up the mountain can be arranged by various groups in the city of Quetzaltenango. Typically groups will begin the climb early on the first day and camp at a site approximately 150 meters below the summit. This allows for acclimatization to the high altitude. The following morning the hikers can summit without packs. Views are variable and the peak is frequently engulfed in the clouds and conditions are extremely windy.
On December 20, 2009 the temperatures dropped below freezing and for the first time ever, a snowfall was recorded at the top of the volcano, which also affected the highest town in Central America, Ixchiguán in the San Marcos department.[3]
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