10 Volcano Hikes That Belong On Your Bucket List This Year

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, you’ve a real chance of spotting actual lava flowing through here. Just a short drive away from Antigua, Pacaya is closely monitored by local guides so it’s safe to go there. The hike to the volcano is not too intense (around 2 hours up) making it perfect for casual adventurers and families. You can also hire a horse if you just wanna visit the volcano and not really hike. The best part of the entire experience is lava marshmallows — yes, it’s a thing! You can roast marshmallows here over volcanic vents or lava rocks. 

Active Or Dormant Volcano: Active Volcano

Guided Hikes: Mandatory

Hike Duration: Minimum 2 hours one side

You can go to Italy for more than just their wine, cheese, pizza and gelato. Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano and also the world’s oldest. With eruptions dating back to 500,000 years, this one’s basically ancient and still poppin’. It erupts frequently with mild outbursts, so if you plan to visit at the right time, you could actually end up seeing lava fountains or glowing ash clouds from a (safe) distance. You can take a cable car halfway up there and then hike or take a 4x4 jeep tour to summit zones. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the sci-fi energy it exudes because of moon-type craters.

Active Or Dormant Volcano: Active

Guided Hikes: Optional

Hike Duration: Varies by route. Easy trails will take 1.5 to 2.5 hours while full ascent from the base will take 7 to 8 hours

This Guatemala treasure is not for the faint-hearted and we don’t say that casually. While it itself is dormant, it is located right next to Volcán de Fuego — a very active volcano. You get a chance to see actual eruptions and smoke plumes every 15-30 minutes here. The hike is a strenuous overnight trek and totally worth it, from what we hear. It’s the third highest volcano in Central America and you get to camp at 3,600 metres. 

Active Or Dormant Volcano: Dormant

Guided Hikes: Optional

Hike Duration: 8-10 hours that can be done in two days

You probably know about this one already. Mount Fuji is a sacred site in Japanese culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People have been hiking it for years as a form of pilgrimage. It’s the tallest and most iconic peak with hiking trails. There are four main routes you can choose from and all of them have mountain stations where you can eat, rest, or sleep overnight. While it’s snow-capped most of the year, you can plan your adventure from July to September.

Active Or Dormant Volcano: Yes, (but it last erupted in 1707)

Guided Hikes: Optional

Hike Duration: 6 — 8 hours up and 3 — 5 hours down

LBB-Tip: You get a certificate for reaching the summit, so it's a pretty cute flex.

Imagine standing on the edge of a smoking crater at sunrise, that’s Mount Bromo for you. It is part of the Tengger Caldera in East Java, and the landscape here is stunning. The hike to the crater is super beginner friendly and most people opt for a pre-dawn hike that lets them be there by sunrise. Bromo is insanely famous for its sunrise views and you can also ride jeeps to the top. It’s touristy and epic, to say the least.

Active Or Dormant Volcano: Active

Guided Hikes: Optional

Hike Duration: 30-45 minutes from jeep drop-off

This one’s the world-famous volcano with literal blue flames and a toxic lake! There are electric blue flames that shoot out of cracks near the crater. Before you get it wrong, this isn’t lava, it’s sulfuric gasses igniting when they hit oxygen. The flames are best seen at night and that’s why most treks start around midnight. The largest acidic crater lake (full of sulphuric acid) in the world sits here in a bright turquoise colour, and eerily still.

Active Or Dormant Volcano: Active stratovolcano (gas masks highly recommended)

Guided Hikes: Highly recommended

Hike Duration: 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours depending on your speed

Mount Rinjani is made for seasoned trekkers as it involves a multi-day hike that takes you through rain forests, steep volcanic ridges, and also beautiful waterfalls. It’s the second-highest volcano in Southeast Asia and one of the most awe-inspiring trekking destinations. However, the real start of the show is the massive crater lake called Segara Anak, which has a smaller volcano, Mount Barujari, right in its middle.

Active Or Dormant Volcano: Active

Guided Hikes: Mandatory

Hike Duration: 2 to 4 days

This one’s like the Taylor Swift of volcanoes (always in headlines). It is one of the world’s most consistently active volcanoes. It is nestled on Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily and has black sand beaches, cute whitewashed villages, and volcanic action just a hike away. It is famously nicknamed as the ‘Lighthouse of the Mediterranean,’ it’s safe to hike. 

Active Or Dormant Volcano: Active

Guided Hikes: Mandatory

Hike Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours up, 1.5 to 2 hours down

Bali’s most popular hiking experience, if you’ve ever been to Bali and didn’t hike Mount Batur at sunrise, did you even Bali? It’s totally beginner-friendly and has a killer sunrise view. The trail is short but steep, so you still feel like you hiked your way to the view. Many tours offer breakfast cooked over geothermal steam making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This one’s perfect for people who want to tick ‘climb a volcano’ off their bucket list without the extra effort or activity. 

Active Or Dormant Volcano: Active

Guided Hikes: Mandatory 

Hike Duration: 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours up

This is New Zealand’s most visually dramatic volcano that was split in two by a massive eruption in 1886. The eruption also destroyed the surrounding village and all that remains now are massive craters and eerie rift valleys. The terrain is otherworldly and incredibly photogenic, so you can take lots of pictures for your IG. If you’re looking for something extra unique or special, there are heli-hiking tours that land you right on the rim.

Active Or Dormant Volcano: Dormant but not extinct 

Guided Hikes: Mandatory

Hike Duration: 3 to 4 hours round trip

Is it safe to hike active volcanoes?

Generally yes, but you need guided hiking tours for most of them. Ensure to check any recent updates or news on the volcano you’re looking to hike.

Do I always need a guide to hike a volcano?

Not really. Depends on the volcano you’re hiking. Some all solo hikers while others require certified guides due to safety, cultural or access reasons.

Do I need to be super fit for hiking a volcano?

Not always. Some volcanic hikes are simple, easy and beginner-friendly.

Do I need a permit to hike a volcano?

In some cases, yes! Some volcanoes require permits and bookings in advance. Always check before showing up with boots and vibes.

Do I need a gas mask for a volcano hike?

Yes. Hikes to volcanoes like Kawah Ijen require gas masks.

Altitude sickness is real. Go slow and keep yourself hydrated. 

Stay updated on volcanic activity and closely check alerts and advisories before you plan a trip.

Follow local rules and respect the indigenous land.

Don’t touch or poke the lava and don’t think of craters as picnic spots, follow your guide’s rules.