Volcán Tacaná

BWf1

Volcano Tacaná

Slopes of Tacanábdep2

The Tacaná is with 4064 m ( in other sources up to 4093 m called ) after the nearby volcano Tajumulco the second highest peak in Central America.

Location

The Tacaná lies in the west of Guatemala on the border with Mexico; he still belongs to the former province of Soconusco. The distance to the Pacific coast is about 50 km ( straight line ). The volcano forms the north- western terminus of the Central American part of the mountain range of the Sierra Madre, with its many volcanoes (among Atitlan, Fuego, Agua, Ilopango ).

Geology

The Tacaná is a constantly active stratovolcano that last eruptions were in 1855, 1878, 1903, 1949/50 and 1986 registered. The outbreak in 1950 with pyroclastic flows was the strongest in the last 500 years.

Climate

Due to its height, the slopes of the mountain over several climatic zones, which reach upwards of almost tropical climate in the lower area to the cool mountain regions. In his summit zone shows three collapsed crater ( caldera ). At the foot of Tacaná - especially in the area of the city Unión Juárez - there are several hot springs ( aguas calientes ) and several coffee plantations.

Ascent

An ascent of Tacaná is possible from Sabinal, the Finca Navidad and Unión Juárez from. The ascent time is about 10 hours; downhill it goes much faster. Usually one starts just before dawn to late afternoon to be back at the hotel.

Biosphere Reserve

The furnished by the Mexican government Tacaná Biosphere Reserve covers an area of ​​6378 ha and was recorded in 2006 in the list of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.