Extreme tourism today is the most "tasty morsel" for many travelers, "adrenaline hunters" and simply suffering from a boring life in the stone walls of the metropolis. The opportunity not only to see with your own eyes the most remote and picturesque corners of our planet, to take dizzying pictures of water cascades or columns of steam and boiling water bursting out of the geyser's mouth, but also to test your own nerves for the fortress - this is what unites modern extreme lovers.
Today, all kinds of tours and extreme entertainment in the immediate vicinity of volcanoes are gaining more and more popularity. And this kind of tourist leisure is not limited to banal photographing against the background of a long-extinct natural phenomenon. Daredevils set for themselves completely different goals, which sometimes border on madness and put human life on the flimsy side of the scales of "His Majesty Chance."
Courage or Madness?
Agree, not everyone voluntarily decides on such a desperate journey, the mere thought of which causes a nervous tremor in many! But with what "glowing" eyes those few who tried their luck and still decided on an insane acquaintance with such representatives of volcanoes as Sicilian Etna, Hawaiian Kilauea or Japanese Fujiyama tell about what they saw! Undoubtedly, the memorable days, hours and minutes of this journey into the very heart of volcanoes will forever remain among the best memories of such daredevils. They will undoubtedly have something to surprise their children and grandchildren by encouraging them to repeat their exploits.
Myths and reality
The ancient inhabitants believed in the divine origin of volcanoes, and the eruptions that took place were perceived only as "the wrath of the gods." Some tribes tried to calm the volcanoes, bringing thousands of human sacrifices to the pagan gods who lived in their minds and hearts. Others associated the eruptions with the approaching end of the World and tried to escape, leaving the inhabited lands.
One has only to recall the myths of Ancient Greece, in which the battle between the giants and the gods of Olympus is described in the brightest colors. Zeus and his companions were able to defeat the giants and hid them under a thick layer of earth. It is they who from time to time try to break out through the huge vents of volcanoes, not leaving evil thoughts to enslave the human race.
The attitude to volcanoes has always been wary, and some of the processes that take place in its depths cannot be explained even by the best minds of our time. The more interesting will be a personal acquaintance with the brightest representatives of this natural phenomenon.
Hurry up the road!
If you are not greedy for such fantastic stories and you are not panicked by the sight of a huge mountain with a crater at its highest point, you should certainly appreciate all the possibilities and advantages of such an extreme type of tourist recreation as a trip to a volcano.
What will your soul desire? If you are just a beginner extreme, do not have invaluable experience of climbing steep cliffs and for the first time hold a safety rope in your hands, you should start conquering volcanoes with small and long "extinct" ones. Having got used to it a little, and even in the company of "seasoned" conquerors of snow peaks, you can take a chance and go to those places that are still kept in fear by a "sleeping" or even an active volcano. And, believe me, there are not so few of them as it might seem at first glance.
What's in store for you?
The process of climbing the volcano will give every tourist a rich set of vivid and unusual impressions. Colorful landscapes will be a worthy addition to your personal collection of photographs. The clean mountain air will undoubtedly be the best gift for the lungs tired of the atmosphere of big cities. Well, smiling guides and local fellow travelers will gladly introduce you to local traditions, customs and even legends. After all, not a single volcano is complete without myths that are carefully passed down from generation to generation.
But the biggest impression, perhaps a shock, awaits everyone at the very top of the mountain. It is where the view of the bottomless crater of a natural phenomenon opens, at the bottom of which, quite possibly, a hot mixture of bright red or gray-orange rages. And the smell of hydrogen sulfide will be another reminder that this is not the best place for jokes and pampering.
Fujiyama
One of the most popular and beautiful places for extreme tourism is the Japanese volcano Mount Fuji. It is the highest point, 3776 meters above sea level. Today this volcano is officially considered to be inactive. It is noteworthy that the Japanese volcano has an almost perfect cone shape. Not many representatives of this natural phenomenon can boast of such forms. Therefore, the first thing that tourists who find themselves in its vicinity do is take pictures of themselves against the grandiose background of a Japanese mountain.
As you rise, you feel close to heaven. Here and there, lonely clouds appear, which, it seems, are just a stone's throw away. And the chest swells more and more from the purest mountain air. During such an ascent, it is best to use the services of an experienced escort.
Mexican Popocatepetl
This volcano is considered one of the most active volcanoes of our time. Even today, it is difficult to predict its behavior and even establish an approximate time for the next eruption.
In this regard, the local authorities were forced to introduce some restrictions on excursions and tourist ascents to the mouth of the volcano. For example, a restricted area has been established within a radius of 15 km from the mouth of the volcano, which no person can enter without special permission. This area is part of the Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, so you can still get permission. And take my word for it, it's worth it!
The volcano itself is conventionally divided into three zones. The lower, "green zone" is covered with dense coniferous thickets and is considered the safest area for tourists. The middle one has a rocky surface characteristic of an active volcano, which smoothly turns into eternal glaciers. And the uppermost zone, which is located right up to the very mouth of the crater, is not covered with glaciers, which indicates a high temperature and the proximity of the volcano's mouth.
The best periods to visit the volcano are March-April and September-October. Firstly, it was during these months that the volcano's activity "falls" in a strange way. And secondly, the flow of tourists is significantly reduced. Although you may not be allowed in if the volcano wants to "wake up".
Along the way, do not forget to look at one more local attraction. On the slopes of the volcano there are 14 monasteries at once, the history of which begins in the 16th century. There are many interesting facts about these monasteries, but we will focus on just one. The missionaries who built them did not choose the slopes of the volcano for nothing. Thus, they wanted to show that they are not at all afraid of the eruption, because they are protected by God.
The volcano is located just 64 km from the capital of Mexico and can be reached by a regular bus. The road will take no more than a couple of hours.
Greetings from Sicily
One of the brightest, most exciting and popular volcanoes in Europe is Mount Etna, which is located in the eastern part of Sicily. The main feature of this active volcano is the presence of 4 permanent craters at once. And, of course, one cannot but appreciate the simply divine view that opens onto the bays of the Mediterranean Sea.
Getting to the "Sicilian handsome" today will not be difficult.After flying to Catania airport, tourists can transfer to comfortable sightseeing buses or rent a vehicle. Many travel companies are happy to offer extreme and exciting tours. You can go to the top on your own, but, for safety reasons, it is recommended to hire a local guide who will save you from many possible troubles along the way.
You can arrange an unforgettable tour of Catania's surroundings, wine ceremonies and villages on the way to the top of the village both in advance and upon arrival. On average, sightseeing tours, which include visits to local attractions and climbing to various craters of Etna, will cost from 70 to 245 euros per person. It all depends on the excursion program, the time of year, the number of people in the excursion group.
Feel the breath of the volcano, which a few centuries ago terrified the outskirts of Sicily, touch its warm surface and leave forever in your heart and photo album these vivid memories of meeting the European fire-breathing giant!
Puehue is a place for real extreme lovers
Another interesting place from the point of view of active tourist recreation is the Chilean volcano Puyehue, which is located in the southern part of the Latin American state. This volcano is considered active and poses a potential danger today, despite the fact that it showed the last active signs of life in the 60s of the last century.
If you are a passionate fan of a special kind of extreme jumping - bungee jumping, you should definitely visit this place. After bridges, arches, skyscrapers and other high points have been conquered, many extreme jumpers decide to test their fate and their nerves by jumping into the very mouth of the Pueue volcano.
Just imagine, you are rushing downward with great speed, directly towards the red-hot lava, feeling the increasing temperature with every centimeter of your own skin. The pupils dilate, the lungs contract, and the whole conscious life rushes through the head. This is no place for weaklings! The jump, the outcome of which depends on only one rope, is an indescribable sensation and just a phenomenal dose of adrenaline in your blood!
If you like active rest, appreciated all the advantages of "climbing" on the rocks, you cannot live without thrills - welcome to the extreme recreation club! Climbing to the top of active and inactive volcanoes, dizzying beauty of the surroundings and close proximity to the center of the planet - all this awaits those who once in their lives ventured on such a dangerous and unusual journey.
Of course, you should not be like the brave ones who cook food over the mouth of a volcano, dry wet clothes and show their courage in every possible way, dancing on the very edge of the abyss. This is not only a manifestation of disrespect for such places, but also an unjustified risk. In all other respects, there are practically no restrictions.
Once, having experienced the indescribable sensations of direct communication with the volcano, you will forever remain among their true fans, you will use every chance to return again and again to the top of Etna or any other volcano.
