My husband and I traveled to Guatemala for a family wedding. As we approached Antigua, about an hour drive from Guatemala City, the volcanoes provided a striking backdrop to the former capital. Agua (water), Fuego (fire), and Acatenango (two headed) are the three volcanoes that tower around the colonial city, but Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes in all.

Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes, explodes several times an hour (strombolian activity). The last major eruption was in June 2018.

Contrary to what you might think, an active volcano benefits the land around it. Guatemala is one of the largest producers of fruits and vegetables in Central America because the mineral deposits from volcanic eruptions enrich the soil. Click here to watch the following Study Jam about volcanoes.

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Click here for a previous lab about volcanoes – always a favorite!