Volcán Fuego, Guatemala

Volcan Fuego. Fire Volcano. Have you ever seen a volcano erupt in person? Yes, no, Guatemala is the place. The volcano is clearly visible from Antigua, a World Heritage town not far from Guatemala City, the capital. During the day you can hear the distant boom and see the black cloud that ensues, as it drifts away from the cone. After sundown, you can see the lava spray, the violent, bright orange expulsion.

If you're up for an adventure, take an overnight hike up Fuego's dormant and slightly taller twin, Acatenango, and enjoy the spectacle up close and personal. If you get the right guides, and the right group, you may get the opportunity for an extra side trip once you get to base camp, up onto the shoulder of Fuego itself, where you can immerse yourself as fully as could possibly be called safe, take a video as the mountain blows its top and watch the sunset above a sea of clouds!