Volcanoes are some of nature’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring creations. Their unpredictable eruptions, fiery lava flows, and surreal landscapes make them both fascinating and formidable. For travelers with a sense of adventure, volcano tours offer the rare chance to explore these natural wonders up close. From guided summit hikes to thrilling helicopter flyovers, here are ten of the most exciting volcano tours from around the globe that promise memories you’ll never forget.
Explore Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii
Located on Hawaii’s Big Island, Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the perfect starting point for your adventure. Visitors can trek across hardened lava fields, peer into steam vents, and walk through lava tubes.
For a bird’s-eye view, helicopter tours fly over recent eruption sites, glowing lava lakes, and volcanic craters. Ground-based options include ranger-led hikes that range from rainforest trails to stark, otherworldly lava plains. Whether you’re on foot or in the air, the volcanic energy of Kilauea leaves a lasting impression.
Witness Sunrise at Mount Bromo, Indonesia
Mount Bromo in East Java offers one of the most iconic volcano experiences in Asia. The most popular option is the sunrise tour. Starting in the early morning, this tour takes you to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Bromo’s smoking crater as the sun paints the sky in brilliant shades of red and orange.
Other exciting options include 4×4 Jeep rides through the Sea of Sand and hikes to the crater rim. For a more intense adventure, try the climb to Mount Semeru, Java’s tallest and most active volcano.
Summit Villarrica Volcano in Chile
Chile’s Villarrica volcano towers over the town of Pucón and offers a challenging but unforgettable ascent. Tours to the summit typically take five to six hours and require proper gear like crampons and ice axes.
From the top, you’ll get a direct view into the steaming crater and panoramic vistas of the Andes. If you’re not up for a full summit, glacier treks and guided hikes around the base offer more relaxed ways to explore the area’s volcanic beauty.
Discover Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
Though currently dormant, Arenal remains one of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes. Surrounded by lush rainforest, hot springs, and waterfalls, it’s a paradise for eco-travelers.
Popular tour options include rainforest treks, hanging bridge walks, and zip line canopy adventures. While lava no longer flows, guided hikes still reveal hardened lava fields and wildlife-filled trails. Don’t miss a soak in one of the nearby natural hot springs to round off your volcanic escape.
Traverse Mount Etna in Italy
Mount Etna in Sicily is Europe’s tallest active volcano and offers a variety of experiences. Visitors can take cable cars and off-road vehicles partway up the mountain, followed by guided treks to the summit craters.
The views stretch across Sicily’s eastern coastline, and you can often see smoke rising from the vents. For a more relaxed outing, vineyard tours around the lower slopes of Etna offer wine tasting with a view of the mighty peak.
Trek Mount Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain, Peru
Mount Ausangate is not a traditional volcano but offers volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity worth exploring. This high-altitude trek takes you through the Andes past turquoise lakes and colorful mineral-rich ridges.
A major highlight is Rainbow Mountain, whose vivid bands of red, yellow, and green have made it one of Peru’s most photographed sites. Multi-day treks offer cultural encounters with local Quechua communities and stunning views of snow-capped peaks.
Hike Mount Yasur in Vanuatu
Located on Tanna Island, Mount Yasur is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. Guided hikes take you right to the crater’s edge, where you can see lava bursts, hear deep rumbling, and feel the earth vibrate beneath your feet.
Evening tours are especially popular as the glowing lava stands out against the dark sky. For a smoother ride, 4×4 vehicle tours are also available, taking you to viewing platforms where you can safely watch the action.
Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 12-mile hike through a volcanic landscape dotted with craters, steam vents, and emerald-colored lakes. It’s considered one of the best day hikes in the world.
The trail passes Mount Ngauruhoe, also known as Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings films. While it’s not erupting, the otherworldly terrain makes you feel like you’re walking on another planet. Guided tours are recommended for safety and insight into the area’s volcanic and cultural history.
Visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
Best known for mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is also home to five volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains. Treks to Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi offer both scenic and challenging experiences.
These hikes take you through bamboo forests, alpine meadows, and volcanic ridges. Along the way, you’ll see rare wildlife and panoramic views of the East African Rift Valley. It’s a unique combination of volcanic exploration and wildlife discovery.
Study Fagradalsfjall in Iceland
Fagradalsfjall erupted recently and has since become Iceland’s newest tourist magnet. Guided tours take you across cooled lava fields and to safe viewing spots where you can still see steam rising and the earth reshaping itself.
Hiking tours are the most popular, with knowledgeable guides explaining the geological significance of the eruption. If conditions allow, you may even witness lava flows and glowing fissures, making it one of the most thrilling volcano experiences in Europe.
Final Thoughts
Volcano tours offer more than just adventure. They’re an incredible way to witness the planet’s inner workings, learn about local cultures, and take in some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. From Iceland to Indonesia, these ten tours prove that volcanoes are as fascinating as they are powerful. If you’re ready to walk along lava fields or climb to fiery summits, the world’s most exciting volcano tours await.
