From Europe to Southeast Asia, the world’s volcanoes have been making themselves known this summer. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia sent ash drifting over Flores in June, briefly grounding flights and covering nearby hillsides in gray dust. Taiwan’s Wandan mud volcano resurfaced days later, bubbling up through farmland and sending hot gas into the air. Even Sicily’s Mount Etna made itself known again, its familiar plume stretching above Catania and catching the last of the evening light. It’s been a season of seismic reminders—of the Earth’s volatility, yes, but also its incredible landscapes.
Even with the occasional eruption, volcano hiking remains one of the most exciting ways to experience the planet in motion. These aren’t your typical trails—they’re for travelers in search of altitude, unpredictability, and a bit of controlled risk. With a competent guide, active volcano treks are both safe and worth the climb. Here are some of the biggest active volcanoes in the world you can actually climb.
Mount Etna smoking at dawn with the Catania city below
Alberto Masnovo
Mount Etna, Italy
Europe’s highest and most active volcano, Etna is a hiker’s classic. Well-developed paths, local guides, and frequent monitoring mean you can trek through solidified lava flows and crater rims with confidence. Climbs range from gentle slopes to full-day ascents, offering panoramic views over Catania and the Ionian Sea. Even when it puts on a show—with ash clouds hovering overhead—it does so under strict watch, with paths blocked off at the first sight of any activity.
Cotopaxi during sunrise
Pablo Villota
Cotopaxi, Ecuador
At 19,347 feet, Cotopaxi is one of the biggest active volcanoes in the world—and a magnet for high-altitude trekkers. Hikers without mountaineering experience can still reach the José F Ribas refuge at around 15,748 feet, where the altitude alone is an adventure. Those continuing to the summit will need crampons, ice axes, and a certified guide, with climbs typically starting before midnight to reach the peak by sunrise. The surrounding national park, home to wild horses and sweeping Andean plains, is just as rewarding for those keeping to lower ground.