Por: Huillca Expedition

Volcanoes are some of the most imposing and fascinating geological formations on the planet. From the highest snow-capped peaks to little-known underwater giants, these natural phenomena have shaped Earth's landscape for millions of years.

In this article, we present a list of the largest volcanoes in the world by height, volume, and extension, including active, inactive, and underwater volcanoes, with updated information for explorers, students, geographers, and nature tourism enthusiasts.

When we talk about the largest volcanoes in the world, the term "large" can have multiple interpretations depending on the scientific criteria used. There is no single metric to define the magnitude of a volcano, so its classification varies based on several key factors:

This is the most common and easy-to-visualize criterion. It refers to the distance from sea level to the summit of the volcano. In this sense, Nevado Ojos del Salado, located between Chile and Argentina, is considered the highest volcano in the world, with 6,891 m (22,608 ft) above sea level.

This measurement is especially relevant for mountaineering and high-altitude tourism.

This parameter includes not only the height but also the mass and size of the base. Mauna Loa (Hawaii), although it "only" reaches 4,169 meters (13,678 ft) above sea level, is the largest volcano in the world in terms of volume. Its base extends from the seafloor, giving it a total height of over 10,000 meters (32,808 ft) and an estimated volume of 80,000 km³.

Here, we also find the Tamu Massif, an underwater volcano that some studies consider the largest on the planet by surface area covered.

Some volcanoes have such an extensive base that, even though they are not very tall, they cover immense areas. For example, Tamu Massif, at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, spans over 310,000 km², equivalent to the entire territory of Poland.

This criterion is relevant in marine geology and tectonic studies.

The size of a volcano can also be associated with its destructive power or eruptive frequency. Volcanoes like Krakatoa (Indonesia) or Popocatépetl (Mexico) are not the tallest or the largest, but their historical impact and capacity for explosive eruptions place them among the most important in the world.

This approach is crucial for volcanic risk management and civil protection.

Beyond physical criteria, some volcanoes stand out for their cultural or symbolic value. Mount Fuji in Japan, for example, has a strong spiritual and artistic connection, making it one of the most emblematic volcanoes on the planet, despite not being active or particularly tall.

Mauna Loa, whose name in Hawaiian means "long mountain," is widely recognized as the largest volcano in the world in terms of volume and surface area. It is located on the Big Island of the Hawaiian archipelago and is part of a volcanic chain generated by the Central Pacific hotspot. Its base is located on the ocean floor, approximately 5,000 meters below sea level, and from there it rises to exceed 10,000 meters in total height, making it the tallest mountain on the planet if measured from its true base.

It covers an area of approximately 5,200 km², representing more than 50% of the territory of the Big Island. Its smooth and expansive shape is typical of shield volcanoes, characterized by more fluid and less explosive eruptions due to the low viscosity of basaltic magma.

Mauna Loa has been active for at least 700,000 years, and it is estimated to have fully emerged from the sea more than 400,000 years ago. Since the 19th century, it has recorded more than 30 documented eruptions, some of them threatening populated areas such as Hilo and Kona. The most recent occurred in November 2022, after almost 40 years of inactivity.

Monitoring of Mauna Loa is carried out by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), using seismic sensors, GPS, thermal stations, and satellite surveillance. Despite its relative calm, it is considered a volcano of high potential risk due to its size, location, and proximity to urban areas.

In addition to its geological relevance, Mauna Loa holds strong cultural significance for the native Hawaiian people, who consider it a sacred mountain. Its slopes are home to world-renowned astronomical observatories due to the altitude, dry air, and low light pollution.

Height above sea level: 4,169 m

Total height from its submarine base: Over 10,000 m

Type of volcano: Shield / Active

Last recorded eruption: November 2022

Nevado Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world and the second highest peak in the American continent, only surpassed by Aconcagua (6,961 m). It is located in the Andes mountain range, on the border between Chile and Argentina, and is part of the Altiplano-Puna volcanic belt, one of the most active volcanic regions in South America.

This imposing stratovolcano reaches 6,891 meters above sea level, making it a destination of high interest for the scientific community, extreme mountaineers, and lovers of high-altitude trekking. Despite its altitude, Ojos del Salado is not completely covered by ice or snow, due to the hyper-arid climate of the area, characteristic of the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world.

Although it has not recorded recent explosive eruptions, it is considered partially active, as fumarolic emissions, volcanic tremors, and thermal activity have been observed in recent years, the most recent in 2022. This underground activity suggests that magma bodies still exist at great depths.

In its crater, there is a volcanic lake, considered the highest in the world, located at over 6,300 meters of altitude. The ascent to Ojos del Salado represents a technical challenge due to extreme altitude, constant wind, and desert conditions. Even so, it is an accessible peak from a technical standpoint for well-acclimated mountaineers and does not require rock climbing, although it does demand mountain experience.

From a scientific perspective, this volcano is the subject of glaciological, geothermal, and planetary studies, as the extreme conditions of its environment make it a terrestrial analogue of Mars for various space agencies.

Nevado Ojos del Salado not only impresses with its height but also serves as a reference in the interaction between geology, high-altitude exploration, and climate sciences.

Altitude above sea level: 6,891 m

Type of volcano: Stratovolcano / Partially active

Last recorded activity: Fumarolic emissions in 2022

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest volcano in Africa and the world's tallest free-standing mountain. Located in northeastern Tanzania, near the Kenya border, it majestically rises over the African plains and constitutes one of the continent's most iconic landscapes.

It is an inactive stratovolcano composed of three main volcanic cones: Kibo (the highest and still geologically active), Mawenzi, and Shira, which are older and eroded. The summit of Kibo, known as Uhuru Peak, reaches 5,895 meters of altitude, making it the highest point on the African continent.

Although it has not had significant eruptions for hundreds of thousands of years, Kilimanjaro is not entirely extinct. Gas emissions have been detected through fissures at the summit, and its caldera shows signs of deep volcanic activity.

One of its most notable features is the presence of glaciers and perpetual snow at its summit, a surprising phenomenon due to its equatorial location. However, these glaciers have shrunk dramatically in recent decades due to climate change, becoming a global symbol of glacier retreat.

Kilimanjaro is also a world-famous trekking destination, with routes like Marangu, Machame, and Lemosho that allow you to reach the summit without requiring technical climbing skills, although good physical condition and altitude acclimatization are necessary. Each year, thousands of people attempt to reach its summit, facing subzero temperatures, strong winds, and a landscape of great natural beauty.

Height above sea level: 5,895 m

Type of volcano: Inactive stratovolcano

Last estimated eruption: Over 360,000 years ago

Mount Elbrus is an inactive volcano located in the western Caucasus mountain range, in southern Russia, near the border with Georgia. With its 5,642 meters of altitude, it is recognized as the highest peak in Europe, making it part of the prestigious "Seven Summits" list, which includes the highest mountains on each continent.

Mount Elbrus is an ancient stratovolcano with a double summit, the result of millions of years of volcanic activity during the Quaternary period. Its two main peaks correspond to ancient craters: the western peak, which is the tallest (5,642 m), and the eastern peak (5,621 m). Both are covered by glaciers that feed numerous rivers in the Caucasian region.

Although there have been no recorded eruptions in recent historical times, Mount Elbrus shows some gas emissions and geothermal activity in areas close to its glaciers, indicating the presence of residual heat underground. However, it is classified as an extinct or inactive volcano, with a low risk of reactivation in the short term.

In terms of tourism, Mount Elbrus is one of the most important mountaineering destinations in Eurasia, attracting thousands of climbers every year. There are several routes to its summit, some with infrastructure such as shelters and cable cars, and others more technical and demanding. The weather at the summit can be extremely harsh, with icy winds and subzero temperatures even in summer.

Culturally, Mount Elbrus occupies a prominent place in local mythology and has been a national symbol since ancient times. It is a mountain that combines natural beauty, sporting challenges, and geological significance, serving as a symbolic frontier between Europe and Asia.

Height above sea level: 5,642 m

Type of volcano: Inactive

Last estimated eruption: Approximately 2,000 years ago

Popocatépetl, whose name in Nahuatl means "smoking mountain," is one of the largest and most dangerous active volcanoes in America. It is located in central Mexico, between the states of Puebla, Morelos, and the State of Mexico, just 70 kilometers from Mexico City. Its proximity to densely populated areas makes it a high-priority volcanic threat for scientific authorities and civil protection in the country.

With an altitude of 5,426 meters, it is the second-highest mountain in Mexico, after Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltépetl). It is a symmetrical stratovolcano that has been intermittently active for millennia, but its activity has intensified since 1994, when its current eruptive phase began, characterized by ash emissions, moderate explosions, incandescence, pyroclastic flows, and frequent exhalations.

The volcano is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and is formed by alternating layers of lava, ash, and pyroclasts. Its crater measures approximately 400 meters in diameter and 150 meters deep. In the past, it has produced explosive eruptions of great magnitude, including Plinian events, making it one of the most active volcanoes in Mesoamerica.

Popocatépetl has been a central element in Mesoamerican indigenous cosmology. According to legend, it is linked to the neighboring mountain Iztaccíhuatl — "the sleeping woman"—in a story of love and sacrifice that is part of Mexican popular imagination.

Due to the risk it represents, Popocatépetl is intensely monitored by the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED), with seismic detection systems, thermal cameras, satellite surveillance, and ash dispersion modeling. The volcano has caused multiple airport closures, suspension of classes, and regional alerts, especially when the eruptive column exceeds 5 km in height.

Despite its danger, it remains a national symbol of Mexico, visible from the capital and considered part of the country's natural and spiritual heritage.

Height above sea level: 5,426 m

Type of volcano: Active stratovolcano

Recent activity: Ongoing since 1994

Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and undoubtedly one of the most iconic in South America. It is located in the Eastern Andes Cordillera, in central Ecuador, within the Cotopaxi National Park, about 50 km south of Quito. Its snow-covered, perfectly conical summit is visible from the Ecuadorian capital on clear days and is a national symbol.

With its 5,897 meters of height, Cotopaxi rises imposingly over the Andean highlands and has been a reference in Ecuadorian exploration and mountaineering. It is a symmetrical stratovolcano, composed of multiple layers of lava, ash, and other volcanic materials, and features a crater approximately 800 meters in diameter.

Its volcanic activity has historically been intense, with more than 50 eruptions recorded since the 16th century. The most destructive eruptions occurred in 1744, 1768, and 1877, affecting nearby communities with pyroclastic flows, lahars, and ashfall. The most recent eruption began in 2022, with moderate ash emissions and continued in phases until 2023, which is why it remains under constant surveillance.

Cotopaxi is monitored by the Geophysical Institute of the National Polytechnic School of Ecuador, which uses seismological, infrared, and satellite equipment to analyze its behavior and issue early warnings in case of increased activity.

From a touristic perspective, Cotopaxi is one of the most accessible and frequented mountains for mountaineers from around the world. Despite its altitude, it does not require advanced climbing techniques to reach its summit, although it does demand glacier walking experience, good physical condition, and proper altitude acclimatization.

Beyond its geological importance, Cotopaxi holds a profound spiritual significance for the indigenous communities that inhabit the area, who consider it a sacred mountain, an essential part of their cosmovision and oral tradition.

Height above sea level: 5,897 m

Type of volcano: Active stratovolcano

Last recorded eruption: 2023

Mount Etna, located on the island of Sicily, in southern Italy, is the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the oldest and most studied on the planet. With a height of 3,357 meters, which slightly varies after each eruption, Etna dominates the eastern Sicilian landscape and is considered one of the most important geological sites on the continent.

Etna is part of the Tyrrhenian Volcanic Arc and lies on a complex subduction zone between the African and Eurasian plates. This volcano has been active for at least 500,000 years and has had continuous eruptions since historical times, documented since Ancient Greece.

Currently, Etna shows constant activity, including strombolian eruptions, lava effusions, and ash explosions. In 2023, it presented several moderate eruptions, with ash columns reaching several kilometers in height, causing temporary closures of the Catania airport and volcanic material accumulation in nearby towns.

Height above sea level: 3,357 m

Type of volcano: Active stratovolcano

Recent eruptions: 2023

Mount Fuji, also known as Fuji-san, is the most iconic volcano in Asia and one of the most recognizable natural landscapes in the world. Located on the island of Honshu, west of Tokyo, Fuji reaches 3,776 meters in height, making it the tallest mountain in Japan.

It is an inactive stratovolcano, but not extinct. Its last eruption occurred in 1707 during the Edo period, in an event known as the Hōei eruption, which caused ash to fall even on the city of Edo (modern Tokyo). Since then, the volcano has remained dormant, although it is under constant monitoring due to its proximity to a densely populated region and its latent volcanic risk.

Mount Fuji is famous for its perfect conical shape, the result of centuries of overlapping volcanic activity, and for its snow-capped summit for much of the year. This harmonious silhouette has been a source of inspiration for artists, poets, monks, and travelers for generations. In Shinto and Japanese Buddhism, Fuji is considered a sacred mountain and a place of pilgrimage.

Every year, thousands of people climb its slopes during the official climbing season (from July to September), using routes such as Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya. Despite its altitude, the ascent does not require technical mountaineering skills, although it does demand good physical preparation and altitude tolerance.

Since 2013, Mount Fuji has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the category of "Cultural Site", recognizing not only its natural beauty but also its historical and spiritual impact on Japanese culture.

Mount Fuji is not only one of the largest volcanoes in the world in terms of fame and symbolic significance but also a point of convergence between nature, devotion, and national identity.

Height above sea level: 3,776 m

Type of volcano: Inactive stratovolcano

Last recorded eruption: 1707 (Hōei eruption)

Krakatoa, also known as Krakatau, is an island volcano located in the Sunda Strait, between the islands of Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. Although its current height is relatively low (813 meters), its importance and notoriety lie not in its physical size, but in its destructive power and global historical impact.

The original Krakatoa was the protagonist of one of the most violent eruptions ever recorded in modern history: the 1883 eruption. This cataclysmic explosion destroyed much of the volcanic island, generated tsunamis over 30 meters high, killed more than 36,000 people, and caused a global temperature drop in the following years due to the massive amount of ash and gases released into the atmosphere.

The explosion was so powerful that its shockwave circled the Earth several times, and the sound was heard over 4,800 km away. The geological devastation was total: the central island collapsed, giving rise to an underwater caldera.

In 1927, a new volcanic cone emerged from the collapsed crater, known as Anak Krakatoa ("Child of Krakatoa"), which has been in constant growth and activity ever since. This new volcano has had several significant eruptions, the most recent being in 2018, when a partial collapse of its structure once again generated a tsunami, affecting the coasts of Java and Sumatra and causing more than 400 deaths.

Currently, Krakatoa is one of the most monitored volcanoes in Southeast Asia, overseen by the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation. The island remains largely uninhabited, although controlled tourist routes have been developed for safe observation.

In addition to its geological relevance, Krakatoa is the subject of numerous scientific studies on explosive volcanism, secondary tsunamis, and their impacts on global climate, making it a benchmark for modern volcanology.

Despite its modest height, Krakatoa is a clear example that a volcano's power is not always measured in meters but in its capacity to transform the planet.

Current height: 813 m (Anak Krakatoa)

Type of volcano: Active volcanic island

Famous eruptions: 1883, 2018

The Tamu Massif is, according to multiple recent geological studies, the largest volcano in the world in terms of area and total volume. It is located on the Shatsky Rise mid-ocean ridge, at the bottom of the northwestern Pacific Ocean, about 1,600 km east of Japan.

It was formally discovered in 2013 by a team led by geologist William Sager, and its discovery revolutionized the understanding of large-scale volcanoes. Unlike other large volcanic systems formed by multiple craters or structures, Tamu Massif appears to have formed from a single massive and sustained eruption, classifying it as a shield volcano but on a colossal scale.

This gigantic underwater mountain covers more than 310,000 km², an area equivalent to almost all of Poland or 80% of Italy's territory. While its height from the seafloor is about 4,000 meters, its true magnitude lies in its base diameter, which exceeds 640 kilometers, and in the total volume of volcanic materials accumulated.

Unlike Mauna Loa or Etna, Tamu Massif is completely submerged and does not pose an active volcanic risk, as it has been extinct for over 120 million years, formed during the Cretaceous period. However, its structure and origin remain subjects of scientific debate, especially because it combines characteristics of shield volcanoes and mid-ocean ridges.

The discovery of Tamu Massif has opened new lines of research on deep volcanism, the formation of large oceanic plateaus, and the thermal history of the planet. Moreover, it challenges the traditional definition of "volcano" since its morphology and dynamics do not fit the classic models observed on land.

Although it is beyond the reach of conventional tourism, Tamu Massif is a gem of modern geology and a testament to the volcanic power hidden beneath the oceans. Its inclusion in this ranking demonstrates that Earth still holds monumental secrets beneath its waters.

Approximate height from the ocean floor: 4,000 m

Type of volcano: Submarine / Extinct

Total estimated area: Over 310,000 km²

Mauna Loa, located in Hawaii (USA), is considered the largest volcano in the world by volume. Although its height above sea level is 4,169 meters, when measured from its submarine base, it exceeds 10,000 meters, making it the tallest mountain on Earth from its true base. It covers more than 50% of the Big Island of Hawaii and has an estimated volume of over 80,000 km³.

The Nevado Ojos del Salado, on the border between Chile and Argentina, is the tallest volcano on the planet, with an altitude of 6,891 meters above sea level. It is partially active and hosts the highest lagoon in the world in its crater. It is a significant destination for high-altitude mountaineers.

The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 is one of the most destructive recorded in modern times. It generated tsunamis, killed more than 36,000 people, and caused global climate changes. The explosion's sound was heard over 4,800 km away, and its ash affected the climate for years.

Yes. The Tamu Massif, located at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, is considered the largest volcano in the world by area, covering an extension of over 310,000 km². Although it is extinct, its size and structure make it a unique case in submarine geology.

Mount Etna, in Sicily (Italy), is the tallest active volcano in Europe, with a height of 3,357 meters. It has had frequent eruptions for centuries and is constantly monitored for its explosive and effusive activity. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

No. Many of the largest volcanoes in the world are inactive or extinct, such as Mount Elbrus (Russia) or Kilimanjaro (Tanzania). Others, like Mauna Loa or Popocatépetl, are active and monitored, while the Tamu Massif, under the ocean, has been extinct for millions of years.

Volcanoes are closely linked to tectonic plate activity. Many form in subduction zones, like the Pacific Ring of Fire, where numerous earthquakes also occur. Some volcanoes generate local tremors before, during, or after an eruption due to magma movement.

Yes, many of the largest volcanoes in the world are popular tourist destinations. Cotopaxi (Ecuador), Mount Fuji (Japan), Mauna Loa (Hawaii), Etna (Italy), and Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) offer ascent routes and guided tours. However, it is always necessary to check their activity status before planning a visit.