Izalco Volcano

Izalco Volcano

Izalco is an active stratovolcano in western El Salvador, located on the southern flank of the Santa Ana volcano. The Izalco erupted almost constantly from 1770 to 1958, hence the nickname "Lighthouse of the Pacific", and experienced a wing burst in 1966. In 1926, an eruption buried the village of Matazano, killing 56 people. The volcano's eruption hit heavily cultivated land used to grow coffee, cocoa and sugar cane. Izalco volcano was born in the early 1700s, when a crater in the Santa Ana volcano began to emit lava, fire and smoke. This same activity led to an increase in the width and height of the cone, while maintaining its mouth of more than 200 meters in diameter. Izalco Volcano is located in Los Volcanes National Park, which also includes the Santa Ana and Cerro Verde volcanoes. Its name is derived from the indigenous word Nahuat, meaning black sand, which makes sense, as centuries of volcanic activity have left dark colored sand stains on the ground in the immediate area. Since 2007, UNESCO has designated the volcano as part of the Apaneca Conservation Area and Biosphere Reserve, and local and national governments have put in place protection and visitor control measures. Although it is a relatively recently active volcano, the surrounding flora is quite rich. Actually, many species of temperate and tropical trees and flowers, such as some species of bromeliads and orchids, survive in volcanic areas. There are many species of birds of prey, eagles and falcons in the area. Some mammals such as the spiny fox, deer and coyote also live here.