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Geological Formations

Tajumulco

Volcanic Formations

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Tajumulco is a dormant stratovolcano in the San Marcos department of western Guatemala, near the border with Mexico, reaching about 4,220 meters, which makes it both the highest peak in Guatemala and the highest point in Central America as a whole. Built from andesitic lava characteristic of the Central America Volcanic Arc, the mountain has two summits, and its last confirmed eruption is generally placed in the 19th century, though the volcano has shown no significant activity in the modern instrumental record and is classified as dormant rather than extinct. Its considerable elevation gives its upper slopes a paramo-like climate distinct from the tropical lowlands surrounding it, with night frosts common near the summit despite the tropical latitude. The mountain is a popular, physically demanding trek among Guatemalan and international hikers specifically because reaching its summit means standing at the highest point between Mexico and Colombia. This entity documents Tajumulco specifically as a geological formation, the highest volcanic peak in Central America, an andesitic stratovolcano of the Central America Volcanic Arc.

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