Mayon Volcano
philippines
Mount Mayon: The Picture Perfect Volcano
Quick Answers
Climbing Mayon Volcano Philippines - Mountain Stats
- #1 Most Perfectly Conical Volcano In Southeast Asia
- #1 Spot For Hiking Puns About Mayonnaise
- Mount Mayon
Climbing Mayon Volcano Philippines - Natural Form and History
Natural Mayon Volcano Philippines - Natural history
The Mayon volcano is the most active volcano in the Philippines. It rises high above the Albay Gulf to a height of 2,462m with it’s classic, symmetrical profile. This perfect conical shape is the result of a structurally simple volcano where eruptions have occurred from a single central conduit. Over fifty eruptions have been recorded at Mayon’s since 1616. Four in the last decade alone. These have typically included powerful explosive activity with pyroclastic flows, mudflows, and lava flows that descended to the lower flanks of the volcano. Eruptions in 2000, 2006, 2009, 2014, and 2018 forced thousands of people from nearby villages to evacuate. Its most destructive eruption was in 1814 when the town of Cagsawa was buried and approximately 1,200 people were killed.
Natural Mayon Volcano Philippines - Climbing history
It is said that the volcano grew from the burial grounds of lovers Magayon and Pangaronon. Thus, the ancient Bicolanos named it after the legendary princess-heroine Daragang Magayon.
After some time, the volcano was chosen as the abode of the supreme god of the Bicolano people, Gugurang, who also chose Mayon as the repository of the sacred fire of Ibalon.
Numerous festivals and rituals are associated with the volcano and its landscape.
Natural Mayon Volcano Philippines - Current status
The Mayon Volcano sits in a popular part of the Philippines to visit. There are many other activities around the mountain such as nature parks, ATV tours and the ruins of Cagsawa town. So there is a regular flow of local visitors who are tempted to climb the mountain too. It is popular because of the stunning beauty of the mountain itself and the unique scenery from its slopes.
Climbing Mayon Volcano Philippines - Climbing Experience & Itinerary
Climbing Mayon Volcano Philippines - Climbing Experience
Mount Mayon is a difficult climb. You will need to be prepared to camp on the mountain for between 1-3 nights. The going gets tough near the summit at around 2,195m because the ascent turns to 40° on loose volcanic cinder and lava sand.
Climbing Mayon Volcano Philippines - Trail options
Climbing Mayon Volcano Philippines - Support facilities
Guides and porters
Trail facilities
Food & water
Network connectivity
Climbing Mayon Volcano Philippines - Safety & Accessibility
Weather
The climate of Mayon is generally tropical and rainy and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. The temperate on Mayon depends on the time of year with lows of about 9°C and highs of around 20°C. Strong winds are common at higher altitudes and at the peaks, especially when storms roll in from the Pacific.
The best time to climb Mayon is during the dry season from March-May.
The rainy season, the wettest part of the year from November-January, is much more dangerous because of heavy rains and potential flash floods.
Climbing safety
Climbers need to be careful of poisonous fumes emitted by the volcano at the summit.
The steep upper reaches of the mountain present a falling hazard. Take your time, consider tethering each other together, and wear the right footwear for the job.
Personal safety
There’s unlikely to be any theft or crime of any sort along the way, but it’s always best to keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
Permits, Fees, and Regulations
A permit is needed for this climb and it’s best to check on the volcanic activity with the Department of Tourism as well.
Emergency contacts
Police: 117
Emergency: 911
Getting there and away
The Legazpi City Airport is right at the foot of the Mayon Volcano, but on the Southeastern side. Although a Jeepney (local bus) will get you most of the way to the starting point of either trail, a taxi will take you exactly to where you need to get to.
Climbing Mayon Volcano Philippines - Special Tips
Tips for amateur climbers
If you’re new to climbing mountains, maybe the Mayon Volcano isn’t the best mountain to start with. It is a pretty tough vertical ascent with a lot of scrambling.
Tips for advanced climbers
Although this climb isn’t going to present technical challenges, you can always try to do it faster than everyone else. Hardened vertical athletes could consider a 1 day ascent and return.
Tips for women
There are no special challenges for women travellers climbing the Mayon Volcano.
Tips for responsible / safety-conscious climbers
The Mayon Volcano is a treat for geology buffs, and is a pretty rich ecological area. Be sure to leave only footprints and take only photos. Might you consider taking away and properly disposing of some trash someone else left?
Tips for trail runners
Most of the Mayon Volcano is achievable at a run. The top part will be a bit of a scramble, and may require more sturdy shoes than what most trail runners will wear.
If you try running it, what tips would you have, and what time did you get?
Tips for nature lovers
The Mayon Volcano Natural Park was made a protected area in 1938. That makes the Mayon Hike the centrepiece of 14,272 acres of protected area of Luzon which is there to be conserved and cherished. Check into the Natural Park office and learn what there is to enjoy there.
Climbing Mayon Volcano Philippines - Gallery
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The misty peaks of Mayon from Legazpi
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The Mayon Volcano is almost too perfect in its conical shape