What to expect from a Volcano Tour?

Of all nature’s spectacular shows, the volcanic eruption has to be the most dramatic and awe-inspiring. Everyone learns about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the images of the city of Pompeii, preserved in the ash, are burned deep within our consciousness. The fascination with the power and beauty of volcanic activity is what will have brought you to consider a volcano tour.
Whilst your friends might be happy looking at last minute cruises to luxury locations, you’re hankering after something a little different. You are not alone however. Many other people join volcano tours every year, and each one has a dramatic and exciting adventure to tell at the end of it.
So what can you expect if you book a volcano tour? Is there anything you should know before booking, and will it fulfill your expectations.

Types of Tour – Which One Is For You?
You need to be realistic about what sort of tour you can manage. Some tours are physically more demanding than others, and you don’t want to find yourself feeling either frustrated or overwhelmed by the physical side of the tour. All good volcano tour companies should offer a range of trips, and will give you a good idea about the difficulty of each and what to expect.

Tour Challenge : Easy
If you are not used to hikes and camping you might want to choose a tour that offers a higher standard of accommodation, and a simpler climbing and trekking schedule. Some of the environments can be challenging and there is no shame in wanting to take it at a more leisurely pace. You may actually get more out of this kind of trip to your volcano by choosing this option. You’ll have more time to enjoy the countryside and spectacular views as you go.

Tour Challenge : Medium
These will probably require more camping and longer hikes, a richer challenge of excursions and will be more physically demanding in nature. Make sure you get a full itinerary from your tour company and find out the type of terrain you will be covering. Nothing will be beyond the ability of a fit and healthy adult, but conditions may not be as leisurely and luxurious. A real adventure.

Tour Challenge : Difficult
This is for those who are physically fit and up for an intense experience. You can expect longer journeys, possibly along unmade up roads. Accomodation may be basic, and you may experience extreme heat and physically challenging conditions. For some this type of journey is part of the enjoyment of the expedition, and increases their sense of achievement when they reach their goal. It’s not for everyone, but for those who choose this option it will be an intense and rewarding experience.

Each tour company will have its own range of tours available, and should either grade them or give good descriptions about what to expect. Your tour company should be happy to help you to decide which type of tour would suit you best. You might like to undertake some hiking practice before your travel date to prepare yourself. Ask your tour operator for the length of the treks you’ll be doing to give yourself an idea of where to pitch any training you feel might be helpful.

Guides
Another consideration in your choice of tour company is the type of guide you can expect to have. If you have a scientific interest in volcanoes it is good to know that your guide will be able to answer questions knowledgeably. Find out what the qualifications of your guide are, how many trips they have undertaken and how experienced they are in the country you are going to. Some companies employ local volcanologists to lead the final trek to the site, and this can be invaluable.

Safety
Don’t forget that volcanoes are potentially dangerous geological features. Volcanoes can change their condition without warning, and as such your itinerary may have to change in order for the group to stay safe. This may be beyond the control of your tour operator, and the authorities in charge of the safety of tourists may impose a legal requirement upon them. You must be prepared to follow the instructions of your tour guide in this respect.

If You Don’t Know, Ask
Don’t forget, the most important thing you need to have access to before choosing your trip is information. Ask what clothing will be required, what equipment you will need to bring. Ask how close you will be to the volcano itself and how you will get there. A top class volcano tour operator will be delighted to give you answers to any question you may have, or will have provided it on their website. They’re probably as excited about volcanoes as you are...

Isabella Woods, Dec 2011

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