| RSS | EN | DE | EL | ES | FR | IT | RU

Izalco Volcano

Updated: May 23, 2025 11:47 GMT -
stratovolcano
El Salvador, 13.81°N / -89.63°W
Summit height: 1950 m / 6,398 ft
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
Izalco volcano, El Salvador (image courtesy: Angela Rucker, USAID)
Izalco volcano, El Salvador (image courtesy: Angela Rucker, USAID)

Izalco volcano was born in 1770 and is the youngest volcano in El Slavador. It formed on the southern flank of Santa Ana volcano located 45 km NW of San Salvador city.
Frequent strombolian eruptions and sometimes lava flows have built a largely unvegetated cone 650 m high which contains a 250 m wide and 50 m deep summit crater.
Volcán Izalco was frequently active between 1770 and 1966, but has been in its longest repose interval of its short history since then.
Similarly to Stromboli volcano in Italy, it acquired the nickname of "El Faro", the "Lighthouse of the Pacific", because of its frequent strombolian eruptions that provided a natural night-time beacon beacon for ships.
Izalco is one of the most frequently active volcanoes in North and Central America.

[smaller] [larger]
Typical eruption style: strombolian
Izalco volcano eruptions: 1966, 1948-57, 1939-48, 1937-38(?), 1933-34, 1931, 1930, 1927-28(?), 1925-27, 1924, 1920-21, 1912-16, 1903-05, 1902, 1899-1900, 1891-98, 1890, 1887-89, 1885, 1884, 1883, 1882, 1881, 1879-80, 1878, 1874-75 (?), 1872-73, 1870 (?), 1869, 1868, 1867, 1866, 1864-65, 1863, 1859-60, 1858-59,1857, 1856, 1854, 1850, 1844, 1842, 1838-40, 1836, 1825, 1817, 1805-07, 1802-03, 1798, 1793, 1783, 1772(?), 1770

Latest nearby earthquakes

Date and TimeMag / DepthDistance / Location
May 21, 11:28 am (GMT -6)
2.0

5 km
14 km (8.9 mi) to the NW 13 km Al Norte De Ahuachapan, El Salvador Info
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 GMT (5 quakes)
May 20, 10:48 am (Universal Time)
1.5

10 km
15 km (9.1 mi) to the NW 11 km Al Sureste De Ahuachapan, El Salvador Info
May 20, 08:39 am (Universal Time)
2.4

4 km
15 km (9.5 mi) to the NW 11 km Al Norte De Ahuachapan, El Salvador Info
May 20, 08:34 am (Universal Time)
2.0

7 km
15 km (9 mi) to the NW 12 km Al Norte De Ahuachapan, El Salvador Info
May 20, 08:30 am (Universal Time)
1.7

6 km
13 km (8.2 mi) to the NW 13 km Al Norte De Ahuachapan, El Salvador Info
May 20, 03:59 am (Universal Time)
1.6

8 km
26 km (16 mi) to the E 19 km Al Sureste De Santa Ana, El Salvador Info
Sunday, May 18, 2025 GMT (1 quake)
May 18, 10:25 am (Universal Time)
1.5

7 km
14 km (8.4 mi) to the NW 13 km Al Norte De Ahuachapan, El Salvador Info
Saturday, May 17, 2025 GMT (5 quakes)
2025-05-17 17:58:37
2.5

4 km
16 km (9.7 mi) to the NW 10 km Al Sureste De Ahuachapan, El Salvador Info
May 17, 05:58 pm (GMT -6)
2.5

8 km
14 km (8.9 mi) to the NW 12 km Al Norte De Ahuachapan, El Salvador Info

Background

Volcán de Izalco is dominantly basaltic to andesite in composition. Its lavas are geochemically distinct from those of both Santa Ana and its fissure-controlled flank vents. The lavas from Izalco have markedly higher content of Al2O3, CaO and Sr, and lower incompatible elements (Zr, Rb, K, Ba and TiO2).
Most lava flows from Izalco were erupted from flank vents and traveled south due to the topographic setting on the slopes of Santa Ana volcano, reaching up to 7 km distance.

Izalco is known for its high-temperature minerals discovered at fumaroles in the summit crater, including shcherbinaite, bannermanite, stoiberite, fingerite, ziesite, blossite and mcbirneyite. 6 new vanadium minerals in particular were discovered at Izalco volcano and 5 of these have been elevated to mineral status. 2 of these minerals are among the most vanadium-rich compounds known in nature (Hughes and Stoiber, 1985).

Sources and further reading:
- Smithsonian / GVP volcano information
- J. M. Hughes, R. E. Stoiber (1985) "Vanadium sublimates from the fumaroles of Izalco volcano, El Salvador", J. of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, v. 24 (3-4), pp. 283-291
- Rose, W. I. Jr., Stoiber, R. E. (1969) "The 1966 eruption of Izalco volcano, El Salvador" J. Geophys. Res., v. 74, pp. 3119–3130
- Sheets P. D. (2004) "Apocalypse then: social science approaches to volcanism, people, and cultures in the Zapotitan Valley, El Salvador", in : Rose W. I., Bommer J. J., Lopez D. L., Carr M. J., Major J. J. (eds) "Natural Hazards in El Salvador", Bolder, Colorado, Geological Society of America Special Paper v. 375, pp. 109–120

Significant volcanic eruptions: Izalco volcano

In the past 10,000 years, Izalco has had at least 51 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations. Additionally, there are 3 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Izalco volcano.
The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Izalco volcano since around 1800. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Izalco can be found on the news page of Izalco volcano.
DateNoteVEIDeathsDamage
1966 Oct 28 - Nov 16 ±15 d.SSE flank (550 m below summit)
Historical obs./docs.
0
1948 Nov 4 - 1957 Dec 1 ±30 d.Summit, SW and NE flanks
Historical obs./docs.
3
1939 Feb - 1948 FebSummit and SSE flank
Historical obs./docs.
2
1937 ? - 1938 ?
Historical obs./docs.
2?
1933 Nov 30 - 1934 Jan 12 or later
Historical obs./docs.
2
1931 Mar 31 ±90 d.
Historical obs./docs.
2
1930 AprOuter slope of eastern summit crater
Historical obs./docs.
?
1927 - 1928 ?
Historical obs./docs.
2
1925 Dec 26 - 1927 Jan
Historical obs./docs.
3?
1924 Mar
Historical obs./docs.
2
1920 Oct 29 - 1921 Apr 10SE flank
Historical obs./docs.
2
1920 Oct 29
(eruption 1920 Oct 29 - 1921 Apr 10)
Historical obs./docs.
31-50 (*)
Info
1912 Jan 16 - 1916 Jan 26Summit and NE flank
Historical obs./docs.
2
1903 Nov - 1905 MarSummit and east flank
Historical obs./docs.
2
1902 May 10 - Dec 30Summit and NE flank
Historical obs./docs.
2
1899 Dec 31 - 1900 Mar
Historical obs./docs.
2
1891 - 1898 Jul
Historical obs./docs.
2
1890 Mar 26 ±5 d. - Apr 20Summit and upper east flank
Historical obs./docs.
?
1887 - 1889
Historical obs./docs.
2
1885
Historical obs./docs.
2
1884 Mar 9 - Mar 10
Historical obs./docs.
2
1883 Sep 5 ±4 d. - Nov 13
Historical obs./docs.
2
1882 Jul 12
Historical obs./docs.
2
1881 Jan 1
Historical obs./docs.
?
1879 Dec 25 - 1880 Mar
Historical obs./docs.
2
1878
Historical obs./docs.
?
?? 1874 - 1875
Uncertain Eruption
?
1872 Dec - 1873 Mar 19 or later
Historical obs./docs.
2
?? 1870 May 19
Uncertain Eruption
2?
1869 Mar 1 ? - Jun 18 or laterSummit and east flank
Historical obs./docs.
2
1868 Feb 16 - Feb 17
Historical obs./docs.
2
1867 Apr - Aug
Historical obs./docs.
2
1866 Apr 27 - Aug 15 ±5 d.
Historical obs./docs.
2
1864 May 15 ±2 d. - 1865 Jun 15 ±5 d.Summit and NE flank
Historical obs./docs.
2
1863
Historical obs./docs.
?
1859 Dec 8 - 1860 Jan 22
Historical obs./docs.
?
1858 Feb 6 - 1859 Jul
Historical obs./docs.
2
1857 Feb 15 - Feb 19 or later
Historical obs./docs.
2
1856 May 24 - Sep 1 ±1 d.Summit and south flank
Historical obs./docs.
2
1854 May 13 - Jun 8
Historical obs./docs.
2
1850
Historical obs./docs.
2
1844 Jun - Oct
Historical obs./docs.
2
1842
Historical obs./docs.
2
1838 - 1840
Historical obs./docs.
2
1836
Historical obs./docs.
2
1825
Historical obs./docs.
2
1817
Historical obs./docs.
2
1805 - 1807
Historical obs./docs.
2
1802 - 1803
Historical obs./docs.
2
(*) Estimated numbers
Remark:
Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Eruptions of Izalco volcano



1999 increase in fumarolic activity
Fumarolic activity increased at Izalco volcano in 1999. Fumaroles at the summit of Izalco volcano that had not been active for 35 years started to emit hot (85 deg C) vapor in 1999. An increase had also been observed in November 1998 following Hurricane Mitch.

1973 thermal anomaly
A slight thermal anomaly of up to 15 deg C was detected by infrared measurements at the crater of Izalco in 1973. ...more info

1966 eruption
Izalco volcano started to erupt on 28 October 1966 from a vent located 550 m on the SSE flank below the summit, the same area that also was active in 1946. the erution produced 2 lava flows of about 1.2 km length.

1926 eruption & fatalit
Lava flows from the eruption in 1926 buried the village of Matazano. 56 people were killed during the eruption.

1924 eruption
A strombolian eruption started around 24 October 1924 at Izalco volcano and lasted until 10 Nov, but shortly resumed on 21 December the same year.

1920-21 eruption
An eruption of Izalco volcano began on 29 October 1920 from a vent on the upper SE flank and lasted until 1 April 1921.

Izalco Volcano FAQ

+When was the last eruption of Izalco volcano?

+How often does Izalco volcano erupt?

+How active is Izalco volcano at present?

+When was the largest eruption of Izalco volcano?

Latest satellite images

Izalco satellite image sat1Izalco satellite image sat2

Izalco Volcano Maps

Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of few kilometers)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Izalco volcano (scale of few kilometers)
Volcanoes & Earthquakes - new app for Android
Guaranteed tours
9-25 Jun 2025: Volcanoes and Spices - Sulawesi/Halmahera (Indonesia)
7-22 Jul 2025: From Krakatau to Bali - Java (Indonesia)
7-23 Jul 2025: Volcanoes and Spices - Sulawesi/Halmahera (Indonesia)
1-17 Aug 2025: Volcanoes and Spices - Sulawesi/Halmahera (Indonesia)
1-14 Oct 2025: Desert, salt and volcanoes - Danakil desert (Ethiopia)
4-12 Oct 2025: From Stromboli to Etna - Sicily and Eolian Islands (Italy)
6-21 Oct 2025: From Krakatau to Bali - Java (Indonesia)
3-19 Nov 2025: Volcanoes and Spices - Sulawesi/Halmahera (Indonesia)
= spaces available   = guaranteed   = few spaces left   = booked out

No news in this list.

On this page:

Try our free app!
Volcanoes & Earthquakes - new app for Android
Android | iOS version

More on VolcanoDiscovery

Why is there advertising on this site?

Support us - Help us upgrade our services!

We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world. Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources.
We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please make a donation (PayPal).

Planned features:Thanks to your past donations, these features have been added recently:
Download and Upgrade the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online:
Android | IOS
Thank you!
Sources: VolcanoDiscovery / VolcanoAdventures and other sources as noted.
Use of material: Most text and images on our websites are owned by us. Re-use is generally not permitted without authorization. Contact us for licensing rights.
Volcanoes & Earthquakes
VolcanoDiscovery Home
Volcanoes | Earthquakes | Photos | Volcano News | | Shop | App
Adventure & Study Travel
Tours to Volcanoes and Volcanic Areas: walking tours, photo tours, study tours
Tours & Dates | FAQ | About us
Get our newsletter!
Company info
Contact | Legal info | Terms & conditions
Follow us
Follow us on facebook Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Bluesky Follow us on Twitter Visit our Youtube channel
EN | DE | EL | ES | FR | IT | RU
VolcanoDiscovery GmbH, Germany, Reg. nr.: HRB 103744, EU Tax Id: DE 297 465 123 owned and created by
Dr. Tom Pfeiffer, volcanologist, volcano photographer, tour organizer member of
IAVCEI
IAVCEI
Vulkanologische Gesellschaft
Volcanological Society
Ecotourism Greece
Ecotourism Greece
RUV insurance
Insured by R+V
VolcanoDiscovery © 2004- All Rights Reserved | Privacy - Cookie Settings