Santiago Volcano
Updated: Oct 20, 2025 10:05 GMT -
Shield volcano
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, -0.22°S / -90.77°W 
Summit height: 920 m / 3,018 ft
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
Last update: 10 Mar 2022
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Santiago volcano eruptions: 1906
Latest nearby earthquakes
| Date and Time | Mag / Depth | Distance / Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Background
The elongated shield volcano of Santiago Island, also known as San Salvador Island or James Island, is dotted with Holocene pyroclastic cones. Fresh-looking lava flows from these cones blanket the flanks of the volcano. The 920-m-high summit ridge, lined with a chain of NW-trending cinder and spatter cones, is located at the NW end of the island. Prominent flank tuff cones occur at the western and eastern coasts of Santiago. The most recent activity at Santiago has been concentrated at the NW and SE ends of the island. The spectacular pahoehoe lava flows at James and Sullivan Bays, on opposite ends of the island, were erupted during historical time. The James Bay flows were dated by fragments of marmalade pots left by buccaneers in 1684 that were subsequently embedded in the lava flows described by Charles Darwin in 1835.---
Smithsonian / GVP volcano information
Santiago Volcano Photos
Santiago town in front of volcano Toliman, Atitlan Lake, Guatemala (Photo: WNomad)
Santiago town at the feet of Toliman volcano (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)
Volcanoes Toliman and Atitlan at Atitlan Lake, Santiago A., Guatemala (Photo: WNomad)
Cactus on Santiago volcano (Galapagos Islands) (Photo: Ursula Lehmann)
Significant volcanic eruptions: Santiago volcano
In the past 10,000 years, Santiago has had at least 3 confirmed volcanic eruptions, out of which 2 are documented by historical records, while the others can be inferred from geological evidence.
The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Santiago volcano in historic times and during the past 10,000 years. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Santiago can be found on the news page of Santiago volcano.
| Date | Note | VEI | Deaths | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE flank Historical obs./docs. | ? | ||||
| SE flank (Sullivan Bay?) Historical obs./docs. | ? | ||||
| West flank (James Bay) | ? | ||||
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
Santiago Volcano FAQ
+When was the last eruption of Santiago volcano?
The last confirmed eruption of Santiago occurred during 1904 - 1906.
+How often does Santiago volcano erupt?
Since 1897, Santiago volcano has had at least 2 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 64 years.
Many eruptions of Santiago have lasted more than one year. In total, the volcano has been in eruption during 4 out of 128 years until now. In other words, Santiago has been active at least one in 32 years on average. Note that this value is likely an underestimate, because the known history of eruptions from Santiago is likely incomplete, especially further back in time.
+How active is Santiago volcano at present?
Santiago volcano is occasionally active: Since 1900, it has had 3 eruptions, and been active during 3 years out of 126 as of now. This means, Santiago has been in eruption one in 42 years on average. The last eruption was from 1904 until 1906 and ended 119 years ago.
Latest satellite images
Santiago 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 Santiago volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Santiago volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Santiago volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Santiago volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Santiago volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Santiago volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Santiago volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Santiago volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Santiago volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Santiago volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Santiago volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Santiago volcano (scale of few kilometers)
