Telica Volcano
Updated: Jul 29, 2025 21:14 GMT -
Stratovolcano(es)
Nicaragua, 12.6°N / -86.85°W 
Summit height: 1061 m / 3,481 ft
Current status: minor activity or eruption warning (3 out of 5)
Last update: 26 Jul 2025 (Volcanic Ash Advisory)
Telica volcano (image: GVP)
Telica, one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua, is a group of overlapping cones and craters on a broad NW line. The most prominent vent is a 700 m wide and 120 m deep double crater at the summit. Its southern summit crater has been the source of Telica's recent eruptions.
The older Santa Clara vent at the SW end of the edifice erupted in 16th century and is now covered with vegetation. Another vent El Liston, immediately SE of Telica, is another volcanic edifice with several nested craters.
Fumaroles and boiling mudpots are found at Hervideros de San Jacinto, SE of Telica. This prominent geothermal area is popular among tourists and the site of nearby geothermal exploration.
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Telica volcano eruptions: 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2007, 2006, 2004, 1999-2000, 1994, 1987, 1981-82, 1981, 1976-78, 1975-76, 1969-71, 1966, 1965, 1962, 1951, 1948-49, 1946, 1943-44, 1941(?), 1940, 1939, 1939, 1937-38, 1934, 1929, 1928, 1927, 1918(?), 1907, 1791, 1765, 1743(?), 1685, 1613, 1529, 1527(?)
Latest nearby earthquakes
| Date and Time | Mag / Depth | Distance / Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 17, 12:38 pm (Universal Time) | 0.0 1 km | 16 km (9.8 mi) to the N | 30 km northeast of Chinandega, Departamento de Chinandega, Nicaragua | Info | |
| Jul 17, 06:38 am (GMT -6) | 1.8 1 km | 13 km (8.4 mi) to the NW | 21 km east of Chinandega, Departamento de Chinandega, Nicaragua | Info | |
Significant volcanic eruptions: Telica volcano
In the past 10,000 years, Telica has had at least 46 confirmed eruptions, all documented by historical records or observations. Additionally, there are 6 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Telica volcano.
The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Telica volcano since around 1900. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Telica can be found on the news page of Telica volcano.
| Date | Note | VEI | Deaths | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Telica crater Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
| Telica crater Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
| Telica crater Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Southern crater Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1? | ||||
?? | Uncertain Eruption | 1 | |||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 0 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
| Vent in NE corner of crater Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 0 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
?? | Uncertain Eruption | ? | |||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 1? | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
?? | Uncertain Eruption | 2? | |||
?? | Uncertain Eruption | 2? | |||
Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
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 Telica volcano
2007 eruptions: ash emissions
In January and February 2007, there were small ash eruptions producing ash clouds reaching altitudes of 5000 ft (1,8 km).
In January and February 2007, there were small ash eruptions producing ash clouds reaching altitudes of 5000 ft (1,8 km).
1999-2000 eruptions
Telica volcano became active in August 1999. On 10 August 1999, an eruption produced ash fall 20 km WSW of Telica in the city of Chichigalpa.
A lava lake in the summit crater was observed on 18 August. The ash eruptions continued until February 2000 and declined afterwards.
Telica volcano became active in August 1999. On 10 August 1999, an eruption produced ash fall 20 km WSW of Telica in the city of Chichigalpa.
A lava lake in the summit crater was observed on 18 August. The ash eruptions continued until February 2000 and declined afterwards.
Telica Volcano FAQ
+When was the last eruption of Telica volcano?
The last confirmed eruption of Telica occurred during 2021 - 2022.
+How often does Telica volcano erupt?
Since 1527 AD, Telica volcano has had at least 46 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 10.8 years.
+How active is Telica volcano at present?
Telica volcano is very active: Since 1900, it has had 46 eruptions, and been active during 46 years out of 126 as of now. This means, Telica has been in eruption one in 2.7 years on average. The last eruption was from 2021 until 2022 and ended 3 years ago.
+When was the largest eruption of Telica volcano?
The largest eruption of Telica volcano in historic times occurred in 1529 AD. It ranks as a sub-plinian eruption with a magnitude 4 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.
Latest satellite images
Telica 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 Telica volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Telica volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Telica volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Telica volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Telica volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Telica volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Telica volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Telica volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Telica volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Telica volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Telica volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Telica volcano (scale of few kilometers)
