Pico do Fogo
Mosteiros
Pico do Fogo is the highest peak and an active stratovolcano located on Fogo Island in Cape Verde, reaching an elevation of 2,829 meters above sea level. The volcano dominates the island's nearly round shape and features a large summit caldera known as Bordeira, which encloses a small village called Chã das Caldeiras. Fogo is the youngest and most active volcano in the Cape Verde archipelago, with eruptions recorded in 1680, 1769, 1951, 1995, and 2014. Its eruptions have shaped both the island's landscape and its human history, including significant emigration after the 1680 eruption. The volcano's eastern flank has collapsed into the ocean in the distant past, creating massive tsunamis. Today, the fertile volcanic soils on its slopes support coffee cultivation, while the lava is used as a building material. Visitors can witness unique volcanic formations, the dramatic caldera walls, and the resilient community living within this extraordinary volcanic environment.
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Consejo: The best time to visit Pico do Fogo is during the dry season to enjoy clearer views and safer hiking conditions. Visitors should consider arranging guided tours for safer exploration of the volcanic terrain and local villages. It is advisable to check for any volcanic activity alerts before visiting, and to purchase tickets or permits in advance if required for protected areas. Discounts may be available for groups or students. Proper hiking gear and water are essential for visits to the caldera and summit areas.
Datos interesantes
- •The eastern flank collapse of Pico do Fogo 73,000 years ago generated a tsunami 170 meters high that struck the nearby island of Santiago.
- •The 1680 eruption caused mass emigration from Fogo due to ash fall damaging agriculture.
- •The 1995 eruption was preceded by a series of earthquakes and produced lava fountains up to 400 meters high.
- •The caldera rim, called Bordeira, reaches approximately 2,700 meters elevation.
- •Chã das Caldeiras village is located inside the volcano’s summit caldera.
Historia
Pico do Fogo's volcanic activity has shaped the island of Fogo over tens of thousands of years, including a massive eastern flank collapse about 73,000 years ago that caused a giant tsunami on nearby islands.
The volcano’s summit last erupted in 1680, an event that led to mass emigration due to widespread ash fall and agricultural damage.
Subsequent eruptions occurred in 1769, 1951, 1995, and 2014, with the 1995 eruption notably destroying homes and forcing evacuations but causing no fatalities.
These eruptions have continually reshaped the island’s landscape and influenced its human settlement patterns.
Guía del lugar
Bordeira Caldera Rim
The steep and near-vertical caldera rim surrounding the summit reaches about 2,700 meters elevation, offering dramatic views of the volcanic landscape and the village inside the caldera.
Chã das Caldeiras Village
A small village located within the volcanic caldera, known for its resilient community and unique setting amidst the volcanic terrain. The village was heavily affected by eruptions but remains inhabited.
Summit Cone1680
The main volcanic cone of Pico do Fogo, the highest point on the island, last erupted in 1680. It is a prominent landmark visible from much of the island.
