The Volcanic Seven Summits Project

Many people are aware of the Seven Summits, which are the highest mountain peaks of seven continents. Besides the Seven Summits, there’s the Volcanic Seven Summits project that includes the world’s highest volcanic summits. An Italian mountaineer Mario Trimeri was the first person to complete the Volcanic Seven Summits in 2011. 

The project is based on the idea of climbing real volcanoes, which are volcanic centers with craters at least 300 meters high above sea level.

The Volcanic Seven Summits project  compared to the Seven Summits is lighter, more interesting, and no less eventful.

Volcanic Seven Summits

1. Ojos Del Salado (6891 m) – SOUTH AMERICA
2. Kilimanjaro (5895 m) – AFRICA
3. Elbrus (5642 m) – EUROPE
4. Orizaba (5636 m) – NORTH AMERICA
5. Damavand (5610 m) – ASIA
6. Giluwe (4368 m) – NEW GUINEA
7. Sidley (4181 m) – ANTARCTICA

Ojos Del Salado (6891 m) / South America

Ojos del Salado is the highest volcano in the world, located in the Atacama Desert, on the Argentina-Chile border. 

Climbing Ojos del Salado is challenging due to its high altitude, extreme weather conditions, and technical difficulties in some sections of the ascent. But it’s also fascinating due to the stunning views of the Atacama Desert and the surrounding Andean peaks.

One of the unique features of Ojos del Salado is the presence of a crater lake Laguna del Inca, located at an altitude of 6 390 m, which is considered the highest lake in the world.

Kilimanjaro (5895 m) / Africa

Kilimanjaro is the highest volcano, the highest summit in Africa, and the highest single free-standing mountain in the world at the same time. Mount Kilimanjaro is included not only in the Volcanic Seven Summits but also in the Seven Summits.

Although there are several routes to the peak of Kilimanjaro, we follow the Marangu route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route. This route to Kilimanjaro is the oldest and most well-established one, it’s also extremely popular among trekkers mainly because it is the only route that has hut accommodation which is very comfortable.

Kilimanjaro trekking tour/ 9 days

Elbrus (5642 m) / Europe

Elbrus is a dormant stratovolcano located in the Caucasus Mountains of Southern Russia. It’s the highest peak in Europe and a popular destination for mountaineers.

Reaching the summit of Mount Elbrus is a unique and rewarding experience that offers spectacular views of the Caucasus Mountains. 

Orizaba (5636 m) / North America

Mount Orizaba in Mexico is well known for its impressive glaciers and ice formations. Despite being located in a relatively hot region, the summit of Mount Orizaba is often covered with snow and ice.

The ascent usually takes about two or four days, depending on the difficulty of a route and a mountaineer’s level of experience.

One of the unique aspects of climbing Mount Orizaba is the diversity of the terrain and ecosystems. You pass through arid deserts filled with cacti, before ascending into high-altitude forests and eventually reaching the glaciers and snowfields near the summit.

Damavand (5610 m) / Asia

Damavand is the highest volcano in Asia and the highest summit in Iran. One of the reasons for going to Iran is exploring its rich cultural heritage: ancient buildings, mosques, and bazaars.

Many people, who come to Tehran to climb Mount Damavand, spend some time exploring historic sites.

Damavand trekking tour / 5 days

Giluwe (4368 m) / New Guinea

Mount Giluwe is the second-highest mountain in Papua New Guinea. The ascent to Mount Giluwe is a unique and challenging experience for every mountaineer, as it involves trekking through dense jungle and even encountering remote tribes.

Imagine, you have a chance to meet some indigenous people living far removed from modern civilization and have a cultural experience that you have never had before․

Sidley (4181 m) / Antarctica

Mount Sidley is the highest volcano in Antarctica and the highest peak of the continent. 

The ascent to Mount Sidley may be a significant challenge due to its remote location, extreme weather conditions, and technical difficulties. Only rich experienced mountaineers are able to complete it. The ascent also requires specialized gear and support.

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