- General information and history of eruptions
- Interesting facts about Mayona
- Mayon for tourists
- How to get to Mayon
Mayon volcano is a landmark of the Philippine island of Luzon (the volcano is located at a distance of 15 km from the city of Legazpi). It is located in the Mayon Volcano National Park.
General information and history of eruptions
The active volcano Mayon (composed mainly of andesite lavas), having an almost ideal conical shape, reaches an altitude of more than 2,400 m (the length of its base is 130 km).
Over the past four hundred years, Mayon has erupted over 50 times:
- The eruption of 1814 destroyed the city of Sagzawa with hot smoke and a stream of lava; the earth was hidden under a 9-meter layer of ash (1200 people died).
- The eruption that occurred in 1897 lasted a week - it caused the burial of settlements located within a radius of 10 km (more than 400 people became victims of the disaster).
- In 1993, the Mayon eruption killed about 80 people.
- Since July 2006, Mayon again began to "spit" smoke and lava, but this process was in the so-called "quiet phase". The “active phase” began in December 2009, when it became necessary to evacuate people living nearby.
- Another 5 people (4 climbers and their accompanying guide) died in May 2013. Their death was caused by the scattering of large pieces of rock.
Interesting facts about Mayona
You can learn about the origin of Mayon by reading the local legend. They say that King Magayon once lived in the vicinity of the present-day volcano. A warrior burst into the chambers of his beautiful niece, the princess, convincing her to flee with him. The king chased after the fugitives, and they, in turn, began to ask the gods to help them. At the same moment, a landslide that suddenly arose buried the angry king alive, who still cannot calm down, periodically splashing out his anger in the form of lava, smoke and gases …
Mayon for tourists
Mayon's “violent” character (at its top you can always see the smoke going into the sky, and he can present a “gift” in the form of an eruption at any moment) does not prevent him from remaining a place of attraction for tourists.
Suggestions from guides assisting in the ascent of Mayon begin to pour in on travelers upon arrival in Legazpi. Before accepting an offer, you should consider whether your physical capabilities will allow you to make this adventure. And all because not only a beaten path leads upstairs, but also difficult sections (there are several paths from different sides of the mountain). In addition, before conquering the summit, you will have to maneuver between the flows of leaking lava and often escaping gas emissions from the ground.
Those who decide to go hiking (it is better to do this in March-May, since during the rainy season - November-February, access to the volcano for tourists may be closed), it will take 2-3 days to conquer Mayon, a tent, a guide, and possibly a porter (the tour will cost 5500 pesos; you can use the services of BicolAdventure). You should definitely not climb yourself.
It is worth noting that there is no water before the first stop on the route, so you should stock up on it in advance (you can quench your thirst with coconut milk if you have a knife with you to “deal with” the coconuts). The first halt will be made at Campone - there are several houses, a spring, and a tent site. Some tourists only get to this point in order to look at the lava flow and come back, since further the path will not be so easy.
If you are a beginner in mountaineering, it is better not to aim at the summit - a calm walk at the foot of Mayon will suit you. It is from below that you will be able to make some of the most beautiful photographs of the volcano.
The foot is interesting for travelers and the opportunity to see the ruins of the city of Sagzawa, in particular, the well-preserved bell tower of the Franciscan church, built in the 18th century (the local population is sure that the true faith cannot be destroyed even by a volcano). In addition to the bell tower, some parts of the monastery have survived to this day, with the exception of the facade, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the middle of the 20th century.
Mayon Volcano can also be seen during a seaplane excursion - a tour from Legazpi will cost 800 Philippine pesos / 1 person (do not forget to take breathtaking photos from above).
It is worth noting that the Mayon Volcano Park has created conditions for observing the local flora and fauna (you will be able to see wild chickens, fruit pigeons, various parrots, Filipino owls), rock climbing, mountain biking.
How to get to Mayon
From Manila, you can fly to Legazpi by plane or take a bus (Cubao terminal). Then you can get to the Buayan village by bus or jeepney. And those who come to the site, where the hiking route begins (not far from the church), will be able to start the cherished ascent.
