About Agua
Agua is a stratovolcano rising to 3,760 meters (12,337 feet) in Guatemala's Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Agua is located in Guatemala, within the Central America Volcanic Arc of the broader Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 14.46° N, 90.74° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. Standing at 3,760 meters above sea level, Agua towers above the alpine zone, where vegetation gives way to bare rock, snow, and ice for much of the year. The high elevation means the upper slopes experience significantly colder temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Agua sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Guatemala near Agua, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The symmetrical, forested Volcán de Agua stratovolcano forms an impressive backdrop to the city of Antigua, Guatemala, opposite from the Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes. The isolated basaltic andesite to andesite edifice makes it a prominent landmark visible from all directions. A circular 280-m-wide crater is breached on the NNE, six small pit craters are located on the NW flank, and two small cones lie on the S flank. No dated Holocene tephra deposits or recorded eruptions are known from Agua, but its name (the water volcano) originates from a devastating mudflow on 11 September 1541. The mudflow destroyed Ciudad Vieja, the first Guatemalan capital city established by the Spanish Conquistadors, prompting the establishment of a new capital at nearby Antigua.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Agua.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Agua
Is Agua an active volcano?+
Agua is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Agua?+
Agua has a summit elevation of 3,760 meters (12,337 feet) above sea level. At 3,760 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Agua?+
Agua is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Agua located?+
Agua is located in Guatemala, in the Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central America Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 14.465° latitude, -90.743° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Agua?+
Agua can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Guatemala may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
