About Apo
Apo is a stratovolcano rising to 2,938 meters (9,640 feet) in Philippines's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Apo is located in Philippines, within the Mindanao Volcanic Province of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 6.99° N, 125.27° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,938 meters above sea level, Apo rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
Apo volcano but its geologic history is poorly known. Apo, which means master or grandfather, is the highest peak in the Philippines, located SW of the coastal city of Davao. The andesitic-to-dacitic volcano has a flat-topped summit with three peaks and a 500-m-wide crater containing a small lake. A line of solfataras rises from a fissure on the SE side that extends ~1 km downslope. No reported eruptions are known, but it is one of several volcanoes to which the major 1641 CE eruption from Melebingoy volcano was incorrectly attributed.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Apo.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Apo
Is Apo an active volcano?+
Apo is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "unknown." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Apo?+
Apo has a summit elevation of 2,938 meters (9,640 feet) above sea level. At 2,938 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Apo?+
Apo 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 Apo located?+
Apo is located in Philippines, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Mindanao Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 6.989° latitude, 125.269° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Apo?+
Apo can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Philippines may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.