Mount Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines. Since 1616 there were 47 eruptions. From 1616 until 2002 at least 1300 people died and thousands of people got homeless as a result of all the eruptions. The most recent eruptions were in 1947, 1984 and 1993. In 1993 the activity started with explosions. Half an hour later, flows of lava (molten rock) and pyroclastic flows (flows with mixtures of hot, dry rock fragments and hot gases. Mount Mayon is a splendid example of a strato volcano. Mount Mayon rises up 2462 meters above sea level. In 1818 enormous flows of lava came over the village of Cagsawa. The whole village disappeared under the layers of 'lava' and 'pyroclastic flows'. Only the the top of the church reminds of the period that once there was a village. Mount Mayon is a splendid example of a strato volcano. Mount Mayon rises up 2462 meters above sea level. For some sportive tourists it is a challenge to climb the Mount Mayon. The best start is at a height of 762 meters above sea level, the location where a research- station is situated. From the research station a trail creeps upwards through a tropical secondary forest. It is not easy to reach the summit. Especially the last 540 meters to the top. At the height of 1921 meters the rocky slopes begin. The last 240 meters have a 40 degree ascent on loose volcanic cinder and lava sands. To climb further to the summit is not without danger for life. Especially the danger of poisonous fumes, which can sometimes come down alongside the slopes when the wind makes a sudden shift in wind direction. So, the best, safe trail just stops at 1921 meters altitude!