IZALCO VOLCANO

Spanish Volcn Izalco, volcano in western El Salvador. It is the most active volcano in Central America, having erupted more than 50 times since 1700. Its black symmetrical cone, which was formed by eruptions in 1770 and 1798, is devoid of vegetation and reaches a height of 6,004 feet (1,830 m). During the 19th century, oceangoing sailors set their course by the continuous glow from Izalco's summit, nicknaming it the Lighthouse of the Pacific. The volcano derives its name from the Izalco Indians. The town of Izalco is located at the southwestern foot of the volcano.