Rising Above

See mountaintop views of a land bristling with volcanoes, billowing smoke plumes, treacherous straight-up hikes, straight-down danger, and hot air balloons gliding over ancient temples.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 1 of 5

John Burcham surveys the Lake of the Moon at Nevado de Toluca, Mexico. The volcano's nearly mile-wide summit crater cradles two lakes where ceremonial remains used by pre-Hispanic people have been recovered.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 2 of 5

Our guides Roberto and Ricardo make their way through cold and rain to high camp on Iztaccihuatl volcano, Mexico.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 3 of 5

John Burcham makes a treacherous descent on the slopes of Iztaccihuatl volcano, Mexico.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 4 of 5

Popocatépetl, one of Mexico's most active volcanoes, still produces powerful explosions. The steaming giant is seen here from the ridge of Iztaccihuatl, a neighboring volcano linked by a high mountain pass.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 5 of 5

John Burcham gazes at the still-steaming lava flow, lit by morning light, on the rim of Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details in a land of volcanic fire and ice.

Volcanic Voyage

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez uses his Lumia to capture a landscape and culture shaped by explosive geological forces on a journey to Mexico's iconic Paricutin volcano.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!

Rising Above

Photo 1 of 5

John Burcham surveys the Lake of the Moon at Nevado de Toluca, Mexico. The volcano's nearly mile-wide summit crater cradles two lakes where ceremonial remains used by pre-Hispanic people have been recovered.

Photo 2 of 5

Our guides Roberto and Ricardo make their way through cold and rain to high camp on Iztaccihuatl volcano, Mexico.

Photo 3 of 5

John Burcham makes a treacherous descent on the slopes of Iztaccihuatl volcano, Mexico.

Photo 4 of 5

Popocatépetl, one of Mexico's most active volcanoes, still produces powerful explosions. The steaming giant is seen here from the ridge of Iztaccihuatl, a neighboring volcano linked by a high mountain pass.

Photo 5 of 5

John Burcham gazes at the still-steaming lava flow, lit by morning light, on the rim of Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details in a land of volcanic fire and ice.

Volcanic Voyage

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez uses his Lumia to capture a landscape and culture shaped by explosive geological forces on a journey to Mexico's iconic Paricutin volcano.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!

Follow National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez on his incredible assignment to explore and capture the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Tips from the Pros

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez shares insights that can help you hone your own photo skills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rising Above

Photo 1 of 5

John Burcham surveys the Lake of the Moon at Nevado de Toluca, Mexico. The volcano's nearly mile-wide summit crater cradles two lakes where ceremonial remains used by pre-Hispanic people have been recovered.

Photo 2 of 5

Our guides Roberto and Ricardo make their way through cold and rain to high camp on Iztaccihuatl volcano, Mexico.

Photo 3 of 5

John Burcham makes a treacherous descent on the slopes of Iztaccihuatl volcano, Mexico.

Photo 4 of 5

Popocatépetl, one of Mexico's most active volcanoes, still produces powerful explosions. The steaming giant is seen here from the ridge of Iztaccihuatl, a neighboring volcano linked by a high mountain pass.

Photo 5 of 5

John Burcham gazes at the still-steaming lava flow, lit by morning light, on the rim of Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details in a land of volcanic fire and ice.

Volcanic Voyage

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez uses his Lumia to capture a landscape and culture shaped by explosive geological forces on a journey to Mexico's iconic Paricutin volcano.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,Explore Them All!

Follow National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez on his incredible assignment to explore and capture the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Tips from the Pros

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez shares insights that can help you hone your own photo skills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!