Petropavlovsk - Avacha volcanic group. We take a river trip to the foot of the volcano and then trek to the top of Camel mountain, for a picturesque view of the 5 volcanoes. The Avacha volcanic group lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, 25 km from the Pacific coastline and 30 km from Petropavlovsk- Kamchatsky. In the cluster of 5, Avacha and Koryaksky volcanoes are both active. Both are under constant scientific study owing to the history of their explosive eruptions and proximity to populated areas. Avacha has erupted at least 17 times in recorded history. Eruptions have been explosive and pyroclastic (hot gas and rock) flows have been directed to the south west.

The most recent large eruption occurred in 1945, when about 0.25 km3 of magma was ejected. The volcano has since had small eruptions in 1991 and 2001. The volcano continues to experience frequent earthquakes and many fumaroles exist near the summit. The temperature of gases emitted at these fumaroles has been measured at over 400 degrees Celsius, but of course we will never get up this close and personal. After lunch, we return back to Petropavlovsk.