Volcano Pacaya; hiking in Guatemala

The day started with a long and winding van trip around mountains to get to the Volcano Pacaya. This volcano is an active volcano, erupting only 2 weeks ago, but not severely :) in 2010 the volcano erupted and overflowed into the town below, killing every tree and plant on it's way, it is amazing that in only 4 short years the place is re-forested!

Our guide, Carlo, was amazing, only 28 years old. Very knowledgeable, and his english was really good.

When you start out, there are 3 or 4 kids trying to rent you a walking stick, they swarm you and offer exactly the same product for the same price. It is basically a popularity contest. THEN, the people with horses try to sell you a ride. "Horses are so much easier lady!" I'm getting a little peeved at everyone thinking I can't manage on the bikes or on the trail, do I look super unfit to you? I work out :)

The horses then follow you for the first km or so, hoping you will change your mind!

South of Pacaya are 3 other volcanos, Volcano Agua, which is very close to Antigua. Volcano Fuego, which is the most active volcano in Central America, and Volcano Acatenango. You can see all 3 in the photo above, Volcano Agua, is the largest in the middle, the clouds/steam somewhat obscure Fuego and Acatenango.

First photo op Volcan Agua in the distance

People everywhere do this to park signs <<sigh>>

After a lengthy uphill, we reach the closest spot we can get to Pacaya. This volcano steams/smokes constantly so that stuff up top is not clouds! The place where I am taking the pictures, was once the crater, however it moved several hundred years ago. Even 2 weeks ago we could have reached a higher spot, but due to the eruption, we couldn't go much farther.

Hot couple, no?

I believe this guy has the most unusual gift shop in the known world, atop the volcano! He is selling Volcano jewellery! I bought earrings, who wouldn't, he has to walk over an hour to work everyday and he sells the jewellery for a Guatemala childrens cause as a Volunteer! He gets all my respect.

Roasting Marshmallows over lava.

Walking over the hot and sulphur lava fields, our guide melted his shoes last week!