Guatemala > Ending with the Pacaya volcano

It is still dark when my alarm goes off. I am picked up at six o’clock at the hotel to climb the Pacaya volcano. The Pacaya volcano is an active volcano near the capital. In May 2013, it erupted, spewing large amounts of lava into the surrounding area and causing casualties. In the past, eruptions have produced massive lava flows around the volcano. The minibus picks up people at several hotels. At the last hostel, a group of Australians boards. They are clearly hungover from the previous night and still a little drunk. Loudly, they get on the bus. At a small café, everyone has to get off the bus. Coffee can be ordered if desired. The minibus goes to pick up more people.

Guatemala - The crater of the Pacaya volcano in Guatemala

It’s all a bit confusing, but once the minibus returns, I can board again. The Australians stay behind for now. They are told to wait ten minutes. The minibus drives to the bus station, where a large “chicken bus” awaits. I transfer to the old American school bus. It’s fun to ride in such a bus once. Meanwhile, the other participants are also picked up. With twenty participants on board, the chicken bus heads toward Guatemala City. It is already past eight when I reach the area near the Pacaya volcano. At the park entrance, Neri welcomes me as the guide. Speaking fluent Spanish, he explains the hike. I gather that we should stick together as a group. Fortunately, an American provides translation. At the park entrance, there is the option to rent a horse. To my relief, most of the Australians take horses. The animals look thin. The horses depart first, and I hear the group leaving loudly. I follow on foot. The path zigzags uphill. The first part does not yet lead onto the Pacaya volcano itself. Only when I get higher do I see the gray Pacaya volcano. The crater summit is shrouded in clouds. Below me, I can see solidified lava flows in the valley. Once I reach the volcano itself, the path turns rocky. The lava rocks I walk over are from the recent eruption a few months ago. I am hiking at an altitude of 2,300 meters. A strong wind blows over the volcano. I’m glad I put on a sweater this morning. The lava rocks are porous and very sharp, so I carefully step from rock to rock. At an open spot, the hike ends. From here, I can see the 2,600-meter-high volcano. Neri explains that climbing to the crater is not possible because the edges are still unstable and too hot. I can already feel the heat from the lava rocks under my shoes. Neri gives me a marshmallow. I skewer it on a stick and hold it over a hot spring. Within moments, the marshmallow is perfectly soft and ready to eat.

Guatemala - The Arco de Santa Catalina over the street is a recognizable image of Antigua

It is very special to be in this place—a beautiful conclusion to the vacation. On the way back to Antigua in the chicken bus, I suddenly hear a hissing sound. The driver stops the bus and gets out—a flat tire. Fortunately, there are probably enough tires left to continue, because he gets back in, and the bus drives on to Antigua. Just before Antigua, a firefighter boards to collect donations for the fire department. Raising enough money is apparently a challenge for them. In the afternoon, I walk around the city a bit. Some streets are closed to traffic, many people are out on the streets, and there are several performances. Finally, we conclude the trip together with the tour group at a restaurant in Antigua. On behalf of the group, we thank Erik for his perfect and enthusiastic guidance, which allowed me to experience Central America in an amazing way. After dinner, I finish with a Cuba Libre in one of the many bars in Antigua, then return quickly to the hotel. Tomorrow will be another early start.