Day 2 - Volcan Pacaya

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Antigua, Guatemala
Dec 28 - Day 2

We spent most of today on our hike up Volcan Pacaya. Our wakeup call was fireworks. They seem to be very popular here in Antigua - just about any time of the day, you'll hear what sounds like shotgun blasts, but are just random fireworks (good to know its the latter).

Our journey started off with a pickup at our hotel promptly at 6am, after which we got on the bus and waited while the ~50 others were gathered up. The ~hour bus ride took us to the small town of San Francisco at the Pacaya National Park entrance. We paid only $7pp plus $3pp entrance fee with a Spanish speaking guide included.

Volcan Pacaya (2,552 meters high) is one of Guatemala's active volcanoes and is in a state of continuous eruption with steam almost always flowing out of the crater. The hike up is roughly 2 miles and has an elevation gain of about 2,000 feet. Pretty steep (length vs. elevation gain)! We got some amazing views of 4 volcanoes (Pacaya, Agua, Fuego and Acatenango) on the climb up. Luckily our guide stopped several times to give us a rest and tell us a little about the area. He spoke slowly and clearly in Spanish and we were able to understand most everything.
The really tough part of the climb came when we got to the base of the cone. We had to climb up the crater on a 40% incline of volcanic ash, dust and stones. This made for very slow going, but we were finally rewarded as we neared the top and passed through volcanic steam, multi-colored rings from volcanic deposits and approached the cone. The heat and steam coming out of the cone were very intense, but we still managed to snap a few pics in front of it. This is probably the closest we'll ever be and ever would want to be to the opening of an active volcano! The view was incredible from the volcano - you could see Guatemala City - although there was quite a bit of haze/smog.

The way down was much faster as everyone just skidded down all of the scree until we reached the trail. Needless to say, we were covered in black dust, but it was fun. We met a nice couple from Toronto, Canada and chatted with them on the way back down to the town.

We returned on the bus to Antigua and got there a little after 1pm. We had ridden both ways in a "chicken" bus - an old (very) converted school bus. They drive very insane in Guatemala, and we had a few too many close calls, along with turns that had everyone on the bus holding on for life. This is not for people subject to motion sickness, a man got off the bus in Antigua, upon our return, and immediately vomited - not the best transport around!

When we got back, Mario decided to get a haircut, which only cost $3 including a tip! After that, we found a little place for lunch and had a great meal of chips, guacamole, and enchiladas. The appetizer, both our meals, 2 beers and 1 coke only cost a little over $10. On the way back to our hotel, we stopped into a travel agency and booked 2 seats on a shuttle bus heading to Panajachel on the shore of Lake Atitlan at 7am tomorrow.
Mario's "security" beard lasted 24 hours. He decided to get the haircut and lose the beard - there are so many other "gringos" here, that if something's going to happen to us - it will happen - Might as well look good for it :).

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