Volcan Pacaya

Trip Start Feb 23, 2008
1
5
32
Trip End Aug 23, 2008


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Flag of Guatemala  ,
Saturday, March 8, 2008

Volcan Pacaya (2552M) is the only active volcano near Antigua and attracts loads of tourists. It is difficult to get there independantly and so i booked a tour and headed off. The journey took about 1.5 hours after which we started the 2.8km hike uphill to the volcano. Small boys were offering sticks ( the equivalence of nordic walking poles) and locals were offering horses to help you up the track. Our group headed off with our guide and soon split into 3 groups. The germans marched ahead in that efficient teutonic way, followed closely by the Japanese and then there was me and a girl from Argentina called Paula bringing up the rear. Right behind us was a local with a horse obviously expecting us to collapse any minute and then pay anything he offered for the ride. Every so often the guide would stop for us to rest and point out a view or plant and i could see that dissapproving look in the germans eyes as i finally stumbled into the group.
Volcan Pacaya
Volcan Pacaya
 After about an hour we made it to the area just below the summit where fresh lava forms a slow moving stream. Our guide walked ahead stamping the old lava with his stick to make sure it was solid and take our weight as we followed in single file.We tok turns holding a stick in the lava and watching it burst into flames. Let me say it was hot. The lava is at about 2000 degrees Celius and the photo of me holding the stick, im not smiling im grimacing as it felt like the whole side of my face was about to ignite.
Afterwards we walked to the front of the lava stream as it slowly moved forward making a very eerie sound. I looked around and saw the Japanese guys trying to stand as close to the lava for as long as they colud. as the whinced in pain it reminded me of those Japanese gameshows.
The walk back down was the same as the walk up with me and Paula at the back but at least i got to practice my Spanish
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Comments

akiyamada
akiyamada on Mar 11, 2008 at 03:42AM

Wow!!
How amazing, Peter!!

I guess that the lave stream is moving slowly,it means the volcano is still active!!
Didnt you feel hot?? Your stick is burning,isnt it?! Also I like your face :-)

I didnt know that there are many fantatic places in Guatemala!
Looking forward to the next blog!

AKI

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