Yesterday there was a group trip to visit and climb Volcan Pacayo, the smallest of the active volcanoes in Guatemala. Antigua is bordered by Volcan del Fuego to the west, and one of the largest,Volcan de Agua to the south. It is quite a beautiful and magnificent site.
For our school trip we made the hour-drive to Volcan Pacayo and were led by our guide up the side of the volcano. It took about 90 minutes to climb. The guide was only allowed to take us up to a certain point because of the risk of going further. There had been an eruption 8 says ago and there was a lot of soft and loose dried lava. However, if there were those who wanted to continue higher, they could do so, but without the guide. So, a large group of us headed up to a level just a few hundred meters below the crater at the top. it was basically on top of a mound of dried lava from a few days ago. It was quite amazing to climb as well as difficult. It was like trying to walk in very deep snow, as my feet sunk with each step. Where there was not the "sand" there were the lava stones and rocks which were not very secure. (the reason that the guides were not allowed to bring us any higher was because there had been an avalanche of loose stones a couple of weeks ago and 12 people were hurt.) It was probably not the wisest thing I have ever done, but once we reached the landing, it was well worth the risk and the climb. It was quite hot and there was a fissure that we could look into and see the red and glowing flames beneath the surface. Some people place their walking sticks above the fissure and they ignited within seconds! It was worth the climb and the risk. Coming down was also a bit dicey, but we basically made it in one piece. We then hiked down the volcano in the dark, which in itself was also quite an adventure. And yes, I did take pictures.
Hasta Luego,
Marcelle
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