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Volcan de Pacaya

What a spectacular adventure! Didn´t know what to really expect when we climbed up the volcano, but it´s quite a sight to see. Actually I use the term climb loosely. When we arrived, we were "assaulted" by kids selling canes and men wanting us to ride their horses. Well, I read that you do need a cane to walk over the volcanic rock and the the idea of climbing 45 minutes plus up a steep hill didn´t appeal to me at the time (I AM getting old; OK, am old), so I hopped on a horse after purchasing a cane from the boy who wasn´t sticking one in my face. Only three of us went on horseback; yeah, the old ones in the crowd. One horse refused to move about the half way point, forcing the guy to walk part of the way. Mine was great!

After reaching the end of the trail, above the tops of the trees, I dismounted and we started the walk over the cooled lava. Pretty treacherous! The rocks were very sharp. We climbed up and down as we made our way to the hot, orange lava that bubbled up from the earth. I was surprised to see how close we could actually get. SO HOT!!! Some people even took their walking canes and touched the lava with it while someone took their picture. I wasn´t so daring. I thought just being anywhere on the volcano was daring enough. I recommend a "volcano walk" to everyone.

In case you´re wondering, Hannah is a fellow teacher from Highlandtown Elementary in Baltimore. She came down a few days after I arrived and is going to the same Spanish school, Ixchel. We´re hanging out together. It´s nice to have someone here I know. But everyone has been wonderful!

FOR TOURISTS: (summer 2008)
Catch a shuttle from Antigua or another city. Prices are cheap (less than $10). It takes less than an hour from Antigua. There will also be a 40 Quetzales charge to enter the park ($5). We had a guide. I don't know if that was part of the shuttle fee or the entrance fee. There is a decent bathroom (cement floors, flush toilets- but bring your own toilet paper just in case) and a small concession stand at the entrance. When we were dropped off at the entrance, we immediately were ambushed by a mob of children wanting to sell sticks (used to help walk over the rough lava rock terrain) for Q5, but the price is negotiable, others were trying to get people to ride their horses. A friend got a stick for Q3. I was one of the few people to buy one on our trek. Most walked up the steep climb; I took the horse for Q65 (I didn't bargain). The walk was less than 60 minutes. Our group didn't stop, but other people said they took breaks on the way up.

Once over the tree line, you see the lava rock. Everyone has to go by foot to reach the lava. It only took 15 minutes tops. The rocks are uneven and can be sharp (some people advise having gloves, but everyone in our group managed without them). Also good walking shoes are recommended, but I met one woman who walked over the rocks with sandals. She managed, but it's not a good idea since I would think it's easy to get your feet cut up.

You can get surprising close to the lava as the video shows, but it's really hot. Some get close enough to poke their walking sticks into the lava. Others bring marshmallows. I heard that some actually camp near the top so they can see the lava at night. Don't know the price on that.

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