Climbing a Volcano

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We decided to climb one of the active volcanos outside of Antigua yesterday morning! The tour was to take 7 hours altogether, with a two hour hike up the volcano. We were picked up a little after 6:00 am at our hotel and rode in a van with the rest of our group (all under 30) to the base of the volcano. We were greeted by our guide (this is a national park, and the guides are very professional), along with several dogs, a very friendly young pig, and persistent boy who followed us all the way up the volcano looking for handouts.

We then hiked up a very steep path for the first part (a few people had to have horses provided as the climb was too hard, along with the problems of the high altitude). When we neared the last part of the climb, we were in the clouds and unfortunately the views were hidden....then the wind picked up as we began to climb the loose ash, cinders and rocks that made up the last 30 minutes of the hike! This was like climbing a sand dune, only with sharp rocks scattered around.

It was hard to stay upright in the wind and the cinders were sharp when they blew against your skin....it was not fun...When we finally arrived near the crater where the (usually) small eruptions occur, the clouds were so thick, we couldn't see anything. There were a few steam and sulphurous gas vents right where we sat, and areas of hot rocks and cinders. Then the clouds parted for a few minutes and we could see rocks (some of them red hot) being shot into the air about 100 yards away of us! It was very cool..!

Today is the first Sunday of Lent, and there is a big procession winding through town as I write. We will go see it after finishing here. There have been smaller processions since Friday. The week of Easter (La Semana Santa) is a time of huge celebrations here. We may extend out time here to see this.

A little about the hotels and restaurants here: most are in old homes, it seems, and are built around a central courtyard. This makes them peaceful, even on a busy street. Most have beautiful gardens and fountains. The food here is wonderful, with many places to choose from...everything from bagels to Chinese food!

We start Spanish classes tomorrow and will also move to our home stay...

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Photos

Our first hotel: Posada Don Diego
An example of the rooms located around a courtyard. There are generally no windows, but "skylights" in the rooms

Processions
This was the first one..very small, with children carrying the statue.

Volcan Pacaya
Near the top, in the clouds, before the wind!

Volcan Pacaya
Close up of the lava flow

Volcan Pacaya
The part of the volcano to the left of the small peak is where the rocks were being thrown up about 20 feet into the air. You can see how close we were!

Roof top view of Antigua
This was taken from a really beautiful terrace of an expensive restaurant. The hotel where we are now is next to the yellow wall.

Comments

[Steve]

How Cool Is That!
Got to climb a volcano! How cool is that! Is this your first summit experience? Or have there been others... What is next, the Peruvian Andes? Be safe! Love, SC

[patricia johnson]

valcano
if you get up to mexico. visit the valcano in Michocan. (( I think its called or pronuced like this<< Tea Oh Wacan Valcano >>.. I did back in 1976. Can not remember the name of it but give me a few days to find an old post card and I will tell you where it's at. It will take you all day to climb to the top of the rim. About two to three hours to get down. Pack a trusty flashlight and plenty of water and fruit for the day. And do not leave your pack with the little old man that says he will gaurd it for you in the valley by the cover laved church tower.. My was not there when I returned and had to crawl out of the mountain on hands and knees following donkey tracks with matches for light. For days we haggeled with the village police man and town folk trying to get our bags back. We got them after about three days and a hundred pesos ramsom money. Sounds like your having a wonderfull time. I wish you the best adventure ever. Me et Noel et Roxanne are trying to figure out where to go for easter break.. Noel dos' nt want to be adventureous, just wants to kick back and enjoy the sun and do nothing. Besides he only took one week from work. Any chance you want to meet up some where 's. We take off the 9th of april and return 16 or 17th. Drop a line soon. Have fun and enjoy. Bisou Patricia

[Ella]

COOL
I went on that volcano too,But we couldn't go to the top because it was really hot. Ella