Highest point of Central America, Volcan Tajamulco


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Published: November 11th 2005
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The first beams of sunlight on my faceThe first beams of sunlight on my faceThe first beams of sunlight on my face

It felt great feeling the sun burning on your face, while it´s freezing cold at the summit!
Yesterday I began my trip to Tajamulco, after bussing for 4 hours I came at the starting point of the ascent. Only a couple of locals around who were surprised that I would try to climb this vulcan solo. Not only of going up solo but also with the weather conditions. Clouds everywhere, the cold temperature and ofcourse the strong winds. After 2 hours I really was thinking what am I doing here, not the cold, but the visability especially. The last 30 minutes lasted so long. I just got a glimpse of the summit a bit before, It did´t look that far anymore, but just the altitude was killing me. With the pack on my back, I only could like 10 steps and than I had to catch my breathe again for a couple of seconds. An Unfamiliar experience...
After 3 hours I reached the summit, but nothing to see, I waited for 2 hours (hoped for some improvements) but did´t see much. I decided to climb down to find a sheltered camingspot..which I found and stayed the night there.
Next morning at 5 I started to ascent again, this time a bit faster without my full backpac, but still
My camping spot, 250 meters below the summitMy camping spot, 250 meters below the summitMy camping spot, 250 meters below the summit

Cold Weather, Only Clouds to see, strong winds, on my first day at Tajamulco. but my tent gave me some comfort!!
the last meters where though! The views where incredible and it was definitely worth the hike....and my descent in the sunny weather made it a great trip back.
After some good partying the trip went on to San Pedro at Lago Atitlan.
Great place to relax, good food and nice bars with live music. Stayed a couple nights there before moving on to the Tourist capital of Guatemala Antigua. Did'nt like Antigua too much, too touristy for me!!


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Sunrise at TajamulcoSunrise at Tajamulco
Sunrise at Tajamulco

I woke up at 5 o´clock, and started climing to the summit. Yesterday I could·n see further than 20 meters, but today it was worth the climb. I never felt so fast out of breath before, but my will was stronger than my legs....I had to keep on going otherwise I wouldn´t make it before sunrise....
The Vulcan CraterThe Vulcan Crater
The Vulcan Crater

The Crater of the vulcan, looked like a nice camping spot out of the wind, but I decided to go a bit further down!!
Lago AtitlanLago Atitlan
Lago Atitlan

Waiting on a boat to San Pedro, ....well it is a nice view from Panachachel


11th November 2005

Bikkel
Bikkel!!! Respect van Alwin en Bob
16th November 2005

eenzaam aan de top?
zoals ze zeggen! misschien moet ik toch eens gaan denken aan een opzegtermijn......patagonie here we come.....
6th June 2006

contact for e-mail correspondance
congratulation for this climb! I have a question would you be so kind to contact me in this number dendro@t-online.hu
3rd December 2009

Great Photos
Thanks for this post. The photo of your camping spot alone has convinced me to make my way to Xela.

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