Pacaya Volcano Hike

Another dawn rising. We were outside the hostel at 5:50 and worried we missed our 6 am shuttle because it was late. Darren had gone up the street to get a dawn pic of the volcano that overlooks the town when the shuttle arrived. We were the last passengers to load so we got the front seat.

Our driver looked about 18. His girlfriend happened to be walking down the street and he had a nice conversation with her for a couple of blocks as the shuttle kept pace with her. He even managed a smooch through the window. No conversation from the 14 or so passengers, just some cool Latin tunes. We were in high spirits though. I decided I was going to like Guatemala.

A dog had staked his spot lying in the middle of the road and refused to budge as the shuttle whizzed by. Maybe a suicidal dog? He looked happy enough, though.

I found the hike up the volcano to be a little disappointing. Not the scenery, which was spectacular.

The last group to head up the mountain, the guide drove us up the trail like a herd of crippled billy goats - ok, maybe I was the only one to resemble a crippled goat. I brought up the rear, behind the geriatric dude – very far behind. Darren kept ushering me to keep up. About 90% up I became an ugly American. I decided that the chances of her shooting me where slim. The trail was fairly well marked. And down the mountain is down. So I was the last to come huffing and puffing at the sparse breaks.

As I said, we were the last group to leave the parking lot and we passed two other groups that were well ahead of us. There were villagers following us with pony taxis. I suspect our guide got a kick back to rush us up the mountain so we're exhausted and require taxis. I don't believe there was a need for the rush. We had two 30 min breaks at the top and we waited around 30 min at the bottom at the parking lot before leaving. An extra 20 min on the assent would have been more pleasant. Felt like I was going to have a heart attack. Obviously yoga is not going to cut it for my sole source of fitness.

The views were beautiful, though. There were two amazing volcanoes in the distance. Walking on the volcanic dirt was difficult - sort of like walking up a mountain of sugar. Closed toed shoes were essential as the rocks were rough. The guide held a handful of dried twigs over a volcanic vent and they instantly burst into flame.

The village dogs accompanied us all the way. Though many were starving, they were cute and made the most of the begging opportunities. We didn't have anything on us but protein bars that had bits of chocolate. I convinced Darren to give one to two particularly starved puppies. I know chocolate is bad, but it only had a little and they looked so hungry.

On the way down I slid in some loose gravel and sat down hard. Believe I wrenched my shoulder some. I was covered from head to toe in ash or dust or whatever it's called. Thankfully we paid for an extra night in the room even though we're leaving at 6:30 to get the night bus. Need a shower and a nap.

We rewarded ourselves with a nice lunch at the Rainbow Room after our showers. The Rainbow Room is marketed to foreigners. I usually avoid any sort of fresh fruit or veg when traveling outside of Europe or the US, but they've prepared it so there is little worry. The food was absolutely delicious after a near heart attack hike.

More information on our room: Did I mention there are no mirrors in the room? You have to go to the end of the veranda to brush your teeth at the sink and comb your hair. The black metal door does not stay closed unless the dead bolt is engaged or the padlock is on. It's currently opened to let in fresh air as I catch you all up, pack, and relax a bit.

We'll be back Saturday and Darren’s already asked for the room back. By the way - haven't seen a single bug.

Darren got pics of the room and me huffing up the mountain. No banditos yet :)