Conquering Volcan Pacaya

Hiking Volcan Pacaya

Today was our first full day in Antigua and the day began with a trip to the base of one of Guatemala’s many volcano’s. The one we visited is known as Volcan Pacaya and is located about 1.5 hours from Antigua. As we travelled to the base and climbed up a dusty dirt road into the hills we found the landscape to be more lush and green. Passing Coffee fields, planted on steep slopes, we made our way up to the entrance to the Pacaya park and the beginning of a pretty hearty climb of 3 kilometres with a rise in elevation from 1800 to 2500 metres. You have a choice to climb yourself our hire a horse to care you about half way. The first 2 kilometres were fairly intense and the steeper part of the climb. I’ve been told it is similar to climbing the Grouse Grind. Between the heat and the vertical climb I’ve got to say I found it a bit of a hard climb. Perhaps if I’d only spent more time on the elliptical trainer I’d have had an easier time. 

Lava Field with Pacaya in background

Once above the tree line we continued to climb across an alpine like area and then a steep ascent up lava flow deposits that were immense in size and deposited as a result of the ongoing lava flowing from this active volcano. As we entered this area, and began the climb up and over the lava flows, I had the feeling of being on the moon…. a barren wasteland of black outcroppings. Moving, like the other tourists and members of our group we all head toward the point at which the lava is still flowing continuously from the volcano. Pacaya can be heard rumbling every few minutes…. The cooled lava under our feet is beginning to emit hot air coming with a unique kind of smell.. must be from the cooling lava beneath which apparently can take months to cool. Crossing these lava fields can be a bit difficult with the shifting lava rocks and boulders.. amazingly one of our group saw a woman wearing high heels walking up… That’s got to be the ultimate in inappropriate shoe apparel.

Colin and me-Flowing Lava in Background

At the top, or at least as far as your allowed to go, the heat underfoot, and in the air is intense. I could feel it through my runners and the hair on my legs felt like it was being scorched. None the less it was an incredible feeling to be standing within 10 feet of a small river of lava running down the side of the volcano. As a group we all made it up, for some it was harder then for others. After a time we head back down making our way a bit more quickly to the base area. The decent was easier perhaps, but some of us are certainly feeling our muscles and joints.  All I know is it’s time to get back in to the gym.. Check out the Photo Slideshow below.