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Antigua - Volcán Pacaya |
Bastiaan's first trip out of Antigua was climbing a volcano named Pacaya. Compared to the three volcanoes surrounding Antigua, this one is very easy to climb: it can be done within 6 hours, including the bus trips.
Saying this, the adventurous readers may think this trip must be boring. But it isn't! Because the Pacaya is an active volcano! This means that on a bad day, climbing the Pacaya means breathing toxic smoke and jumping aside to avoid flying rocks. But on a good day, you only feel the tension that there might be an unexpected eruption...
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LAGO DE AMATITLÁN (02-10)
The climb starts with a track through a forest. After 45 minutes you reach a plateau with some awsome views.
In the back you see 'Lago de Amatitlán'. You better not confuse this lake with 'Lago de Atitlán', because it isn't really healthy to swim in the former.
VOLCÁN AGUA (02-000)
VOLCÁN PACAYA (02-00)
... Volcán Pacaya!!
As you can see, nothing grows on the Pacaya. The black volcanic rock and the smoke give it a really mysterious look.
From the plateau it is another 45 minutes climb to the top of the volcano. The last part costs some energy, because after every step you make, you slide half a step back. But this effort is rewarded by all the small 'chimneys' on the way up.
ON TOP OF VOLCÁN PACAYA (02-14)
And after climbing you stand on the edge of the world...
Descending gives you even a better reward for the climbing effort: you slide down the volcano like you were skiing. This is so much fun, that the guide had to stop us from climbing the volcano again, because it was already getting dark.
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