Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala

Posted by Fin on 30 January 2010

Eric and Paul passed us on their motorbikes again on the way south through the Volcanos to Antigua. We told them to reserve a room in the hostel for when we eventually caught up with them in Antigua. After catching up on stories from when they last passed us in southern Mexico, we decided to ride out on the back of their motorbikes to Volcan Pacaya. Paul had a spare helmet, a crappy pink thing he had invested in for all the hundreds of 'hot chicks' he was going to pick up on route. Sadly, I was the only 'hot chick' he had had on the back of his bike in the 4 months he had been travelling.

We met Brett, an Aussie the night before in a bar and he joined the us. Brett has been travelling through Mexico and Central America with a tiny 100cc motorbike with suitcases strapped to the side! He looked ridiculous but brilliant at the same time.

We paid US$5 for the entrance fee to the park and joined a small guided tour group on the way up. After an hour through vegetated forest we emerged from the tree line to see the vast eerie landscape of lava ahead of us. I looked closer and could see spots of red lava at the top. Happy with this sighting and about to head back down, Alex pointed out a group of about 10 people at the top next to the lava. I couldn't believe it and quickly realised our group was heading that way too.

With the sun going down fast we scrambled for another 2 hours up the scree slope of lava and up onto the top of the volcano. The heat began to rise and I soon found myself smelling rubber. My shoes were melting. With a few more steps we turned a corner to be greeted with one of the most incredible sights I have ever seen. Molten lava flowing literally 20 yards from where I stood.

We managed to get some footage, before nightfall, after which fear got the better of me and I quickly scrambled back down. It was scarey as the unstable lava rocks shifted with every step and I was so relieved I had remembered to carry a torch with me.

I could not believe it - not only were tourists allowed to go up an active volcano, flowing with red hot lava and stand as close as they could get to the burning furnace, but also in pitch darkness. It was terrifying but exhilierating at the same time. One of the best experiences of my life. Check out the little video below and thanks to Paul and Eric for additional photos.

24 comments. Tags: Fin, Alex, Guatemala, Volcano. Location: Antigua, Guatemala, Guatemala