Volcan Pacaya
7/12/2009
Volcan Pacaya is one of only three active volcanoes in Guatemala. Its proximal location to both Guatemala City and La Antigua Guatemala, along with its spectacular strombolian activity and lava flows make it a popular day hike for locals and tourists alike. Countless tour operators run very reasonably priced trips run from Antigua to Pacaya twice daily, with early morning and late day/sunset options that include shuttle transportation and a guide up the mountain.
Vista from the Pacaya Trail
Pacaya Lava Slope
The trek begins through wooded hillsides on rocky and dirt paths that are moderately steep. Local children are at the trailhead trying desperately to “rent” walking sticks, which are a helpful aid in the climb. Don’t be afraid to bargain for the stick. Also available are extremely persistent horsemen, offering “taxi” service through the wooded part of the trek. These folks will trail a group of climbers the entire way to the base of the lava fields, hoping to pick up some stragglers. Remain on the lookout for horse debris on the trail.
Hikers on the Pacaya Slope
Vista from the Pacaya Trail
The trek from departure point to the lava boca is approximately 3 km and ascends currently to 2,400 meters. Although the official height of Pacaya is documented as 2,550 meters, the actual height is ever changing, as is the maximum reach safely accessible on foot. Once the woodlands give way to the lava fields, the hike assumes a decidedly different tone, switching from lush vegetation and relatively solid footing to the complete lack of each. The final 45 minutes of the climb are a combination of scrambling and sliding among cooled lava rocks and scree of various dimensions. In general the larger rocks allow more sure footing in that the whole hillside is not as likely slide out from under your feet. The rocks are however, quite sharp and scrambling with ones hands can result it in an array of cuts, scrapes, and gashes. While many climbers can be heard bemoaning to difficulties on the ascent, most are sufficiently rewarded by the spectacular views from the summit, the opportunity to witness first hand lava flows and the warmth of glowing, sulfur steaming rocks. The summit is busy with tourist, snapping photos and roasting marshmallows over the rocks. However the sweet smell and many glops of burnt marshmallows littering the area is somewhat counter-intuitive to the sensory stimuli one might expect at such a locale. Regardless, the molten lava is magnificent.
Cooled Lava Rocks
At the Lava Boca
Errant Marshmallows
The decent off the apex is a tricky combination of scree-skiing, sliding and sidestepping, bound to result in a few falls and many stones in the shoes. By the time we returned to the forested trail we were more than ready to empty our boots and dig out the flashlights. Funnily, most members of our trip were unaware of the recommendation to bring said flashlights. Nonetheless we moved as group, sharing the available light sources and made our way back to our awaiting shuttle in the dark -a unique and slightly challenging experience. I would recommend this day trip to anyone in the area, but be advised that the pace of the group hike isn’t always suited for everyone and in many ways you can be at the mercy of your guide. However, the trail is busy with other groups and getting lost would seem nearly impossible.
Arghhhh!
Caliente!!
Volcan Pacaya is one of only three active volcanoes in Guatemala. Its proximal location to both Guatemala City and La Antigua Guatemala, along with its spectacular strombolian activity and lava flows make it a popular day hike for locals and tourists alike. Countless tour operators run very reasonably priced trips run from Antigua to Pacaya twice daily, with early morning and late day/sunset options that include shuttle transportation and a guide up the mountain.
Vista from the Pacaya Trail
Pacaya Lava Slope
The trek begins through wooded hillsides on rocky and dirt paths that are moderately steep. Local children are at the trailhead trying desperately to “rent” walking sticks, which are a helpful aid in the climb. Don’t be afraid to bargain for the stick. Also available are extremely persistent horsemen, offering “taxi” service through the wooded part of the trek. These folks will trail a group of climbers the entire way to the base of the lava fields, hoping to pick up some stragglers. Remain on the lookout for horse debris on the trail.
Hikers on the Pacaya Slope
Vista from the Pacaya Trail
The trek from departure point to the lava boca is approximately 3 km and ascends currently to 2,400 meters. Although the official height of Pacaya is documented as 2,550 meters, the actual height is ever changing, as is the maximum reach safely accessible on foot. Once the woodlands give way to the lava fields, the hike assumes a decidedly different tone, switching from lush vegetation and relatively solid footing to the complete lack of each. The final 45 minutes of the climb are a combination of scrambling and sliding among cooled lava rocks and scree of various dimensions. In general the larger rocks allow more sure footing in that the whole hillside is not as likely slide out from under your feet. The rocks are however, quite sharp and scrambling with ones hands can result it in an array of cuts, scrapes, and gashes. While many climbers can be heard bemoaning to difficulties on the ascent, most are sufficiently rewarded by the spectacular views from the summit, the opportunity to witness first hand lava flows and the warmth of glowing, sulfur steaming rocks. The summit is busy with tourist, snapping photos and roasting marshmallows over the rocks. However the sweet smell and many glops of burnt marshmallows littering the area is somewhat counter-intuitive to the sensory stimuli one might expect at such a locale. Regardless, the molten lava is magnificent.
Cooled Lava Rocks
At the Lava Boca
Errant Marshmallows
The decent off the apex is a tricky combination of scree-skiing, sliding and sidestepping, bound to result in a few falls and many stones in the shoes. By the time we returned to the forested trail we were more than ready to empty our boots and dig out the flashlights. Funnily, most members of our trip were unaware of the recommendation to bring said flashlights. Nonetheless we moved as group, sharing the available light sources and made our way back to our awaiting shuttle in the dark -a unique and slightly challenging experience. I would recommend this day trip to anyone in the area, but be advised that the pace of the group hike isn’t always suited for everyone and in many ways you can be at the mercy of your guide. However, the trail is busy with other groups and getting lost would seem nearly impossible.
Arghhhh!
Caliente!!
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