Pacaya is an active complex volcano in Guatemala, which first erupted approximately 23,000 years ago and has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish conquest of Guatemala. It rises to an elevation of 2,552 metres (8,373 ft). After being dormant for over 70 years, it began erupting vigorously in 1961 and has been erupting frequently since then.
To make the hike easier on us we decided to take horses. Unfortunately the main road was closed because of disputes between the town and the private owners of the volcano.
Because of this dispute the side road was a bit uncomfortable, very steep in some parts making our horses really work.
We started to walk down the top of the Volcano at 4 am. We rode up the volcano on the side where there vegetation.
The way back was very different. Not much of vegetation the wind and the cold was something that we have not experience in Guatemala so far, but we were prepared.
In the photo above, on March of this year (2021) lave went down the side of the volcano and invaded the fields, coffee and trees of avocado where burned.
below is a link for a short video of us walking in the dry fields of lava.
The visit of the volcano was a great experience. Not one that I plan to repeat soon, unless the sleeping accommodations are a bit better.
This was a great memory and I feel so grateful to have shared it with my mother. This is a trip that we will never forget.