Up the Volcano
Once is Never Enough
A couple days ago at Lake Atitlan, I was telling John that I wanted to go on a bird tour to see a Quetzal. John said, “You already saw a quetzal in Costa Rica, why do you need to see another one?”.
I uncharacteristically kept quiet. John then went on to say that he wanted to take a tour up a volcano when we get to Antigua. “You have already hiked up numerous volcanos, why do you need to hike up another?” I reply.
Sometimes if you really enjoy something, once is never enough.
As you know, we did do the bird tour and today we are hiking up yet another volcano.
Off to Pacaya Volcano National Park
We are in the hostel lobby by 5:45am but the bus doesn’t arrive until 6:30am. The trip takes 1.5 hours as we drive up and up and up to Pacaya Volcano National Park.
The park entrance fee is 100 Quetzals. At the entrance there are kids offering walking sticks for 10 Quetzals (the equivalent of $1.80 CAN). I get one. There are also horses for hire for $35. We say no and set off with our 
group and guide. After 5 minutes of walking straight up a steep stone path, the horses are offered again. Already breathless, I tell John I want one and he says no problem…after all, happy wife, happy life.
The higher we go, the colder it gets. People are finding the hike strenuous. Most of the hike is through dense forest with lots of rocks and tree roots. I am so glad I took a horse. The hike takes about one hour.
At the Top
It is very cold and windy at the top. On the way down we hike through a lava field. In some places we see steam coming out of vents in the lava. Our guide pulls out marshmallows on sticks and we roast them over the vents.
The ride down is a little harder on the legs cause I’m leaning forward. John does well on foot both hiking up and back down.
In and About in Antigua
We return by bus to Antigua… I am so dusty that I immediately shower and then we head out to Frida’s Restaurant for lunch. The food is good but it has more of a tourist twist on Guatemalan food. As a matter of fact, it is mostly tourists in the restaurant.
It is Saturday and we pass many brides and grooms as we walk through the town. We also pass a girl who is having her quinceanera, which is a celebration in Latin America held on a girl’s fifteenth birthday. It signifies her passage from childhood to becoming a woman.
Wedding Crashers at Santa Clara Convent
We check out a church that is also attached to a small hospital and then go over to check out the ruins of Santa Clara Convent, a convent originally built in the early 1700s. It was destroyed numerous times in earthquakes.
It’s cloisters and fountain areas are lovely The ruined state adds a certain type of beauty.
A wedding is about to begin. There is an open bar. John and I figure that we will probably get caught if we attempt to wedding crash.
Union Cafe
We make our way to the cozy Union Cafe where we partake in their two for one margarita happy hour special before heading back to our hostel where we kick back in the hammocks.
I do notice a rather funny sign in the washroom. Just had to take a picture of it.
Antigua at Night
After dark we go back to the La Merced plaza. There are even more food stalls here than last night. We find a stall where a guy explains to us about some of the choices. I have a tostadas covered in beans, guacamole, tomato sauce and numerous vegetables. With the first bite, I drop some of the contents onto my lap. Not a good look.
The guy also recommends a favourite drink of locals that consists of warm milk, chocolate and rice. It is going and quite good.
John and I decide to check out the Central Plaza at night. The streets are filled with people and one place has a long lineup of younger people…night club, we assume.
I stay in the dark so that no one notices remnants of all the food down my pants.
Once again there are fireworks later in the evening.