Went to climb the Pacaya volcano today, we arranged for a shuttle to pick us up at our hostel and take us on a guided tour (which is the only way to see the volcano if you are a gringo-apparently unsafe if you go without one). The tour was in Spanish of course but luckily we understand more than we´re able to speak at this point. The hike gave us some much needed exercise after a week in the hostel bebemos muchos cervezas. We headed off at 2:30 and got to the top just in time for the sunset. Literally two minutes later and we would have missed it. Very beautiful. We have never really been on an active volcano trek before where you can see real lava--very cool and an absolute must for anyone that comes here. The town that sits at the base of the volcano was very interesting all dirt roads, lots of stray dogs, some rustic living to say the least. The ride back was definitely a taste of patience, lots of traffic and we couldn't have asked for a better driver. A FANTASTIC TRIP
rut