Day 9: Pacaya Volcano Hike

The Pacaya volcano is one of many active volcano's in Guatemala. It rises to about 2,500 meters (8,300 ft). The last eruption was in 2010, but has been erupting again since 2013. The porter (guide) informed us we were not allowed to walk to the very top since the volcanic rock is very hot. To prove this he dug a small hole; it was so hot we were able to roast marshmallows on sticks we picked out from nearby trees. 

He also informed us that there are 4 different types of volcanoes. The Pacaya volcano is mostly Strombolian but occasionally also Plinian. The difference between Strombolian and Plinian is that Plinian eruptions are very powerful gaseous explosions; on the other hand, Strombolian eruptions are milder and sporadic. If you look closely towards the top of my head in the following pictures you can observe hot gases leaking out of the earth.

It's interesting to note that local artists have set up shop at the edge of the volcanic rock. They have combined coconut shell and lava rock making interesting trinkets tourists can purchase. In return, this brings money into the local economy. Below are pictures of coconut shell combined with molten lava rock from the Pacaya volcano. Courtesy of The Lava Store. 

Total time to hike up and back down was approximately 3.5 hours. The climb was moderately steep with occasional steep inclines and loose rocks. After making our way down the volcano and getting back to my hotel and cleaning up I ventured to an ice restaurant. It's literally made of ice. I was given a thick coat after paying an entrance fee of 50 Q's (roughly $15). I thougth it'd be interesting to snap a few pictures. I thought the couches made if ice were the most interesting. 

Tomorrow I head out back into the mountains. For now, goodnight everyone and Happy New Year!