Last weekend we gathered together with students from our school and booked a two-day hike up the highest peak in Central America, Volcan Tajumulco.
It reaches 4,220m high and looking out to the west, you see over Mexico and all the way to the beach and the Pacific Ocean and then to the east side is across Guatemala all the way to the volcanoes ringing Lake Atitlan. The sunrise was a little cloudy but still stunning, although the beauty was tempered somewhat with how freezing cold it was.
The hike itself was easy going, not as steep as Santa Maria a few days before. We did the hike to the camp in three hours, getting there and setting up camp before the rain hit. It was a snug four in one tent and three in another with the cold making for a restless sleep. Before turning in we kept warm with delicious steaming hot tea then some rum and a dance party courtesy of DJ Steve and his speaker.
The next morning we got up a bit before 5am for the extra hour hike to the summit. The sunrise and in the distance seeing Volcan Fuego exploding made the trip unforgettable.
The start of the hike, clouds completely cover Volcan Tajumulco.Taking it steady up through the clouds.Everyone battling their way up with heavy packs.Camp set up for the night. Not long after it decided to rain for an hour and we found out our tent leaks pretty bad.Everyone in high spirits at the camp. Enjoying partial views of below when the clouds part.There were four in the tent, and Daniel said, roll over, roll over. Actually we were all keeping warm with some straight rum.Sunrise the next morning as we made it to the summit. Looking east over Guatemala.Little smoke cloud from an erupting volcano on the horizon – far right of photo.Erupting volcano closeup. Fingers crossed for more of this action when we get down that way.The girls trying to keep warm under a sleeping bag as we watch the changing sunrise.The crew at the top minus Justin taking the photo.Megan and I on top of Central America.Looking west over Mexico and to the Pacific Ocean.Just starting to hike the rim of the crater as we leave the summit.Leaving the top.The hike to back down to camp after the sunrise.The hike down after packing up camp had much better visibility.Almost back to the bus stop.Looking back at Volcan Tajumulco.Everyone back in Xela, ready for a shower and sleep.It was Louis’s birthday. His mum is the maid and they live in the house with the Guatemalan family who housed us for two weeks. She made a killer fried banana and refried beans breakfast.One more pic of Megan at the top.
Dan, spectacular photos, looks fantastic. The level of chill and noting Meeg’s summer pants made me shutter. Good hustle keeping the blog on track. Go you.
Love Jano xx
Dan, spectacular photos, looks fantastic. The level of chill and noting Meeg’s summer pants made me shutter. Good hustle keeping the blog on track. Go you.
Love Jano xx