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Silver Spirit - Pacaya Volcano Climb
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Sunday, August 15, 2010
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Today Silver Spirit is docked at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. There really is no port city here to visit, so without an organized shore excursion, there is nothing to see or do here. Some local artisans did setup a makeshift craft market near the ship with some colorful and nice local handicrafts.
We signed up for the Pacaya Volcano Climb through Silver Spirit’s shore excursion desk. I was the first to arrive at the small van that would take us to the volcano. I met our guide for the day, Hugo, and our driver, Israel. Soon, the others began to arrive and before long, our little van was packed with 8 brave guests heading toward Pacaya Volcano. Another van was called in to carry an additional 3 guests, for a total of 11 in our group.
The one-hour drive to Pacaya was scenic and very smooth. The highway was smooth as glass, sort of surprising in a country with such a high poverty rate. Lush landscape, coffee plantations and distant volcano and mountain ranges make for a visually stimulating drive. Soon, we turned off the highway and onto a winding mountain road, then onto a dirt road that would take us to our starting point. As we stepped out of the van, dozens of local children huddle around trying to “sell” us walking sticks for $1 each. Hugo took the lead and procured sticks for each of us. There are also dozens of horses with owners who are selling “taxi rides” up the mountain.
After a quick bathroom stop and taking time to apply sunscreen and bug repellent, we were on our way. The first section of our climb was a steep cobblestone path. Since the horses share the same path, there are lots of droppings that have to be avoided. The stone path was perhaps only ¼ of a mile long, but very steep. After reaching the end of that path, we enter a narrow dirt path, which was not quite as steep, but extremely dusty. Our guide, Hugo, would stop at various locations so that we could catch our breath, take in the scenery and learn a little more about the area. The climb to the beginning of the lava flow took a little more than an hour and Rickee and I were already pretty whipped by that time. Standing at the foot of the lava flow we could see a distant trail of hikers descending the 700 foot climb down the lava rock. Our guide pointed and said, “That’s where we are heading next”. I could not believe it. It was literally straight up!
Rickee took one look at that climb and quickly said, “I’m out”. Despite encouragement from the guide and others, she would not bend. So, Rickee and one other guest decided to wait for us while we made the final ascent. The final part of the climb was a 700-foot ascent up sharp, often loose, lava rock. There is no trail to speak of. Needless to say, the walking stick became very important as we navigated our way toward the prize, a live lava flow. The higher we climbed, the more fatigue set in. After about 30 minutes I was beginning to wonder if I made the right decision. It took about 45 minutes to reach the point were we could see the lava flowing about 50 yards in front of us. It was an amazing sight. You could hear the spewing lava and small explosions. The heat coming off the rocks where we stood was enough to roast marshmallows, which some of the hikers did. After taking some photos it was time to head back. The climb down was no easier than the climb up. It took another 45 minutes to carefully work our way off the lava flow, back to where Rickee was waiting for us. Quite honestly, I think everyone else enjoyed this excursion more than I did. The twenty-something dancers who were on the hike were giddy with excitement, but they are in great condition. And, they are twenty-something, not fifty-something! Then again, there was another couple that could have easily been in their late 60s or early 70s and they made it the entire way. They too were full of enthusiasm. I was just beat. I was too tired and sore to think about how incredible it was. I guess I am just a wimp.
In summary, this excursion definitely delivers on the promise of adventure. However, you should be in good physical condition before booking this excursion. Silversea warns that this is an extremely strenuous tour and they are not kidding. Seeing the lava flowing only 50 yards away was a sight I will not soon forget. This was truly one of the most amazing and memorable excursions I have ever done. And, I never want to do it again!
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| 2 Comments | | | RICKEE RICHARDSON | | | Bill, we are getting off tomorrow in Acapulco. You will have a great time on Silver Spirit! | | | Sunday, March 21, 2010 6:17 PM | | | | BILL KRUMPACK | | | Great info. We will be boarding on 22 Mar - another couple of Texicans from Austin. If you are continuing on to LA, I'll buy you a beer.
Thanks
Bill | | | Sunday, March 21, 2010 10:59 AM | |
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