As we reached the Pacaya Volcan, a guy jumped from the bushes and stopped us. With a maceta in his hand he informed us he was a security guard and we can’t proceed unless we are accompanied by an authorized guide. Immediately, out of nowhere, a peasant with a horse showed up, claiming to be an authorized guide willing to escort us for 100 quetzales (around US$12). We proceeded and, after about 2 hours we got to a place where the rocks were really hot and the lava was gloving from underneath. However, no lava was flowing above 🙁
Volcan Pacaya
Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala
The capital of Guatemala was a real disappointment for both of us. Except for the central square, all the streets in the historic center were full of trash, dust, homeless people and other things that I decided not to photograph… the hotel and the restaurants were so dirty that we thought this has to be some joke! So we decided to leave quickly, only after visiting the local railway museum.
Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala, a former capital of Guatemala, is a colonial town with narrow streets and nice spanish buildings. It is, actually, the nicest man-made thing we saw in Guatemala.
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan was our next objective. It is surrounded by 2 volcanos and few villages inhabited by indigenous maya people. They speak a different language and wear distinctive clothing.
Fuentes Georginas
Fuentes Georginas, located next to the town of Zunil, is a place with thermal waters, plus restaurands and lodging. A 10km mountain road takes the traveller from the main road to this place, offering very spectacular views. One thing that we noticed is that every area suitable for agriculture was used, even when high on the mountain. And people were everywhere working the land.
