Pacaya Volcano... and the lack of health & safety in Guatemala

A short trip from Antigua is a volcano called Pacaya, one of three active volcanos in the area. Pacaya is one of the most spectacular as there are almost continual lava flows down its main slope. Lucy recommended it as something we definitely needed to see whilst we were in Antigua, as such me, Conny and Colum all got up at 6am to do the morning tour.

Photo opportunites across the valley

The view

We trekked for about an hour and a half through the dense forest before the volcano was properly visible, with previous solidified lava flows stretching out into the valley below.

Trekking through the forest

Pacaya Volcano and its solidified lava flows

Once we reached the volcanic slopes there was still quite a climb to get to the actual molten lava flows and the photo´s don´t do justice as to how steep the volcano slopes were, or infact how hot it was. As soon as we were walking across the solidified lava flows you could feel blasts of hot air coming from the between the rocks, like a super charged hair dryer all over your body.

Stood at the foot of the volcanic slopes

In order to get close enough to get a good view of the lava flow we had to decend down the side of the volcano, which was no easy task. When the magma solidifies it becomes very brittle but also very sharp.

Trying to climb down the side of the volcano without falling over or standing still for too long

The view we'd been waiting for

Once we reached the molten lava flow we took it in turns to go down in groups and take photo's, also alot of the group had brought marshmallows to toast. The below photo of the river of lava did very much involve burning my hand. Also about 20 seconds after the photo was taken there was a loud rushing sound and a superheated blast of air came out. Guatemala isn't massive on Health and Safety, there was literally no control over how close you got... they just allow you to use your common sense.

The river of lava

You've no idea how hot this was

Sat with a friend during a well deserved break