November 4, 2017

Antigua and Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala (November, 2017)

We departed Monterrico on the Pacific coast towards our final destination in Guatemala, which was Antigua. Antigua is a fun old city with some amazing Spanish architecture, old cobblestone streets, and a pretty hip vibe. There are a ton of tourists, and expatriates from Europe and other places living there. There are tons of cafes, hostels, and backpackers all around. It's definitely a place to visit and there is plenty of things to do and see, but it is not off the beaten path at all. We found a modest hotel (that was really more like a hostel) and stayed 2 nights. On one of the days we were there, we took an excursion out to the Pacaya Volcano, which is about 90 minutes away from Antigua. There we hiked up to the base of the active volcano (the summit was closed due to volcanic activity). We bought a bag of marshmallows and some sticks and found a place on the volcano where there was a lot of geothermal activity and we roasted marshmallows there for a fun treat.

The remainder of our time in Antigua, we spent wandering the streets, going into shops, playing cards and games in the hotel, and having some good food. 

Picture of our group on the way to Pacaya Volcano near Antigua, Guatemala.

Zander, petting a cow on our hike to Pacaya Volcano near Antigua, Guatemala.

Zander, the butterfly whisperer with a butterfly that he caught on our hike to Pacaya Volcano near Antigua, Guatemala.

 Roasting marshmallows over old lava flows on Pacaya Volcano near Antigua, Guatemala.

Roasting marshmallows over old lava flows on Pacaya Volcano (with the volcano in the background) near Antigua, Guatemala.

Walking through a 3 year old lava flow at Pacaya Volcano outside Antigua, Guatemala and finding some rocks that are still hot.

Nash, digging up some hot rocks from an old lava flow at Pacaya Volcano outside Antigua, Guatemala.

Video of the fog rolling in through one of the canyons filled with a lava flow at Pacaya Volcano outside Antigua, Guatemala.

 Colorful buildings and cobblestone streets in Antigua, Guatemala.

 One of the many old Spanish cathedrals in Antigua, Guatemala.

 Lots of colorful buildings and houses and cool cobblestone streets in Antigua, Guatemala.

Old cobble stone streets in Antigua, Guatemala.

Old buildings and infrastructure in Antigua, Guatemala.

 Enjoying some authentic Guatemalan food at Rincon Tipico in Antigua, Guatemala.

 Waiting for our grub at Rincon Tipico in Antigua, Guatemala.

Family card game in our hotel in Antigua, Guatemala.

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