Volcanic Heart of Guatemala

Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan was once described as the “most beautiful lake in the world” by author Aldous Huxley. Today, it is used as a gateway to many native Mayan villages for tourists, and its volcanic origins offer much more.
The lake lies in Antigua. A city surrounded by mostly dormant volcanoes. Wherever visitors decide to stay, it is only 20 minutes walking distance. The boat leaves once a day at 10am and costs Q55 (Quetzal), but some hotels offer a discount on this if bought in advance. As the two-deck boat leaves the dock there is a sense of excitement and adventure amongst passengers as a lake, which shimmers in the sunlight, also has a dark feel due to its volcanic surroundings. The journey across takes two hours but it is worthwhile as sunbathing on the top deck of a boat in 40 degrees heat is an encouraged pastime. Alternatively, there are plenty of breathtaking views.
The lake is surrounded by three magnificent, ancient volcanoes, responsible for the natural beauty of the area. Their slopes are covered with dense forests which are centuries old and this has become home for a few Mayan settlers who can be seen through the trees. As the boat approaches the dock a bustling market comes into view. Hundreds of shops and stalls are crammed between churches and historical monuments and the local goods make interesting purchases. It is possible to barter with the traders and it is advised as generally the final price is the true value. This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to buy gifts for loved ones. The selection of oil paintings, statues and jewellery are perfect tokens. The return trip takes longer as there is a chance to dive from the top tier into the warmth of the lake. A thrilling experience with an end result much like being in a Jacuzzi. Upon arrival at the dock there are a range of restaurants looking out over Lake Atitlan. There is nothing like enjoying a delicious meal while watching the sun set behind the volcanoes.
If experiencing a volcanic lake is not enough, there are daily excursions to Volcano Pacaya, one of the region’s most active volcanoes. It last erupted in May 2010. If tourists wish to undertake the climb, it is advisable to go early in the morning; otherwise it will be a descent under a dark sky. The bus takes little over an hour and costs around Q12. An entrance fee of Q40 is required which some may see as a reasonable price for a National Park, and for the experience. It is possible to have a guide or, for those not keen on the climb, it can be done by horse or donkey.
The climb to the peak itself takes an hour and a half, with the hardest part being near the end as you negotiate and clamber over uneven volcanic rock from past eruptions. The ascent is quite difficult as travellers walk under a blazing Central American sun through beaten tracks and with tree roots trying to trip you. To add to this, apart from the uphill battle, the heat from the volcano intensifies, making it even more difficult. If visitors do not wish to go to the peak, there are excellent views and photo opportunities just prior to this. However, going the extra distance is a rewarding experience, as the immense heat from the lava flowing around you and under the cracks in the ground takes over. At this point it is time to grab some marshmallows and cook them over the lava; a unique experience that you are bound to never forget.
Although the descent only takes around 45 minutes, it is tricky. A different and more steep path is used in order to keep a flow of people. There are also more loose rocks and some leaps need to be taken along the way in order to take the safest root. However, the satisfaction afterwards is sure to be enough to stop this acting as a deterrent. Daniel McCrisken, a geography teacher at a school in Northern Ireland takes pupils to Guatemala every two years and had this to say; “It is wonderful that the public have been allowed to climb and appreciate a natural phenomenon such as this in a safe manner. I highly recommend it.”
Antigua lies at the heart of a volcanic Guatemala and is awash with history. Its cobbled streets are maze like and each has a new discovery. Churches, markets and monuments are only in place to entice travellers further in to what the city holds.