Days 47-52 - Antigua, Guatemala

ANTIGUA AREA (17/02/09 - 22/02/09)

After a long day travelling on 2 boats, 1 taxi, 2 buses and a bit of leg work in between we arrived in Antigua from Rio Dulce. Antigua is yet another brightly painted colonial city. It used to be the capital until the early 20th century when an earthquake destroyed much of the city, after which they transferred power to the newly developing Guatemala City. The buses are all old American school buses repainted with bright colours and designs.

The city of Antigua is overlooked by 3 volcanoes. This is the view of 2 of them, Volcan Acatenango and Volcan Fuego, from our hotel window. A strange effect was created at dusk with the clouds and the light extending the line of the volcano.

The third and largest of the volcanoes, Volcan Agua, was visible from most parts of the city.

There are many churches in this Catholic city this one being one of the most famous. Adam thinks it is one of the most tasteless buildings he has ever seen in his life.

We booked tickets to climb the active volcano, Pacaya. Unfortunately Liz became very ill so Adam (reluctantly) visited the volcano on his own. Here is another view of the 3 volcanoes surrounding Antigua.

Climbing the volcano was fairly difficult, particularly scrambling over these large mounds of volcanic rock and ash.

The red glow of the lava flow from a distance. Disappointingly whilst you can normally get right next to the lava on this occasion avalanches made it too dangerous to get any closer.

A view down into the valley clearly shows how the slow advance of the lava has destroyed the vegetation.

After the disappointment of not getting close to the lava, this spectacular eruption of Volcan Fuego across the valley made up for it.

On the streets of Antigua many tradesmen and women offer various services. This knife sharpener sharpened our penknife for a few pence. Adam is now too afraid to use it as he likes having 10 fingers!

We visited the enormous markets in Antigua. Venturing through the tourist stalls we came to the market proper. The amazing food stalls were incredibly brightly coloured and varied. Below are a selection of pictures discretely taken throughout the market.