View of Santa Maria from Xela |
Santa Maria Volcano |
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Volcan Santa Maria is located west of Xela. We climbed it on a full moon night with a group from the Bar Tecun. The money we paid went to help an orphanage near here. We started at about 1:30 a.m. and reached the top around 5:30 a.m. just in time for... |
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View of Santa Maria from Xela |
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...a beautiful sunrise. |
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As the sun rose it cast this amazing triangular shadow behind Santa Maria. |
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The view from the top is really incredible. You can see 10 of the highest peaks in Guatemala and the Pacific Ocean (if it's really clear). It is windy and cold on top (-15 C at times) so bring lots of warm clothes if you go. |
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You can also view a small volcano (Santiagito) located on the western side of Santa Maria that is quite active and usually erupts quite often. It was quite tranquil the day we were there. |
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There are also great views of Xela all the way up and from the top. |
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The trail is very steep, rocky and slippery in places. It was a good workout going up... coming down was a much greater challenge, but with care we avoided any falls the entire way. (The view made it all worthwhile). |
Eileen on her butt most of the way down, wishing there was another way. |
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This hike (to benefit the orphanage Casa Hogar) takes place monthly. Different businesses donate items (transport, food, etc) so that the money you pay can be given entirely to the orphanage. We had soup and bread before we left, 2 huge sandwiches for the trek (all provided by Tecun Bar). If you're in Xela and want info on when the next hike is taking place contact Paul at the Bar Tecun. |
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