Another day. Another volcano. Another summit. Camping at the crater lake of Volcano Chikabal. A sacred lake at that. If you take a walk around it, you'll see signs every 10 meters saying 'respect the Mayan altar' then might stumble upon grave sites with lit candles or flowers in the water.
We swam. Saw shooting stars. Ate salami/avocado fire roasted sandwiches. Woke up at 5am. Hiked the 600 stairs to the mirador to see Volcano Santiaguito erupting during sunrise. Hiked back down the 600 stairs to see a Mayan family midway through a spiritual ceremony right next to the tent. PERFECT, we slept in a holy place.
Quietly packed up, as I walked by them again, the main woman that had been chanting, singing and throwing things into their fire turns to me, says 'Bye Bye' smiles then continues to throw things into the fire. I can't help but smile back. Then look up, see a sign that says ' NO SWIMMING,' ut oh! Slept in holy place, swam in holy water. Wonder if this will bring me luck?
Hike back up the 600 stairs to see the volcano erupt again. Then back to the road, bused back and now in Xela.
Legs hurt. 8 days. 4 volcanoes. 3 summits. And a whole lot of awesomeness packed in there! Love Guatemala.
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