Wow! It was a very nice experience! The goal was to climb the 2550-meter high volcano! The volcano has been active since I could remember. 6 years ago the national airport in Guatemala was closed due the heavy eruptions that clouded the whole city of Guatemala with 3 inches of eruption sand! Of course the volcano is now not so active. So a group of 4 runners started going up around 10am. On the way we met very nice people climbing the volcano. They were so eager to take part in the World Harmony Run, and to join us for part of the climb!

Here we have 3 friends holding the Torch. They were very enthusiastic about the World Harmony Run.

There were many people climbing. On the way there were over 100 people who took a moment to hold the Torch for World Harmony. To be honest, running was not really how we did climb the volcano.

At some points it was very steep. We would take one step and slide back half a step! So walking and running was the way to get to the top.

Nice view of the Pacaya in eruption!

There were beautiful trees and the scenery was fantastic. Half way up there is a nice place for sightseeing and you can see 3 other major volcanoes, over 3500 meters tall...

The World Harmony Run Torch at the highest height of the Pacaya!

People here are very friendly, always smiling and cheerful! The scenery is just fantastic! Being 40 meters away from the crater was a once in a lifetime experience. I managed to get a photo of myself very close to the crater, and it was quiet an experience. 5 to 6 times per minute you would here a big "Boom" and lava would come out!

The smell of sulphur was very intense. On this picture, you can see the clouds of vapor and sulphur, and the yellowish color on the stones. The yellow is sulphur. The ground was very hot. You have to be careful where you step!

Going down was a very nice experience - running down the hill was lots of fun!

Till the next time!

Purnahuti

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