Our port of call on day 10 of our 116-day world cruise was Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. Nestled along the Pacific coast, Puerto Quetzal serves as Guatemala’s main maritime gateway and is surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and fertile agricultural land. Historically, the region has been a vital trade hub, connecting Guatemala’s resources to the world. Today, it boasts stunning views, vibrant culture, and proximity to some of the country’s most iconic natural wonders.

While Walter decided to stay in our mini-suite to catch up on some work, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure to hike the Pacaya Volcano. Located within Pacaya Volcano National Park (https://peakvisor.com/park/parque-nacional-volcan-de-pacaya.html), this active volcano is one of Guatemala’s most famous natural landmarks, standing at approximately 8,373 feet. The drive from the cruise terminal to the park took nearly two hours, but the journey was a scenic delight. The sprawling sugar cane and banana plantations we passed along the way painted a picturesque view of Guatemala’s rich agricultural landscape. Adding to the excitement, we caught glimpses of the Fire Volcano erupting and spewing ash from the window of our tour van—an awe-inspiring sight that set the tone for the day ahead.

The hike began with a challenging ascent. The first 0.15 miles were steep, and I found myself gasping for breath as we climbed. Along the way, locals with horses followed us, offering their services for those who preferred to ride instead of hike. While the option of a $45 round trip on horseback for the 3.5-mile loop was tempting, I decided to continue on foot. By the 0.20-mile mark, the trail evened out and became more manageable, allowing me to catch my breath and fully appreciate the stunning surroundings. Compared to my hikes in New Hampshire and on Mount Katahdin over the past three summers, this trek felt manageable and rewarding.

Due to the active nature of the Pacaya Volcano, we couldn’t hike directly to its summit for safety reasons. However, the trail offered several lookout points with closer views of the volcano’s rugged landscape and its smoldering lava fields. At the highest peak of the trail, the breathtaking panorama included not only the Pacaya Volcano but also the distant Fire and Water Volcanoes. The Fire Volcano, or Volcán de Fuego, lived up to its name, erupting every 2-3 minutes and releasing plumes of smoke and ash into the sky. Meanwhile, the dormant Water Volcano, or Volcán de Agua, stood majestically in contrast, its symmetrical cone shape a testament to the geological beauty of the region.

This hike was a humbling and exhilarating experience, blending physical challenge with the opportunity to witness Guatemala’s extraordinary volcanic landscape up close. From the dramatic eruptions of the Fire Volcano to the sweeping views of the countryside, it was a day I will never forget.