Guatemala is home to numerous volcanoes that are found throughout the countryside, each different from the other. While some are dormant, others are known to be active and can erupt rocks, lava, water or fire from its peak. Today, I decided to be brave and climb up the Volcano of Water. Yes, I know it does not sound, as terrifying as the Volcano of Fire, but in my mind a volcano is a volcano, no matter what comes out during the eruption. The Volcano of Water is neighbors with the Volcano of Fire and is somewhat active. If you are in the city of Antigua off in the distance you can see it in the distance, its peak masked by fog and clouds.

As I had been hiking in Taos, New Mexico just last month I figured that climbing a volcano should not that hard…that is until I fell in a hole…Yep that is right a rather large hole.  Okay, let me assure you that I did not break any bones and let me back up to explain how I came to fall in the hole.

During the rainy season in Guatemala, it can rain every afternoon and thus, the runoff water will travel down into the towns of San Pedro and Antigua, located at the bottom of the valley. This can turn disastrous as the water will accumulate and flood the towns. As a result, there are various “holes” that have been dug out to help alleviate the runoff water from the top of the hills and volcanoes.  As you can imagine, while I was on my hike up the Volcano I turned around to take a picture of the landscape, stepped back and fell into one of the holes.

I am very glad that I was not hurt but I was more surprised because once inside I actually saw how deep the holes were. I stand approximately 5 feet 3 inches and so I am shorter than majority of the population. When I was standing in the hole, the edge came up to just below my neck. I must admit it was a bit difficult getting out of the hole since there was nothing along the edges to hold on to. Nevertheless, I made it safely out and made sure as I climbed up the volcano carefully such that another accident would not occur.

Along my journey I would encounter horses carrying firewood and other supplies down into down. The hike is so steep and narrow that no cars can make the trek up the mountain only horses, mules and the occasional motorbike. Pretending I was Indiana Jones, sans hat and whip, exploring the dangerous Volcano that could erupt at any moment made my journey very entertaining. It seems that having accomplished hiking up the Volcano of Water only leaves me to climb its partner…El  Volcán de Fuego