Meeting Karl and Conor (Irish lads) in Tikal and Aidan and Mimi (Vancouveranians) in Semuc made this part of the trip even better craic, spending a few days with all 4 of them in Antigua rounded off the trip perfectly.
Seeing the Mayan ruins peeping through the jungle treetops made the whole trip to Flores and Tikal worthwhile. We saw Spider Monkeys swinging from their tails and heard the "ghouler monkeys" screeching in the distance. Fiona narrowly avoided receiving some Guatemalan good luck from the monkeys perched above us!
Next stop was Semuc Champey, widely regarded as the most beautiful spot in Guatemala. Seamie had tipped us off about a great hostel/log cabin resort and we had sent Al in as a fluffer. With this information in hand, expectations were high. Semuc didn't disappoint and we spend the day hiking to the Mirador, swimming in the colourful natural pools, having fish nibble at our feet and diving off anything we could find. On the second day, I went back for a cave adventure, which was a 2 hour trip through pit
ch black water-filled caves with candlelight to lead the way. Abseiling up a waterfall, jumping through narrow crevices and plunging from a cliff into a dark pool were all thoroughly enjoyable, while trying to keep your candle from getting wet!Last stop Antigua, for some good dinners, Christmas shopping and a trip up Volcan Pacaya. Walking to the lava river was tricky, due to all the new rocks which have been scattered by the constant flow of lava. Apparently the lava is about 2000 degrees and it certainly feels that way when you get close. Unbelievable to see the hot stuff spilling out of a mountain and casually flowing downward.
An action packed week comes to an end and our next stop is Philadelphia for Christmas.
2nd Batch of Guatemala photos start here
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