Eternal Wanderings of the Sunshine Elephant: Xela.....Xela.....Xela!!!

Super cool chicken bus

Yes, I did, I returned to Xela....for the third time. I have no idea what draws me to this chilly mountain town. It can´t be the friendly volunteers at Quetzeltrekkers or the treking, no that can´t be it!! I made my return with Simone and the plan was to climb the highest peak in all of Central America - Tajumulco 4,220 meters (13,845 ft.). I was welcomed with open arms and waffles to Casa Argentina. Arriving on a Thursday, we had two days to prepare for the summit, which involved good cheap meals and wine.

Chicken bus on the run!

Our guides were Sarah, Brent and Erin, couldn´t ask for a better group! We were 11 clients in total, all of the fun loving variety so that made things even better. The day starts early, beginning with several hours on a chicken bus to arrive at the volcano. We finally get there and the hike begins. It starts innocently through some easy climbs along a road leading to the volcano. Once off the road, the climb gets steaper, the problem with this climb is that it does not involve switchbacks, it is a straight climb. Some of it being rather steep!! The views made it all worth while. We were above the cloud line and below us was a solid sea of clouds and above us beautiful blue skies.

The climb above the clouds

On top of Central America

After 5 hours of hiking we arrived at camp. The camp is nestled in between Tajumulco and the adjacent mountain - Cerro Concepcion, the second tallest peak in Central America. Camp was set up, wine was poured and things were going great!! It was time for sunset, so up Cerro Conception we went. I have seen a lot of sunsets in my life, from all over the place, on beaches, on mountains, in the woods, even from the roof of my house. This one was like no other I have seen!! On top of the Central American world, with a sea of clouds below us, the sun slowly made it´s way below the clouds. I was in awe, although that awe ended when the sunset as the cool mountain winds took over. We scrabbled down the mountain and back to camp. Camp was beautiful, it was surrounded by trees, sheltering us from the wind. We ate, had a fire and went to sleep for an early rise to summit Tajumulco.

Three tirty in the morning came with thick clouds and a heavy mist. Sarah decided it would be best to hold off the sunrise hike as it could prove to be dangerous in those conditions. At 5 AM, still under the cover of clouds and mist, Sarah decided to take those who wanted to make the summit. Fatal mistake, I decided not to summit because the weather was absolute shit and my sleeping bag was soooo warm!!! Well, turns out that when they reached the summit, the weather cleared and the view was amazing. Lesson learned, always attempt the summit, regardless of weather or how warm the sleeping bag is!!!!!

Wine and sunset, perfect together!!

All in all, this was an amazing hike, with incredible views. I didn´t reach the summit, but I can´t do everything. The folks on the hike were great, as well as the guides! Our return to Xela was long on crowded chicken buses. Most of the ride I was fortunate to have a rather large woman´s ass in my face with her huge purse hitting me in the head with every curve. There were alot of curves!!

On our return to Xela, Simone and I decided to stay for a week. Why not, great friends and trekking. We did one more trek, the Fuentes trek I had done previously. Once again, a great day ending with hot springs. I took pictures this time!!

I finally got the dreaded stomach bug. I became best friend with the lovely toilet at Casa Argentina for several days, it was a continous march to the bathroom. Over and over again. It ended and I decided that I needed a good meal. I actually pulled off Lomo Saltado in a hostel kitchen, and it was delicious. I love Peru!!

It was a wonderful week in Xela. Drinks, friends, food, laughter, mountain biking and toilets. I have finally left Xela, sadly. I will miss my friends at Quetzaltrekkers, they have become family at this point. I wish them all the best and thank them for all the laughter. I left and have finally made my way to Honduras. Thank you Guatemala, you were amazing. I meant to spend a month with you, you kept me for two months. Guatemala is amazing and beautiful. The people are wonderful and the landscape awe inspiring!