Leave under the Moon's Light and see the Sunrise over Xela.
This hike leaves Quetzaltenango once a month on midnight of the Wednesday closest to the full moon. We meet at 11pm to distribute necessary warm clothing and any other equipment that may be required. After a warm bowl of soup, at around midnight, we board our pickup and make our way to the village of Llano del Pinal near Xela, where we begin hiking.

We begin walking before 1am. The beginning of the trail is quite easy and the pace is quite slow. We take great care with those that are not fully acclimatized to the altitude. The trail takes us through corn fields and commercial flower beds and then up the original lava flow, which the locals call ¨the devil´s back bone¨ because of its spine-like apearance. From here the going gets a little slower as the pathway begins to get a bit steeper until it levels off on a small area called ¨La Mesa¨, where we take a break for around 15 minutes and get our strength back.

From this point the trail gets steeper and more tree-covered, as we climb. There are areas where we have some spectacular views over Xela and to the north. The pace is quite steady and we rest frequently, thus ensuring that everyone enjoys the hike. A few hundred meters from the summit we can just make out the end of the tree line and get a glimpse of the peak. This lifts everyones spirits. At this point the group normally splits into a faster group who make a run for the top and the normal hikers who prefer to make their way leisurely. Just as we near the end of the tree-line we put on all the warm clothes that we have. At this point we have been hiking in light clothes as the trail is not cold. We then make that final push to the summit just in time to meet the sun who is about to clear the horizon. It is normal at this time that the moon-set is close at hand. This too is a spectacular sight. The sky is alive with all the colors of the day to the east and the colors of the night to the west.

Sunrise is the most beautiful time of the day, when the world comes to life again. We are treated to one of the most beautiful displays that nature has to offer as the sun rises behind the volcano chain of Guatemala. As we relax after our night´s hike, we can sit, have a warm coffe and some food, and watch the eruptions of Volcan Santiaguito as it belches volcanic ash and lava high into the air to our south. We look far to the Cuchumantanes Mountains to the north, across the volcanoes as far as Antigua and in the west we see Volcan Tajumulco and beyond into Mexico. After relaxing and taking in the sights, we begin to make our way back down the trail. We take it easy on our return and when we reach the trail-head we take buses back to Xela and Casa Argentina. Once back, we have a relaxing day catching up on some much needed sleep. Those who wish can join us for another good and deserved morning cup of coffee in Quetzaltrekkers' office and a good drink in the evening when we will discuss the highlights of the trip.

Cost of Hike Q150.00 [ $US20 ]

Cost includes:

• All Transport
• Food
• Water
• Guides

Cost does not include:

• Personal travel insurance
• Alcoholic beverages
• Costs incurred due to accident, illness or any other unforeseen circumstances
• Tips for the Guides