During last year’s Christmas in Guatemala, my travel companion and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure. We decided to challenge ourselves by hiking up the Tajamulco volcano, the highest point in Central America. Our guide, Jose, who led us on this Christmas Eve expedition, shared some unexpected insights during our time together.
As we sat in a small, deserted restaurant at the volcano’s base, Jose, in a somewhat intoxicated state, repeatedly emphasized the importance of money. Despite his slightly unnerving past in LA, where he confessed to engaging in questionable activities, Jose now earns a living guiding tourists up various volcanoes in Guatemala.
Before we began our ascent to catch the sunrise at the summit, we passed the time in the chilly restaurant, bundled up in our gear. Jose opened up about his life experiences, including his rise and fall in the US, which ultimately led him to his current profession as a guide.
The trek up the volcano started at 2 AM, with Jose having sobered up and expressing regret for his earlier behavior. Along the way, we encountered two individuals at a peculiar hour, prompting our guide to suggest they were up to some clandestine dealings.
Despite the challenging climb and my physical discomfort from sleeping on a hard floor, the breathtaking sunrise at the summit made it all worthwhile. As the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow on my face, I felt a sense of awe and gratitude for the moment.
Although I didn’t make it all the way to the summit due to exhaustion, the experience of witnessing the sunrise from a vantage point above the clouds was truly remarkable. After enjoying the view and exchanging Christmas wishes with my companions, we began our descent back to civilization.
As we made our way down the mountain, the landscape transformed from cold and eerie to vibrant and lively, with local families ascending the volcano in traditional attire. Hitching rides on pickup trucks, we returned to Xela, where comforting amenities awaited us.
Our guide, Jose, who had transformed from a somber figure to a cheerful companion, shared his joy in experiencing such breathtaking views regularly. The colorful scene of Guatemalan families ascending the mountain added a touch of warmth to our journey.
Reflecting on the day filled with unexpected encounters and natural wonders, I realized that this experience would stay with me for a long time. The beauty of nature, the camaraderie with my fellow travelers, and the sense of accomplishment made this Christmas Eve hike a truly unforgettable adventure.
