March 1, 2019
We got up early with our backpacks loaded with water, food, and warm clothes for our overnight adventure up Acatenango. We were all pretty nervous knowing that it was probably going to be the most physically demanding thing we have ever done. Without any preparation, we went from office jobs to vacation to attempt a climb up a 13,000 ft mountain. We did feel somewhat comforted that our group was all of our new friends we had met, plus one couple from Argentina. Before we set out, our guide (who mostly spoke Spanish) told us we are a group and will help each other and are in this together.
Even though we were mentally prepared for this to be very hard I couldn’t believe how fast my legs started screaming and how hard I started breathing. I think it took all of 2 minutes walking up the steep incline on very washy gravel for me to start feeling this way. All I could focus on was one step at a time. I couldn’t think about it being this way for the next 6 hours. We had heard the first hour was the most difficult so I kept telling myself, I could do this for an hour. The crazy part, it never got any less difficult or steep. I kept thinking that just around the next corner it had to flatten out at least a little bit but every corner I passed, there was another long and incredibly steep stretch. There were frequent breaks but I also needed breaks in between the breaks to catch my breath and take off my pack. We all carried our own water, food and warm clothes which made our packs feel really heavy. I was carrying 4 liters of water and Brendan 6 liters. I don’t know if it was the altitude affecting me, or being so fatigued from the hike but at certain points I felt somewhat emotional. There were several times I felt like I could burst into tears. I was hiking in my Nikes because my new, awesome hiking boots that I got for this trip were stolen off my backpack on a chicken bus in Belize a few weeks ago. Being on a strict budget in order to travel all these places I couldn’t bring myself to replace the boots. The Nikes did pretty good but they were slick. There was a several hour stretch where the path was so steep, and dirt was so slippery, I felt like I was going to cry because I was so unsure every time I stepped if I was going to slip and fall. It also made me emotional to see how caring and supportive all the group members were towards each other. Even though we had only just met or had been friends for a week or two, everyone who could help someone else did. At the designated rest breaks the guide or other group members who reached it first would hike back DOWN the path and get the backpack of one of the last members so they could do the next 50 meters or so without the pack to reach the rest point. This teamwork was so touching to me as this was not an easy climb for anyone. Also, those who were doing better would take weight out of someone else’s pack who was having a harder time. Although there were numerous times I didn’t know how I was going to keep hiking up, quitting never felt like an option as the group was so strong I felt nobody would let anyone else be left behind. It took everything I had to get myself and my pack up the mountain so I really couldn’t help anyone else. Those who could, inspired me to want to be stronger so the next time I was on a trail I could be one to help someone else make it. As I mentioned, the group and the teamwork was awesome. However, at the same time it also felt like a very individual journey. I was usually in the middle of the pack and we would get spread out where I couldn’t see anyone in front or behind me. This gave opportunity for me to solely focus on my own breathing and each step. The path just kept going and going.
We FINALLY made it to a spot where it flattened out (a very brief spot about 5 hours into hiking) and we caught our first glimpse of a neighboring volcano. This was a monumental moment for me in the climb because it finally felt like we are doing this for a reason and that we could possibly be getting closer to the top.
After another tough, steep incline and 6 hours from when we left, we made it to base camp! Everyone in the group made it! I was soooo proud of Brendan and Taylor. Taylor never strayed from her smile and laugh even during the pain and suffering of a climb we really weren’t prepared for physically! Brendan made it carrying his HUGE pack with a lot of weight and water. We had tents set up for us and a fire going at base camp. Beyond exhausted, we quickly changed into warm clothes as it was very cold there. From camp we got a million dollar view of Fuego blowing smoke and erupting about every 5-10 minutes.
Our guide made us dinner and some clouds rolled in blocking our view. We were all so tired we were basically just going to go to bed but as we were finishing dinner the clouds moved out and it was dark and clear. This meant we saw Fuego spewing magma and lava every time it erupted.
This was pretty spectacular and made the hike well worth it. Once I couldn’t take the cold anymore I crawled into the tent and watched Fuego from my sleeping bag. I got up around 2am to go to the bathroom and the view walking out of the tent almost took my breath away. Fuego was erupting and seeing the fiery red come out of the top and then all the stars and moon were crystal clear and the lights of the city nearly 13,000 feet below was just stunning. Something no photo could capture and a sight I will never forget.