El Volcán Chicabal

It's finally the weekend, and we took advantage of the opportunity to take a day trip outside of Xela.  There are many popular hikes in the area, but we decided to start with one that isn't too difficult.  We hired a guide and a bus to pick us up at 6am and take us to the Chicabal Volcano, which is famous for the crater lake in the middle.  The ascent was extremely steep, but the view at the top was amazing.

In addition to hiking to the vista, we also went down to the lake itself.  It was insanely beautiful; almost eerily so and to the point that it made me feel like it was harboring some dark secret, like the island on Lost.

Many traditionalists still use the several altars surrounding the lake for religious ceremonies.  We passed a few as we walked around the lake, and they were fascinating to observe.  The man standing at the top right of the picture seemed to be leading the ceremony with his chant.  All of it was done on one note except for the last syllable of each phrase, which was a minor third below.

The hike lasted about five hours long, and now I'm absolutely pooped.  Perhaps it is time for a nice, relaxing siesta...