Today, again we split up, to do the hike. I was in the later group… because I like my sleep. It was the toughest hike I have ever done. It was called Valcan y Laguna Chicabal. Here is what the lonely planet has to say about it…. “This magical lake is nestled in a crater of the volcan Chicalab (2900m). There ‘Center of Maya-Mam Cosmovision,’ it’s an intensely sacred place and a hotbed for Maya ceremonies. Maya priests come from all over to make offerings here; especially around May 3 (visitors are not welcomed at that time).”
The lake/lagoon is over a two hour tough hike from San Martin Village (a village semi close by Xela). We hiked up the non-active volcano and then reached the station where we bought our tickets to go see the lake. We then had to continue hiking upwards until we reached the top of the 500 stairs (dirt stairs). It was much easier going down the stairs than going up. We said this is why Maya people don’t need stair masters lol.
Once we reached the bottom of the stairs we saw the beautiful lake surrounded with flowers and maya altars for workshop. Some of the Maya people had built campfires because it was pretty chilly down there. It was a really cool site to see.
I’m happy I accomplished the hike- only con was that we went late so that the fog settled in and we couldn’t see the blue lagoon as clearly. It was foggy because the clouds and mist envelop the volcano and crater by early afternoon.
Once we got back from our hike we rested, showed and went to salsa dancing lessons!... and a little break dancing too!
Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
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