I'm knackered.

Every morning in Guatemala. Up before 6:30am.

This time, 5:30am, ready and waiting for the packed (literally every seat) tour bus bound for Volcan Pacaya.

Pacaya is Guatemala's most active volcano, and a must-do for anyone passing through Antigua. It was a long, sleepy, rocky drive through the Guatemalan countryside to the foot of the mountain before a steep, steeper and even steeper hike up to the volcano.

It's phenomenal.

I'd read Pacaya was overrated. It is quite touristy, but it's definitely worth it.

It's such an incredible landscape. Desolate, black volcanic rock spreading out of a perfect volcanic cone violently spitting magma and rock. The guides even roasted marshmellows on the molten rock. Walking across this lunar landscape almost felt like treading on shards of glass, the rock is so fine but not at all crumbly. Whats more, before the clouds rolled in there was a spectacular view of the volcanos that loom over Guatemala's capital city - Fuego, Acatenango and Agua. Whatsmore, you can't forget just how deadly these volcanoes are. Fuego indeed, killed 1000 people just three months ago.

So that's a wrap for Guatemala. Best Central American country, by far. Just chilling on the rooftop awaiting my airport transfer before my evening flight down to Costa Rica. After a Capuccino and an Italian ham/cheese thingy I'm no longer the hungry tired mess I was after coming back from the volcano hike.

Let the long journey home begin.

Vamos!