From Panajachel we headed to the largest market in Central America in the town of Chichicastenango. This place was a complete culture shock - a seething mass of market stalls, brightly dressed locals, chickens and people setting off fireworks by hand, miraculously escaping burns and maiming! We bartered hard for some final souvenirs before setting off again for the colonial town of Antigua.

Much of historic Antigua is in ruins from an eathquake that happened in the 18th Century, however the leftover mix of colourful buildings, elaborate churches and ruins, ringed by volcanos, is very atmospheric. We parted company with some of our group here and celebrated our last night with tequilas in a local salsa bar.