Hiking volcan Santiaguito’s Picacho outlook Quetzaltenango

The hike starts at the end of Llanos del Pinal village. From this point to volcano Santa Maria’s plateau, also known as the la Cruz, the path is very rocky and hilly. From this point, the hikers take the west side of the plateau. The path becomes a  narrow road where only 4×4 pick up trucks can run. The area is surrounded by trees. This path ends at the beginning of pastures. At this point, the vegetation becomes as it was centuries ago. The trees create an amazing feeling of an enchanted place where you can breathe fresh air and take in the beauty that has taken millions of years to create. 

After 40 minutes hiking, the hikers can view the beautiful mountains which are part of Volcan Siete Orejas and its seven peaks. This volcano erupted for the last time 85,000 years ago. Another volcano to notice is Chicabal. The volcanoes are covered  with lush green trees which provide a stunning view.

30 minutes before arriving at Don Guillermo’s volcano Santiaguito Outlook, the terrain becomes very hilly. Hikers can view the Volcan Santa Maria’s classic cone shape. You can also notice the four domes that are part of volcano Santiaguito on the south side. These domes began to form in 1902.. Arriving at don Guillermo, the lookout of Picacho, hikers are offered an incredible and beautiful view that is hard to describe. In the south one can see the crater. It is very impressive to hear a huge noise before the eruption that is similar to an airplane engine. A few minutes later, a thick plume of smoke bursts violently sending a column of white and black gases similar to a mushroom. The blast is so violent that it creates a small earthquake which makes rocks of the volcano Santa Maria fall down creating another big noise.

In 1902, volcano Santa Maria erupted for the first time in centuries, not from its crater but from its southside. 20 years later, in one of the biggest eruptions in the world, volcano Santiaguito was formed with a huge eruption killing 7,000 people.

Hiking don Guillermo or Picacho outlook will be an unforgettable experience. www.casaxelaju.com offers guided tours to make this hike one to enjoy. 

We also offer the following hiking trips

Volcan Santa Maria            Laguna de chicabal           Xela to Lake Atitlan

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Casa Xelaju has been offering Spanish immersion, renting apartments, and hiking trips for over 30 years. We are the only socially responsible travel organization in Guatemala rated A+ by the BBB.