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Enjoy Guatemala’s Independence Day as celebrated in Antigua, Guatemala through an HD travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani while visiting Antigua, Guatemala.  In travel video episode #9, we show you the school spirit as Guatemala marching bands from all the nearby schools march all over town culminating in a competition in the town plaza on Independence Day.  Enjoy the show!

Independence from Spain

During our visit to Antigua Guatemala, we were fortunate enough to experience the celebration of Guatemala’s independence from Spain on September 15th.  For weeks leading up to Independence Day, we were woken up by bands practicing from all the schools in town.  For schools it’s a time to shine and show their school’s spirit by being awarded the best band.

Celebrations start early and bands begin marching all throughout town strutting their stuff to the cadence of banging drums.  Eventually the marching bands make their way to the center of town and parade around the plaza in front of local judges.  It looked like a dance off with instruments as bands competed to out perform each other.

Guatemala Independence Day Celebrations in Antigua

Young kids run all around town blowing whistles as they carry the torch representing their independence from Spain.  This is a newer tradition that has caught on recently and continues to expand each year.

Several countries from Central America claimed their independence on the same day of September 15, 1821.

2 Backpackers - Guatemala Independence Day – Travel Video Ep. 9 2 Backpackers - Travel around the world sharing budget travel tips, travel photos and adventure travel videos.

Sunrise at Volcano Pacaya in Guatemala

Pacaya is an active complex volcano in Guatemala. It rises to an elevation of 2,552 metres (8,373 ft). After being dormant for a century, it erupted violently in 1965 and has been erupting continuously since then.

Pacaya lies 30 kilometres (19 mi) southwest of Guatemala City and close to Antigua.

2 Backpackers - Photo of the Day: Sunrise at Volcano Pacaya, Guatemala 2 Backpackers - Travel around the world sharing budget travel tips, travel photos and adventure travel videos.

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Watch Jason get his first tattoo ever in Antigua, Guatemala in an HD travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, while visiting Antigua, Guatemala.   In travel video episode #8, we both get some tattoo work done and introduce you to Mike from Antigua Tattoo, who creates tattoos for several of us from Basecamp Hostel. Enjoy the my first tattoo and my first tattoo video!

Antigua Tattoo

It’s stereotypical of backpackers to get a tattoo during their travels away from home.  I fulfilled that stereotype, but I had wanted this tattoo of a burning sun for the last 3 years.

I was in Antigua, Guatemala, the first stop on our 1 year travel journey.  After Aracely was feeling better, we both took the advice from those working at Base Camp Hostel and visited Mike, owner of Tatuaje Antigua (Antigua Tattoo).   Mike had been doing some incredible work on a multi-visit tattoo for Victor, who worked at the hostel we were staying at and we were impressed.  It was an easy decision to choose Antigua Tattoo.

Jason Getting His First Tattoo

Sun Tattoo

I knew I wanted a tattoo of a burning sun with the words, “Carpe Diem.”  The struggle would be making it look masculine enough to center between the shoulder blades below the neck.  I imagine the sun as all powerful for all of nature, including me.  The heat gives me energy and the ability to live life as exciting of a life as I can.   After making several sketches on my own, I presented the concept to Mike.  After a few days, Mike came back with an improved artistic design that Aracely and I both approved of.   I had expanded the words to include the phrase, “Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero” – “Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future.”   This was the entire phrase from the Latin poem by Horace.

Being my first tattoo, you would think I was a bit nervous, but considering Aracely already had one, a rose on the shoulder that she got when she was 18, I kept my manhood intact by showing no fear!

Mike finished the tattoo in 2 hours.  The results were perfect.  I got exactly what I was looking for, and now, coincidentally fit the backpackers stereotype.

Blue Rose Tattoo

The inking wasn’t done, however.  Aracely originally had her blue rose tattoo done when she was 18 and at the age of 27 it had become quite dull.  Mike took 10 minutes to redo the entire rose, and now it was colorful again.

We returned back to Base Camp Hostel with our warrior badges and shared our experiences with the other 3 that had recently been inked by Mike at Antigua Tattoo.

2 Backpackers - Backpackers & Tattoos – Travel Video Ep. 8 2 Backpackers - Travel around the world sharing budget travel tips, travel photos and adventure travel videos.

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We have joined the, “I got sick abroad” club. In this travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, we share Aracely’s story of getting sick in Rio Dulce, Guatemala. In travel video episode #7, we board a bus from Rio Dulce to Antigua, Guatemala, a major tourist town with better care options. We called our travel insurance provider and headed to the hospital. Enjoy the show!

Begins With a Fever

Aracely started feeling ill with a fever while we were visiting Rio Dulce, Guatemala. A fever is basically the start of any number of possible dreaded illnesses you can get in Central America.  Is it Malaria or Dengue?

Rio Dulce is not the most developed city, so she tried to wait out her sickness, hoping it was a short-term bug.  After 4 days of sweating and exhaustion, we decided to pack our backpacks and take an air-conditioned first class bus to Antigua, Guatemala.  Antigua is the main stay for tourists traveling into Guatemala and we felt confident we would find a good place to have Aracely checked out.  This was the first luxury bus we took while in Guatemala and at $8 USD each for a 6 hour bus ride, we actually considered it expensive!

Travelers Insurance

After arriving at Base Camp Hostel, we contacted our travelers insurance provider, World Nomads, for recommendations on emergency hospitals.  World Nomads put us on the phone with a nurse to first evaluate Aracely’s condition and then they suggested we go to Hospital Privado Hermano Pedro, a 24hr private hospital.

A Private Hospital

After wandering aimlessly in Antigua for 45 minutes we finally arrived at the clinic located near the Antigua bus terminal, towards the back of town.  It was on the complete opposite side of town than where our hostel was.

They immediately took Aracely’s temperature and recognized she had a high fever. She was placed in a private room she was submitted to multiple blood tests.  Aracely is not a fan of needles, so this was probably her worst moment.  They recommended we stay overnight, monitoring the fever as they kept her hydrated and gave her large doses of antibiotics.

Aracely Feeling Healthy in Antigua, Guatemala

After 24 hours, her fever had declined and her white blood cell count was back to normal.  Our care at Brother Pedro’s Private Hospital was top notch and the faculty was always very kind.  We submitted our bill to World Nomads and sure enough, the reimbursement process was seamless.

Thank you World Nomads Travel Insurance and Brother Pedro’s Private Hospital (Hospital Privado Hermano Pedro) for taking care of Aracely.

2 Backpackers - A Travelers Hospital Stay – Travel Video Ep. 7 2 Backpackers - Travel around the world sharing budget travel tips, travel photos and adventure travel videos.

Guatemala Independence Day

Watch the HD Travel Guatemala Video: Guatemala Independence Day – Video Episode 10

Guatemala commemorates their independence from Spain on September 15th. This photo was taken during their celebrations in Antigua, Guatemala. Many local marching bands parade the city streets in an all day long competition. If you are visiting Antigua during the weeks leading up to Independence Day, expect to be woken up every morning by bands practicing in the schools around the city.

2 Backpackers - Photo of the Day: Guatemala Independence Day 2 Backpackers - Travel around the world sharing budget travel tips, travel photos and adventure travel videos.

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Witness the erupting lava from active Volcano Pacaya outside of Antigua, Guatemala through an HD adventure travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani.  In Travel Video Episode 6, we book a tour out of Antigua with OX Outdoor Excursion that has us roasting marshmallows in the lava, camping overnight, and watching the sun rise over several nearby volcanoes.  Enjoy the show!

Antigua Guatemala

I’m sure the idea of camping overnight on the side of an active volcano may sound like a suicide adventure to some folks, but trust me, it sounds much more suicidal than it really is. Pacaya is one of the most active volcanoes in Latin America but its activity is not extreme enough to keep most daily visitors away. It’s proximity to Antigua makes it an ideal adventure for many travelers in Guatemala.

Active Volcano Pacaya near Antigua, Guatemala

OX Outdoor Excursions was the only outfitter running overnight trips to Pacaya, and they organize multiple trips each week.  The cost was $59 USD which includes guide, shuttle, all camping equipment, warm clothing if needed, a tasty dinner with beverages and breakfast with bagels coffee and tea.

Base Camp Hostel

Hiking Up to Active Volcano Pacaya near Antigua, Guatemala

Our tour was scheduled to meet at the Base Camp Hostel (where we were staying) at 1:30pm for a brief introduction and overview of our adventure.  Our group was small; there were two German girls, Jason, our guide and myself.  We headed out at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.  The drive from Antigua to Pacaya’s park entrance was about an hour and half long.  After paying the entrance fee our shuttle began to ascend up a steep dirt road, along the way we passed local houses, tiny stores and children playing in the street.  We soon arrived at the location where our hike would begin.  Our shuttle was greeted by many local children offering the passengers walking sticks for 5 Quetzales each (61 cents) to use during our hike.  Everyone in our group bought one and we were all glad we did.

Volcano Hike

Hikers on Active Volcano Pacaya near Antigua, Guatemala

We spent a few minutes at the entrance to use the restrooms and gather our things.  Once everyone was organized we each strapped on our backpacks, grabbed a hold of our walking sticks and began our trek.  Immediately after crossing the entrance there is a steep stoned walkway that leads to a dirt trail higher and higher up the mountain.  The terrain was rocky, muddy and adorned with horse dung.   Our tour guide was Sophie; she has extensive experience in Pacaya, having managed many tours. She knew the trails very well and described to us what laid ahead.  Upon reaching the first rest stop Sophie gave our group the option of two different campsites.  The first, she explained, “is a true campsite with benches for us to eat our dinner but it’s an hour and a half walk to the lava.  The second is a simple a spot on the side of the mountain that is only a twenty minute walk to the lava.  There are no benches there.”   We were expecting rain for the night; if we decided on the more comfortable campsite we would have to walk in the rain, potentially to the lava and back, which would mean a three hour walk in the rain.  The group unanimously decided on the second campsite.  We continued up the trail.

An Eery Feeling

As we ascended further up the mountain we were engulfed by clouds of mist which collected as droplets in our hair.  It was very refreshing for us, since the physical activity was overheating our bodies a bit.  At times you couldn’t see more than 5 meters in front of you, and then before you realized the clouds had dissipated and it was clear again.  Overall, the hike was very manageable for our group.   The trail did have sections of steep inclines but they were quick and followed by flat terrain that allowed us to regain our energy and comfortably continue on.  We arrived at our campsite after an hour and half of hiking.  We all quickly set up camp.  Jason and I had brought our own tent, but the others shared a tent provided by OX.  Soon after we erected each tent, we headed to the lava just as the sun was setting.

Active Lava

Jason Warming Up Next to the Lava Flow

The hike to the lava was more exciting than our hike up to the campsite.  As we approached the volcano, we could see the lava glowing beautifully in the distance.  We realized then that there is no better way to see an active volcano than at night.  As we approached, the ground beneath us was of black sand and it turned into larger lava rocks with sharp edges as we walked.  We continued up the mountain to get a closer look of the flowing lava.  The climb became a bit more challenging.  Now, the ground was loose and when we stepped forward our feet would sink into the ground and slide down about half the distance.  It became difficult to make the least bit of progress.  Determined, we continued into the darkness in the direction of the orange glow.

Getting Very Close to the Red Hot Lava

Suddenly, we began to feel the heat of the lava that was above us. We could hear the rumbling of the burning rocks falling down the side of the volcano.  We continued to hike.  Finally, we arrived to a ‘safe’ spot very close to a flowing river of fire.  The ground sizzled below us.

Roasting Marshmallows & Hot Dogs

One of the German girls brought sausages and Sophie had marshmallows.  With a long stick that we found near our campsite we roasted them with the heat of the lava.  It was a surreal experience.  Shortly after, we began to feel a light rain but were not bothered by it.  Sophie asked the group to not follow her; she went further up the volcano to see if there was a better view.  She returned just a few short minutes later and told us that there was a great view from up top, but the climb was tricky with large sharp rocks.  At this point it was pitch black with only the lava and our head lamps providing any light.  We all went up to take a look at the view.  After everyone had taken pictures, eaten a sausage and a marshmallow we headed back to camp.

Camping in the Rain

Preparing Dinner in the Rain

We arrived at our campsite and Sophie began to make dinner under the light rain.  We all sat around the fire talking and drinking some wine as we waited for dinner to be ready.  After dinner we changed into some dry clothes and went into each of our tents.

Sunrise Pictures

Early Morning Sunrise From Volcano Pacaya

After a sleepless night of listening to wild dogs roaming around us and the wind flapping at our tent, we awoke at 4:30 am to go watch the sunrise.  Everyone grabbed their walking sticks and followed Sophie up a trail that was directly above our campsite.

This too was a steep and slippery walk full of loose lava rocks that led all the way to the top of the mountain ridge.  When we arrived at its peak, we had an amazing view of Pacaya and its radiant flows of lava that lit up the darkness.  The group patiently waited for the sun to rise.

Jason Taking in the Beautiful Sunrise

When it did, the lava disappeared as it was overpowered by the brightness of the sun and we all got a new appreciation of seeing the active volcano at night.  The light of the day also illuminated the amazing view of three other volcanoes in the horizon: Agua, Acatenango and Fuego (the other active volcano near Antigua).  The descent from the ridge was much more exciting than the climb up.  It was a very tall hill of loose gravel and we all ran down laughing the entire way.  We returned to our campsite for breakfast.  Again, we sat around the fire and enjoyed bagels with coffee and tea.  Once we were full of carbohydrates we began our trek down the mountain.

Three Large Volcanoes Surrounding Antigua, Guatemala. Creepy huh?

2 Backpackers - Active Volcano Pacaya – Travel Video Ep. 6 2 Backpackers - Travel around the world sharing budget travel tips, travel photos and adventure travel videos.

I have only traveled to a few Latin American countries prior to arriving in Guatemala twenty-one days ago.  In 2003 I spent ten days in Costa Rica, in 2004 seventeen days in Ecuador (my country of origin), in 2008 eight days in Dominican Republic and in March of this year Jason and I spent six days on the Argentina/Brazil border for a visit to Iguazu Falls.

Shoe Shining Boy

Although those trips were relatively short and touristy, I feel as though I did get a glimpse, as small as it was, of the culture, people, and economic situation of those countries.  One notable and emotionally memorable observation for me was seeing children begging in the streets.  After spending twenty years living in the United States this is not something we are accustomed to seeing, or at least we can agree that it’s an extremely rare occurrence.

After visiting six towns in twenty-one days, I have yet to see one child begging in the streets of Guatemala.  I have only seen them working and they are all working very hard.  To clarify, when I say children I mean children of all ages from 4 and 5 year olds to pre-teens and up, all working.  They are selling everything from hand made bracelets, to hair products, to food; they are offering services from shoe shining to hair braiding.  With or without the help of an adult, these children are able to create honorable work out of the few resources they have.  I find that extremely impressive.

Girl Selling Candy

At such a tender age they have mastered the art of negotiating, up selling, customer service and can even calculate complex equations in their head.  One little girl offered me coconut macaroons at 5 Quetzales (about .61 cents) each but I only had a 10 Q bill.  She quickly told me to take two.  Another little boy was selling lychee at 12 for 10Q.  I asked how much he would give me for 5Q.  He put 6 in a bag and one in my hand.  “For the road,” he said.  He didn’t miss count; he was providing me good customer service.

Just out of curiosity, I did a little bit of research on per capital GDP (a debatable indicator but we won’t get into that right now) of the countries I mentioned to see how they ranked.  The results are illustrated in the table below.

Source: http://data.un.org/

Guatemala actually has the lowest GDP of them all and it’s the country where I have not seen a single child begging.  I am not implying any economic trends of any sort, nor am I claiming to know all of the poverty issues of Guatemala or any country, because I don’t.  Most importantly, I don’t mean to offend any child, man or woman that does or has begged.  All I want to do is give credit to the hardworking children of Guatemala.  You might have seen children begging in the streets, but I haven’t; I have only seen them working very hard.

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