VOLCAN IPALA

Riding on the departments of Chiquimula and Jutiapa, the volcano Ipala is about 1,650 meters away. With that of Chicabal (located in the department of Quetzaltenango), it is one of the two Guatemalan volcanoes to shelter a lake in its crater, and is the only one where bathing is permitted. Several thousand years ago, a pyroclastic explosion would have caused the collapse of Ipala's upper dome, creating a gigantic body that the rains filled over time. The size of the lagoon is thought to have decreased gradually, particularly because of its use by local populations as a source of water. The climb up to the summit remains spectacular, accompanied by a splendid panorama of the Suchitá volcano. It is also advisable to tackle this in the early morning, in order to avoid suffering from the arid climate at the foot of the volcano. The Ipala is certainly not the highest summit in the country, the path that leads there (three rest steps on the path) is rocky and does not allow itself to be amsofed so easily. Possibility of camping at the crown. Tables and barbecue spaces.