An all day volcano hike is no joke. Sierra Negra is the second largest caldera, and the largest active caldera in the world. When standing on the rim of the volcano and the sky is clear of clouds one can see the cooled lava stones. The green patches indicate the older eruptions while the lava rocks bare of vegetation came from the last eruption in 2005. According to our guide, it takes about 70 years for plants to start growing again. Throughout the hike we spotted Darwin's bushes both thin and wide leaved. We also spotted a Preying Mantis... a very tiny one. When we made it to Volcan Chico the landscape had changed from lush green growth to bare rocks with cacti speckled all over. At the very top of Volcan Chico the wind was extremely strong. It felt as if a person could tip over walking upright. Professor Pinto's hat flew away on her way up. It was quite the adventure. The fatigue came into our bodies on the way back when the up-hill climb began. Amazingly enough, not a single person in our group slipped and fell on the muddy terrain on the way back.
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