Back at the parking place there is a lot more going on. Howl crowds hit the road to the park, to risk at least once in the life the same thing. While the viewpoint resides scarce in the middle risked area, we go along the “Las Coladas Road” that leads into the area with a high volcanic risk.
The first few meters we are walking over a flat, sandy road, along meters high ferns, herbages and bushes. We can hear now and then a dull rumble in the distance…until we enter a first old field of lava (or so something similar, at least there is no dense vegetation on it) and we have a free sight on to the lava dome. Well, not totally, because the top part is sadly covered in clouds as usual.
After that the surface gets pebblier till we walk on big black boulders that come from the lava flow of 1992 (Las Coladas). At the bottom of the hill you could easily walk in flip flops but now we are glad that we have light trekking shoes with us. In contrast to a few women in summer shoes, we don´t have to struggle and fear of slipping on loose stones or twist our ankle.
On top of the lava flow we get excited. Right next to the Vulcan clouds are rising and sometimes you´re even get a quick view of it. We hope that we will be able to see the edge of the volcano without a single cloud. But unfortunately there are more and more clouds that appear and cover our sight. Also there are stones that are centrifuged out of the vulcano and roll down the crater. Seconds later you hear cracking, creaky and fizzy sounds.
On the other side of the crater you can have a beautiful view of an artificial lake. So you won´t regret a break. Above all, if you´re lucky and get to see a Green Honeycreeper or a Toucan next to or in trees in front of the lake.
