Creaky bridge crossing into Aguacatan

Moving west towards Mexico from Huehuetanango we had a 80km downhill ride following the river. A real treat after climbing several times above 2500m.

Fresh tomatoes sold on the edge of the field. Agriculture in Guatemala is so rich in variety and flavour. Almost all we saw was tiny little plots cultivated by hand and often impossibly perched up on the hills where I would barely dare to walk let alone till a field. *

the tres Hamigos... we are now all in bug-netted ultra light hammocks.

Tania has recently had a little too much practice with puncture repair lately. She is now a full member of the pinchazo guild.

Guatemala is so hilly and there are so many remote and difficult to access places that I can easily understand why farmers can plant out in the open with little chance of being found. This poster is rusting away and I don't know if it is being heeded.

generally good paved roads all around except this short section between Aguacatan and Huehuetanango which will be paved but still hilly soon.

We have been ambicious lately, mabe a little too much as we have had a couple sunsets before arriving to our intended destinations.

and more hills... *

In Parramos we arrived we school was just out so we took the opportunity to give an informal presentation. We start by doing most of the talking (feeling a little like a pretty pink alien) but eventually the children start flooding us with questions.

... when I grow up I want to be a ... we spent the night with the Patzicía volunteer municipal fire department. They were so nice they even gave us directions to all the other fire departments on our route in Guatemala. *

Were pretty sure that somewhere in the meaning of the word Guatemala, there is allusion to "place where it is never flat"

Market culture in Guatemala is alive and strong as in much of Central America. Many times I felt transported back to the markets in Bolivia and Peru which are very similar.

Cycling as a sporting hobby is almost as popular as when we were in Colombia. We met this group of masters on their sunday morning ride near Esquintla near the hot pacific coast of Guatemala. They were down here for the heat and the nearly flat quiet roads. Please note the amazing and inspirational mustache in the centre. Ricardo (safely in his sixties) had already done a morning ride where he had taken a fall, sraped his knee and receive 8 stiches to the forehead (he was even wearing a helmet). He came out for the second ride later in the morning which is when we met this group having their morning tortillas.

Armel and Gwendal looking down into the fuming crater of the somewhat active Pacaya volcano. On this day we could see bits of red hot lava occasionally spewing out.

Looking at volcanoes makes me thirsty.