Two Backpackers

Photo of the Day: Sunrise at Volcano Pacaya, Guatemala

| by Jason | No Comments » | Central America, Guatemala, Photo of the Day

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.

A Travelers Hospital Stay – Ep 7

| by Jason | 15 Comments » | Central America, Guatemala, Travel Videos

In this Video Episode 8, Aracely of 2 Backpackers becomes ill while traveling in Guatemala.  Ever wonder what it’s like to visit a foreign hospital?  We were surprised while getting medical help through our World Nomads travelers insurance in Antigua, Guatemala.   Enjoy the show! (more…)

Photo of the Day: Guatemala Independence Day

| by Aracely | 7 Comments » | Central America, Guatemala, Photo of the Day

Guatemala Independence Day

Watch the HD Travel 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.

Active Volcano Pacaya – Ep 6

| by Jason | 10 Comments » | Adventures, Central America, Guatemala, Travel Videos

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

Hard Working Children of Guatemala

| by Aracely | 9 Comments » | Central America, Guatemala, Reflections

I have only traveled to a few Latin American countries prior to arriving in Guatemala twenty-one days ago.  In 2024 I spent ten days in Costa Rica, in 2024 seventeen days in Ecuador (my country of origin), in 2024 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.

(more…)