Ipala Volcano, fresh weather at the top

Jutiapa department has always been a warm temperate climate and the volcano Ipala has always maintained a cool climate at the top.

With a beautiful lake of the same name: Ipala, the volcano offers a superb view of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, always with a cool climate no matter what time of year.

The cold is because the mountain ranges of the warm region serve as natural barriers to block the cold air moving at low altitude, hot air rises.

In the same way found in the vicinity of the Sierra de las Minas cold climate areas, microclimates. The Sierra de las Minas area is actually a warm but also high in the mountains block the flow of low temperature, humidity and cold get high and channeled through the springs that descend to lower altitudes. Therefore, the Balneare Pasabien of Zacapa in the ground presents hot too cold.

But about Ipala Volcano ...

• It is the best option to start the ascent of volcanoes in Guatemala
• It has a beautiful lake at its summit
• Is a protected area
• Safety features camping area (of course!, Camping is allowed)
• It has restrooms, campfires and tent a few meters
• It has a gazebo on top
• The cost of admission is only for nationals Q5 (at the time of this visit in November 2010)

Recommended to bring the Ipala:

• Water, comfortable shoes and food
• Comfortable clothing and shelter
• Tent in good condition
• Lights, camera, etc..
• Sleeping and camping mattress (much more comfortable at night)

In cold weather like now (end of year) we recommend windbreaker as it not only lowers the temperature but the wind blows harder. Windbreaks are materials that prevent blowing cold air entering through the fabric of your clothing.

Directions to Volcano Ipala

Take road towards Jutiapa on Highway and cross the Atlantic in what was the old "sandbox." The road is now sufficiently indicating the junction signposted to the left, then later noted the next turn right and then cross-promotion.