Ipala Volcano to Salama

May 19th. 168 miles.
There is a crater lake on the top of Ipala Volcano which we went to visit for the morning. it is beautiful and has a nice small hike with lots of epiphites. It took about 30 min on paved roads to Agua Blanca and then 20 min on dirt to the top. We used the Parada Village access. It was a small road, in good condition but pretty steep in spots. There were nice views of the surrounding country side and the other volcanoes in the area. There is a crucial left fork that you take onto a smaller road and then keep right at the next and left again up hill.
There is a parking lot at the top that charges 10 quetz so you can leave all of your stuff safely. We were the only ones around other than the nice family running the lot. It is a one minute walk up to the visitors center. you can camp on the lake shore for a few dollars or stay in a tiny door room for a bit more, and its 10Q per person to enter the park.
We drove to Salama via Jalipa, a pretty drive that took about 4 hours. There was not much to see in Salama but there was a nice plaza. We stayed at Don Marco for 80Q/$10. Guatemala has inexpensive rooms and more expensive but better food.

About the picture of the guy with the shotgun at the gas station. This is a common site throughout our entire trip. Armed guards at nearly every gas station, department store, banks, book stores, you name it. Any place that might have lots of cash it seamed. It's one of those things that you kind of get used to.