We could see 6 miles around the caldera where there are lava fields all around. It was absolutely spectacular. This was a lush, plush rainforest atmosphere. A little further up the path the whole climate changed as we approached the volcanic field where "new" mountains only five years old have formed. This place looked like we were on Mars—totally barren with the exception of a few cacti spread here and there. Even the birds and butterflies stayed away from this region.
We left on the hike at 7:30 am, took a chiva (bus) up the side of the mountain for about 45 minutes then hiked from about 9 am until about 4 pm stopping all the way to take pictures. We had lunch at approximately the halfway point and then had to hike the whole way back down again.
I have never considered myself old, but boy were knees aching after this experience! Our feet hurt, our backs hurt, and I think we'll likely go to bed at about 8 pm today. :)
And now for some awesome (in every sense of the word) pictures!
"frozen" lava flow
lava tube
Far away little volcano
Very cool little spider web catching the morning dew
Caldera
Fog coming in
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