That evening we compared notes with passengers in The Bar who had done some of the other shore excursions in Puerto Quetzal. Some had gone to the active Pacaya Volcano. They climbed up and up over slippery, dusty, loose gravel for over an hour and then had a further hike across sharp lava to see the flowing lava. All agreed it was the most strenuous activity any of them had done in some time. Not all of the climbers made it to see the flowing lava. Those who made it got about 75 yards away. The views of the lava and the countryside below were spectacular, but ruined their shoes. One guy had already thrown his dirty socks away.
One couple who love archaeology had taken an airplane to Copan Park, a large Mayan archaeological site across the border to Honduras (a $629 per person day trip). They loved their time at Copan Park, especially the size and how well preserved some of the structures were. They were both glad they had gone, which is always a good thing to be able to say after an expensive excursion.
We had dinner outside at the Hot Rock Grill. It was warmer than when we had eaten there earlier in the cruise, and the hot rocks made it even warmer. It was still a fun evening.
The next day was our last full day on the Silver Spirit. Returning from breakfast, our empty suitcases awaited us on the luggage racks. Not a very subtle hint. Fortunately, packing never takes as long on the return trip.
The Silver Spirit arrived in Acapulco very early in the morning, and I stood out on our balcony to take in the beautiful harbor. We had a long breakfast outdoors at La Terrazza before taking the ship's shuttle to the airport.
The ride to the airport was almost like a city tour. We rode along the harbor on the beach road, which was divided and lined with tall palm trees. The bus went up into the hills, providing spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean below. Hundreds of hotels and condos lined both the beach area and the hilltops.
The check-in at the airport was horrendous, with a manual inspection of all checked and hand luggage. Leaving the check-in counter, I saw a man with a sign that announced, "Silver Spirit Transfer to Pier". Gosh, I would have loved to have gone with him, but turned and went towards the gate and home.
More on Silversea Silver Spirit Latin America Cruise - Valparaiso to Acapulco
- Embark in Valparaiso (port for Santiago)
- Days at Sea on the Silver Spirit
- At Anchor Off Mejillones, Chile
- Pisco, Peru - A Day at Tambo Colorado and Sumaqkay Peru
- Ancient Peoples of Peru - Incas and Other Tribes
- Lima, Peru - Tour of Old Town
- Lima, Peru - Magic Fountains and Dinner at Hacienda Diez-Canseco
- Pachacamac Pilgrimage Center near Lima
- Mamacona Hacienda near Lima and the Peruvian Pasos
- Manta, Ecuador - Home of the Panama Hat
- Puntarenas, Costa Rica - Rafting on the Corobici River
- Day at Sea and Tour of the Silver Spirit Galley
- Tour of Antigua, Guatemala from Puerto Quetzal
- Filadelphia Coffee Plantation - Shore Excursion from Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
- Disembark in Acapulco
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary cruise accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
