pacaya volcano tourism

12 Best Pacaya Volcano Tours from Antigua

How often do you get the chance to visit an active volcano? Trek over black lava rock, and roast marshmallows on a steam vent. Get up close and personal with an indomitable force of nature with these Pacaya volcano tours from Antigua.

Each one offers something unique, so whether you’re interested in hiking, driving up in ATVs, relaxing in thermal waters after your workout, or just want a unique experience (like eating lava pizza), there’s something on this list for you!

***This page contains affiliate links, so if you book a tour through those links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more in my  disclaimer .***

*This post was written by Val McArthur, a special guest writer.

Editor’s Pick: Pacaya Tour & Hot Springs Spa

Enjoy the full package deal with this tour! Hike up Pacaya, explore the lava fields, then head to some man-made hot springs to soak your sore muscles and refuel with a tasty lunch.

After you’ve found your favorite tour, read all about Pacaya Volcano in the FAQs section. Don’t miss the conclusion for handy tips on finding your next adventure.

Table of Contents 12 Best Pacaya Volcano Tours from Antigua 1. Luxury Sunset Horseback Tour/ Dinner by Lava Chef *Best Luxury* 2. Pacaya ATV Tour from Antigua *Most Epic* 3. Pacaya Volcano Morning Tour & Picnic 4. Pacaya Volcano Sunset Tour from Antigua 5. Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Antigua 6. Hike to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua 7. Private Pacaya Volcano Tour *Best Private* 8. Pacaya Tour & Hot Springs Spa *Editor’s Pick* 9. Day Tour to Pacaya on Private Vehicle 10. Pacaya Volcano Sunrise Tour 11. Hike, Marshmallow Roasting, Lunch & Hot Springs 12. Pacaya Volcano Trek *Cheapest* Pacaya Volcano FAQs How long does it take to hike Volcan Pacaya? How far is Pacaya Volcano from Antigua? Is Pacaya Volcano active? Pacaya volcano eruptions info Where is Pacaya volcano located? How much does it cost to go to Pacaya volcano? Is Pacaya Volcano dangerous? Final Thoughts & Helpful Links

1. Pacaya Volcano Luxury Sunset Horseback Riding Tour/ Dinner Cooked by Lava Chef

If you’re looking for a luxury experience on an active volcano, look no further! This Luxury Sunset Pacaya Volcano tour from Antigua is the only one I would describe as luxe on this entire list, and an experience like no other.

On this private volcano Pacaya tour from Antigua, you can expect to be greeted with a colorfully dressed horse, guided over the lava rocks, and then have a private chef cook pizza on hot lava coals while you drink wine and take in the views. Roast marshmallows over the steam while the sun sets (sunset option available during the dry season only), try a sampling of gourmet local chocolate, and then be led back safely by your cowboy guide.

 If you’re not interested in hiking, this is an awesome tour that will let you enjoy the raw beauty of an active volcano alongside a wonderful meal.

A portion of all proceeds from this tour goes back to Soul Shine Horse Rescue.

Duration:  Around 6 hours Cost:  $295 a person Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Transportation:  Hotel pick up What’s provided:  hotel pick up, guided horses, all park fees, food, drinks, and guides Maximum group size:  15 people total

Convinced? Book Now ! If not, read this review:

Pacaya Volcano Luxury Sunset Tour Featured Review:

Once-in-a-lifetime experience!

It’s near-impossible to put this adventure into words.… To say my expectations were set high after years of fantasizing is a gross understatement. Somehow Niki and her team surpassed even my highest of hopes. … The view was extraordinary and my kids spent hours climbing over the rocky terrain. It was magical. And the pizza was delicious! My husband and I also got to drink wine while my children roasted s’mores w the help of the team. Of all the options for adventures around this beautiful country, this is at the top. This will be something we talk about for years to come, – Barbara M, Tripadvisor Reviewer, Jul 2022

BOOK Luxury Sunset Horseback Riding Tour/Dinner Cooked by Lava Chef

2. Pacaya Volcano ATV Tour – Most epic Pacaya Volcano Tours from Antigua

This Pacaya Volcano ATV Tour sounds like an absolute blast to me! You drive up to the top of Pacaya Volcano Antigua in an ATV, walk around the crater and cook snacks prepared in the steam vents. Then you drive down to the surrounding villages and check out a lava field and nearby windmills. Talk about epic!

Don’t be fooled by the fact that you’re driving up! They recommend a moderate physical fitness level for driving ATVs. You also need a valid driver’s license to book this tour.

Duration:  7 hours Cost:  $125 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Transportation:  Pick up and drop off at Simoon Rentals & Tours office in Antigua What’s provided:  transportation to Pacaya National Park, park fees, ATVs, water, snacks, guide Maximum group size:  6 people

Convinced? Book now , or read the review:

Pacaya Volcano ATV Tour Featured Review:

It was awesome from beginning to end. … [Our] tour guides made the trip special. They’ve answered every question we had about the Pacaya Volcano. We made pizza, marshmallows, and paninis on the volcano, and what an experience it was. Lester also took us to a spot that was devastated by lava. The trip on the ATVs puts your adrenaline on high because even though it is a bit complicated we had a blast.  – Jose J on Viator.com September 2022

BOOK Pacaya Volcano ATV Tour

3. Pacaya Volcano Morning Tour & Picnic

This guided morning tour from Antigua to Pacaya volcano leads you up to a variety of trails to the base of the caldera and through extraterrestrial dried lava fields. Enjoy the views of the three surrounding volcanoes while you reward yourself with a freshly prepared picnic and then head back down through the lush forests and farmlands on the other side of the Pacaya volcano Antigua  

Duration:  approximately 8 hours Cost:  From $138.47 (varies depending on the size of the group) Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Transportation:  Pick up and drop off at Old Town Outfitters Shop in Antigua What’s provided:  transportation, park fees, lunch, and a guide Maximum group size:  15 people

Convinced? Book now, or keep reading:

Pacaya Volcano Morning Tour & Picnic Featured Review

Great little adventure! Be sure to bring layers; our hike was very windy for the most part but we warmed up as we climbed. Also, when you get to the hike start point, folks with horses and walking sticks will be offering these to you, they follow you up somewhere around halfway up if you don’t buy anything from them to start with. They were friendly, but just a different experience compared to the US. The guides were very friendly and thoughtful. The provided lunch was very tasty. Would book through this outfit again, and definitely recommend it to others  -KSwagner, TripAdvisor Review, February 2022

BOOK Pacaya Volcano Morning Tour From Antigua

4. Pacaya Volcano Sunset Tour from Antigua

Watch the sunset from the volcano in Antigua and enjoy a warm meal before being led back down the mountain. Depending on the volcanic activity, you may even get to see hot lava glowing in the dark. Even without hot lava, the views are still a sight to behold.

This afternoon hiking tour doesn’t meet until 2:00 pm. With the cooler temperatures of the late afternoon and evening, other hikers recommended bringing a jacket to stay warm, and wearing tall socks to keep loose lava rocks out of your shoes.

Duration:  approximately 8 hours Cost:  From $138.47 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Transportation:  Pick up and drop off at Old Town Outfitters Shop in Antigua What’s provided:  Supper, transportation, park fees, guide Maximum group size:  15 people

Pacaya Volcano Sunset Tour Featured Review:

Great Trip!

Really enjoyed the views, and instruction on the history of Guatemala, and all of the guides were exceptionally friendly and helpful.  -Bruce C, Viator Review, June 2022

BOOK Pacaya Volcano Sunset Tour

5. Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Antigua

This day hike takes you to the top of Volcano Pacaya , with a mid-way stop bringing you to the lagoon of Calderas, with amazing views of three other neighboring volcanos. While you won’t make your way to the main crater (due to safety concerns), you’ll get close to the 8,000 ft peak. Plus, water is provided on this tour, so all you have to worry about is the snacks! 

Duration:  approximately 7 hours Cost:  From $85 (price varies depending on the size of group) Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ Badge of Excellence Transportation:  Hotel pickup from Antigua What’s provided:  transportation, water, park fees, guide Maximum group size:  not specified

Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Antigua Featured Review:  

Great day, decent hike and great views! We had a great trip to the volcano! It’s a decent hike up with amazing views at the top! Easy transport with water provided. Make sure to bring your own snacks. Davis was a great guide! Would recommend.  – Haley H, Viator Review, July 2022

BOOK Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Antigua

6. Hike to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua – Best Budget Pacaya Volcano Tour

Just want the adventure, none of the frills? This Antigua volcano tour has you covered! One of the cheapest tours on the list, experience one of the most active volcanos in all of Guatemala without breaking the bank. You’re in charge of your food and water but will get a knowledgeable tour guide who can tell you all about this volcano. One thing to note- this tour doesn’t cover the entrance fee to the park, so make sure to bring extra cash. 

Duration:  approximately 6 hours Cost:  $35 Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ Transportation:  hotel pickup in Antigua What’s provided:  transportation, guide Maximum group size:  not specified

Hike to Pacaya Volcano Featured Review

 “I Lava’d It”

Transport picked us up on time outside of our hotel. The ride to Pacaya Volcano was smooth. The guides were informative and kind. And the views of the volcano are incredible! Make sure to take some snacks, water, and warm layers as it gets chilly at the top…”  -Kelly Z, February 2020, Viator Review

BOOK Hike to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua

7. Private Pacaya Volcano Tour – Best Private Pacaya Volcano Tour

If you want individualized service- this is the best Volcano Pacaya tour from Antigua for you! With a minimum group size of 2 people, this tour lets you set the pace, ask all the questions your heart desires of your guides and enjoy the vistas without interruption. 

National park admission tickets are not included.

Duration:  5-6 hours Cost:  $84 (price varies by group size) Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ Transportation:  hotel pick up What’s provided:  transportation, guides Maximum group size:  minimum of two, maximum not specified.

Private Pacaya Volcano Tour Featured Review

“Excellent Experience”

Excellent experience. Our tour guide Daniel was incredibly nice… The ride to the Volcano was a bit long, but our tour guide made it up with a pleasant conversation, providing detailed information about the area. It was my first time visiting Pacaya, what an unforgettable experience. I would recommend it. My advice would be to make sure to wear a nice pair of hiking boots. – Jorge A, May 2022, Viator Review

BOOK Private Pacaya Volcano Tour

8. Pacaya Tour & Hot Springs Spa

From rugged nature to luxury, this full-day Pacaya volcano tour and hot springs tour from Antigua begins with a hike up Pacaya Volcano. It ends with a relaxing soak at the Kawilal Hot Springs, which includes 12 soaking pools, 25 steam baths, and 3 hydrotherapy baths. Talk about workout recovery!

Just make sure to specify you want the hot springs tour when you’re checking out.

Note : Other travelers mentioned that they were expecting natural hot springs, where this is more of a resort with man-made pools.  

Duration:  approximately 9 hours Cost:  $130 a person Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ Badge of Excellence Transportation:  hotel pick up in Antigua What’s provided:  transportation, hiking guide, entrance fees Maximum group size:  not specified

Pacaya Tour & Hot Springs Spa Featured Review

  “I have never seen lava that close before!” 

This was an amazing tour! The hike up to where the jagged rock is is all uphill and takes about 90 minutes, but there are plenty of spots to take breaks, etc… We even got to roast marshmallows in the rocks! The hike back down was much faster. We drove about an hour or so to the lunch spot which was delicious. This was also at the Hot Springs place. The hot springs felt amazing after a morning of hiking and climbing! They have several pools of various temperatures that you rotate to (hot to cold, cold to hot, etc). If you want to see lava, this tour is for you!!  -Robert T, Viator Review, July 2019

BOOK Pacaya Tour & Hot Springs Spa

9. Day Tour to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua Guatemala on Private Vehicle

This day tour to Pacaya Volcano is likely to sell out, so I’d book your tickets for this tour quickly. Get to Pacaya earlier than the crowds, enjoy the landscape and then refresh at the top with complimentary water, soda, or a beer. Make sure to bring your own lunch!

Duration:  7 to 8 hours Cost:  From $95 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Transportation:  hotel pickup  What’s provided:  transportation, hiking guide, entrance fee, water, soda, and beer. Maximum group size:  8 people total

Day Tour to Pacaya Volcano Featured Review

“ Pacaya is a must-do when in Antigua”

Our driver was safe, knowledgeable and informative … He brought a variety of snacks and drinks for us to take on the hike and for afterwards. At Pacaya, our guide Cesar took us on an informative, educational, cultural and engaging journey to the recent lava flows above. He shared personal stories and made us feel like we participated in a true cultural exchange…This tour is a must-do! – D. Chappas, June 2022, Viator Tour

BOOK Day Tour to Pacaya Volcano

10. Pacaya Volcano Sunrise Tour

What better place to see the sunrise than from the top of an active volcano? Enjoy having the mountain to yourself on this Pacaya Volcano Sunrise Tour !

You’ll see the lava flows and watch the sunrise over the three volcanoes near Antigua, Guatemala, as well as the quaint colonial town itself. The best part is there’s plenty of time left in the day for more adventuring and even a nap!

Duration:  6 hours Cost:  From $77.89 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Transportation:  hotel pickup What’s provided:  transportation, guide, coffee/tea,  Maximum group size:  12 people

Pacaya Volcano Sunrise Tour Featured Review

“Must do hike accompanied by tremendous service”

This was an unbelievable day! We started at 4:30 am departing from Antigua to make it to the Pacaya Volcano summit by sunrise. The bus was… a very friendly environment with a bunch of other 30-somethings onboard. Not to mention, there were snacks and wifi included. The best part of it all was the tremendous knowledge the tour operator, Piero, had. Climbing up the volcano with him was like being in a NATGEO show, he knew everything and extremely helpful. I would recommend this tour to anybody looking for memorable experiences while in Guatemala. – Henry M, Oct. 2019, TripAdvisor review. 

Book Pacaya Volcano Sunrise Tour

11. Pacaya Volcano, Marshmallow Roasting, Lunch & Hotsprings

As far as Pacaya volcano tours go, this one has it all ! Hike up a volcano, reward yourself with marshmallows (also known as “angelitos”), eat a delicious lunch, and rest and relax at the Kawilal hot springs.

While lunch is included, the Pacaya National park entrance fee is not. Be sure to bring cash for the entrance fee, walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera to take lots of pictures! Other guests recommended bringing a clean pair of clothes for after the hot springs. 

Duration:  9 hours Cost:  $115 per person Rating: 4.8 ⭐️ Transportation:  Hotel pickup (except during the holy week, April 17-21). What’s provided:  transportation, lunch Maximum group size:  10 participants

Pacaya Volcano, Marshmallow Roasting, Lunch & Hotsprings Featured Review

“ Five Stars” 

The hike was kind of challenging but great … The marshmallow roasting was a fun ending! After the hike, we drove about 40 minutes to a fancy resort for the lunch, then went on the ‘thermal circuit’. We didn’t get much for instructions so ask questions! There were four small pools ranging from something like 75 to 105 F. Free smoothies too! It felt quite luxurious! – Mary, Get Your Guide, August 2022

BOOK Pacaya Volcano, Marshmallow Roasting, Lunch & Hotsprings

12. Pacaya Volcano Trek – Cheapest Pacaya Volcano Tour

If you’re balling on a budget, this is the best Antigua volcano tour on the list for you. You’ll head up through wonderful pine forests, through volcanic ash, and end at the sulfur smoking cone. This tour includes transportation and a guide, but make sure to bring cash for the entrance fee. 

This is one of the few Pacaya Volcano Tours from Antigua that is also not available for children below the age of 12 or adults above the age of 70.

Duration:  approximately 6 hours Cost:  $23 Rating: 4.4 ⭐️ Transportation:  hotel pick up in Antigua What’s provided:  transportation, guide Maximum group size:  14 people

Pacaya Volcano Trek Featured Review

Pretty cool to roast marshmallows on the lava fields’ vents. The hike is pretty easy and the guide was easy to understand with minimal Spanish. – Get Your Guide Traveler’s Review

BOOK Pacaya Volcano Trek

Pacaya Volcano FAQs

Read on for some of the basic information about this volcano in Antigua so that you can enter your tour prepared for what lies ahead!

How long does it take to hike Volcan Pacaya?

The hike is 3.2 miles on an out-and-back trail. It takes an average of 2.5 hours to complete. The route is considered challenging, but that’s mostly due to the terrain and humidity- as far as volcano hikes go, this one is accessible. Plus there are always horses and walking sticks to rent if you need some extra help.

How far is Pacaya Volcano from Antigua?

The location of the Pacaya volcano is a mere 30 miles away from Antigua. Depending on the traffic, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to drive there. Keep in mind, if your shuttle is making multiple stops in Antigua, the total drive time may be longer.

Is Pacaya Volcano active?

Yes! Pacaya is an active volcano. It’s been erupting frequently since 1961. There haven’t been lava flows since the last eruption (May 2021), but it’s still considered one of the most active volcanoes in the country. 

Pacaya volcano eruptions info

Since 1565 Pacaya has erupted over 23 times but was dormant for over a century until 1962 when the area of the summit began to sink in and a dome grew up.

In June 2015 a new pyroclastic cone inside the summit formed and it produced loud explosions. It erupts both Strombolian and Vulcanian meaning it has short lava flows, small pyroclastic flows, and debris avalanches. 

This adds lots of interest when going on Pacaya Volcano Tours from Antigua!

Where is Pacaya volcano located?

Pacaya is approximately 15 miles south of Guatemala City, Guatemala and is part of the Central American Volcanic Arc, a chain of volcanoes that stretch along the Pacific coast of Central America.

How much does it cost to go to Pacaya volcano?

For non-national tourists the entrance fee is Q100. For nationals, the entrance fee is 30Q, and for students, it’s 10Q. 

Paid Pacaya Volcano Tours from Antigua cost anywhere between $23 and $295 depending on the group size and amenities.

A guide is included in all of the tours I mentioned above, but if you go on your own transportation, keep in mind, you are required to hire a guide to hike the volcano. Make sure to haggle! The cost per guide should only be about Q200.

Is Pacaya Volcano dangerous?

Hiking an active volcano isn’t without risks, but the volcano is closely monitored. Pay attention to your guides and follow their recommendations about where to walk on the lava fields. Other than that, drink plenty of water, dress appropriately, and use common sense. If you follow these tips, your volcano hike shouldn’t be any more dangerous than the average hike, but it will be a lot more epic. 

12 Best Pacaya Volcano Tours from Antigua: Final Thoughts

Experiencing Pacaya is a must-do if you’re in Guatemala, so don’t miss out! This volcano is accessible and has options for everyone. Now that you have access to this curated list, you don’t have any excuses left!

I’ve hiked Pacaya Volcano multiple times and have loved how every time is a little different. With a rugged landscape and beautiful views, I’ve never regretted taking the time to go up. 

Enjoy the full package deal with this hiking tour! Hike up Pacaya, explore the lava fields, then head to some man-made hot springs to soak your sore muscles and refuel with a tasty lunch.

I can’t wait to go back and try pizza cooked in a geothermal hot spot! Talk about a fun reward for a morning hike! I think any of the volcano tours Antigua Guatemala has to offer would be a great choice, but I want to have a Jurassic Park moment and cruise to the top of this active volcano in an ATV.

Whatever tour you choose, the memories will be unforgettable. So what are you waiting for? Go book one of these awesome Pacaya Volcano Tours from Antigua today.

Once you’ve done that, continue the epic-ness by climbing Acatenango Volcano or heading to Lake Atitlán and climbing San Pedro Volcano . Get to Panajachel easily by checking out my post on the best shuttles from Antigua to Panajachel.

Or if you’re looking for something more chill, don’t miss this post on the best things to do in Antigua from coffee tours to chocolate workshops to amazing food tours and cooking classes .

About the Author

Val McArthur  is a communications specialist currently living on the island of Maui. She grew up in Guatemala where she developed a taste for high-quality coffee, the outdoors, and multi-cultural experiences.

*** GUATEMALA TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE *** Should I buy Guatemala travel insurance? YES  — Personally, I always travel with travel insurance because it gives me extra peace of mind.  SafetyWing  is an excellent travel insurance company that’s quite affordable. Plus, if you travel longterm, it’s a snap to renew on a month to month basis. You can keep renewing for up to a year and still pay the same deductible. Where’s the best place for finding cheap flights to Guatemala? When I purchase a ticket, I always search several different sites.  Kayak  and  Expedia  are great places to start running a search. Spirit is usually the cheapest carrier, but American Airlines and United also sometimes offer excellent deals. What’s the best way to book my Guatemala accommodations? I recommend  booking.com  for finding and booking hotels in Guatemala. For vacation rentals, I recommend  VRBO.com  — it offers beautiful and unique spots to stay. What’s the best way to book Guatemala tours? Viator  is a great tour booking site with several excellent options available in Guatemala’s main tourist areas including Tikal, Atitlán, Antigua, and Acatenango. There’s a nice range of prices and options available. Can you drink the water in Guatemala? No – Don’t drink the tap water! Instead, buy purified water from any corner store or grocery store in Guatemala. Be sure to brush your teeth with that water as well to avoid getting sick. And hydrated, especially when traveling to high elevations. Do I need a visa for Guatemala? Probably not — Visitors to Guatemala from “Category A” countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and most European countries are automatically given a 90-day tourist visa (in the form of a passport stamp) when entering Guatemala. This visa is valid for Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador. At the end of 90 days, it can be renewed once at Guatemala’s Migración without leaving the country. After 180 days, you will have to travel outside of Central America before returning. Check to see  if you need a visa . Will my phone work in Guatemala? It’s possible, but check with your provider in advance to see if Guatemala is covered. If not, you can easily pick up a local SIM card. There are essentially only two carriers in the country: TIGO and CLARO. Both have good coverage.

Yvonne McArthur is a writer, word-lover, and adventurer born and raised in Guatemala. Since starting her niche travel blog in 2021, she's helped thousands of people discover Guatemala, from top tourist attractions to far-flung destinations.

Similar Posts

5 Best Antigua to Panajachel Shuttles

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to get from the colonial city of Antigua to Lake Atitlán is to book an Antigua-Panajachel shuttle. These shuttles run multiple times every day and are used by tourists, expats, and locals alike.

Hiking Acatenango On Your Own

Discover how to get to the trailhead, hiking route options, costs, what to pack, precautions, and more for hiking Acatenango on your own

Volcano Hiking with a Dog

Are you considering volcano hiking with a dog? If so, you’re in the right place! These tips are transferable to any long, overnight, or more extreme hike you’d like to go on with your furry friend.

Acatenango Hike Difficulty

Acatenango is a stratovolcano whose moon-like crater rises to 13,045-feet above sea level, making it the third highest peak in Central America. Getting to the top is a physical and mental challenge worth tackling, especially if you like to push yourself to the limits of endurance, experience nature in its raw glory, and climb higher than the clouds.

Volcán San Pedro Hike 2023 – Risks & Rewards

Are you looking into the Volcan San Pedro hike? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about this hike, including the big ticket item: safety! Yup, that’s the number one consideration when it comes to hiking this volcano… as you’ve probably discovered if you’ve done the least bit of googling. I have good tips for you on how to mitigate the risks. Next, I’ll go into how to get to San Pedro, how to get to the trailhead, what to take with you, and what to expect during the hike itself. I’ll finish off with some great facts about the smallest of Lake Atitlán’s volcanoes.

Ultimate Food Tour Antigua – 11 Stellar Options

Looking for the best food tour Antigua Guatemala has to offer? This post compiles all the top-rated foodie tours from gourmet offerings to street food to fun cooking classes using local ingredients, you’re sure to find a tour to love on this list.

Destinations

Pacaya Volcano Tours: Explore Active Lava Fields and Smoking Craters

Pacaya Volcano is one of Guatemala’s youngest and most active volcanoes, which offers visitors a full immersion experience within the otherworldly volcanic landscape of active lava flows, spewing ash, and smoking craters. Climbing Pacaya is a geological experience like no other.

Available Tours

Pacaya volcano day hike.

The Pacaya Volcano day hike is a gem to add to any Antigua itinerary. We offer the tour in the morning or in the afternoon. The afternoon tour…

Pacaya Volcano Overnight

The Pacaya Volcano overnight hike is a top tour for good reason. If Pacaya is particularly active you're likely to see blazing lava flows glow…

Pacaya Volcano Day Hike and Thermal Spa

Combine the Pacaya Volcano day hike with soaks in natural thermal springs that are heated by the linked underground activity generated by the…

Pacaya Lava Fields Bikepacking Route

This bikepacking route circumnavigates active Pacaya Volcano

Compared to some of our other Volcano Tours, the Pacaya Tours are relatively easy. After a 1.5 hour climb, you’ll find yourself traversing unique volcanic rock, exploring lava flows, and even roasting marshmallows over geothermal hot spots found on the cooled lava formations. If you're looking for more of a challenge, consider our most sought-after tour, Acatenango Volcano .

About Volcán de Pacaya

Pacaya Volcano, known locally as Volcán de Pacaya, is an active complex volcano located in Pacaya National Park about an hour south of Antigua. Pacaya is the quintessential storybook volcano with a continuous plume of smoke drifting from its summit and a massive dried lava field forming the valley at the base of its caldera.

While Volcán de Pacaya may not be Guatemala’s highest peak at 8,370 ft (2,552 m) its slopes and unique landscapes are certainly some of the most impressive volcanic landscapes in all of Central America.

Pacaya Volcano Hiking Tours and Adventure Packages

OTO offers Pacaya hiking tours as day trips or overnights. Overnight is highly recommended if Pacaya is particularly active, as there is nothing like seeing active lava flows glow against the night sky. We also offer a Mountains to Sea extension tour which combines the summit of Pacaya with a trip down to the surf beach of El Paredon to relax sore muscles and take a surf lesson.

Pacaya Volcano Highlights:

• See one of Guatemala’s main tourist attractions away from the crowds
• Roast marshmallows above volcanic heat vents
• Walk across thousands of years old dried lava flows, and through lush forests and farmland
• Enjoy a fresh picnic lunch below the smoking cinder cone in a barren land of lava rock
• See views of nearby towering volcanoes, and even to the Pacific coast
• Take a spa option and spend time after the hike soothing your sore muscles with a massage, hydrotherapy, and thermal pools heated by the volcanic activity of Pacaya!

Today was my birthday, and hiking Pacaya was absolutely amazing. I can’t say enough positive things about our entire experience. The service was phenomenal (hiking an active volcano!!!) the guides were so knowledgeable, safety-conscious, and incredibly nice. The lunch was scrumptious, and my dietary restrictions were taken into account. The guides even produced a birthday pastry, candles, and sang happy birthday. Thank you Mimi, Tami, Mike, Marco, Josias, and Edwin. Today was a highlight in my life, and Old Town Outfitters made it happen.

Yes. In fact, Pacaya has been pretty consistently active over the last decade and has recently become more active. Since March 2021, scientists have recorded an increase in incandescent explosions and ash emissions. Learn more about the status of Pacaya and Pacaya’s volcanic eruptions at Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program .

2021. Towards the end of March 2021, Pacaya experienced strong eruptions spewing rivers of lava and ash clouds. While the lava flows did threaten nearby towns, there was little damage. This recent activity has created very unique opportunities to get very very close to the flows.

OTO takes safety very seriously. We follow all local and national laws and regulations as to whether or not we can safely climb any mountain. Specifically, we follow the guidance provided by INSIVUMEH , a government agency that monitors area volcanic and seismic activity in order to inform and protect the public.

We also have ways of viewing the volcano at a safe distance if officials temporarily close the park. OTO has access to a few private farms across the valley from Pacaya where we can camp, see the lava flows and have an enjoyable experience from a very safe distance.

The volcano has erupted at least 23 times since the 1500s. In 1961, Pacaya began erupting vigorously and has been erupting frequently since then.

• Turisteando
• Tikal Tours
• Acatenango Hike
• Atitlan Lake

Pacaya Volcano Hike Tour from Antigua or Guatemala City

6-hours Pacaya Volcano Hike Tour with Beautiful Landscapes, Volcanic Ash, Rocks and Sounds, and Petrified Lava.

Choose an option

Eat Pizza at Pacaya

Hike Horseback Ride

Pacaya ATV Tour

Daily Group Tour

Pacaya Private Tours

Make & Eat Pizza at Pacaya Volcano Private Tour

$ 210.00 $ 195.00   7.1% OFF

Pacaya Horseback Ride from Antigua Guatemala

$ 75.00 $ 65.00   13.3% OFF

PACAYA ATV TOUR FROM ANTIGUA

$ 99.00 $ 89.00   10.1% OFF

Pacaya Group Tour From Guatemala City

$ 79.00 $ 59.00   25.3% OFF

Pacaya Group Tour From Antigua Guatemala

$ 39.00 $ 25.00   35.9% OFF

Pacaya Private Tour From Guatemala City

$ 225.00 $ 175.00   22.2% OFF

Pacaya Private Tour From Antigua Guatemala

$ 199.00 $ 159.00   20.1% OFF

Pacaya Volcano Local Guide Service Only

$ 55.00 $ 40.00   27.3% OFF

Learn more about the Pacaya volcano in Guatemala

6 reasons why you should hike up pacaya volcano.

At Pacayatours we have an alliance with the best authorized guides to lead you through this adventure. Some of our guides speak English up to 90%, they’re patient and walk at your own pace. Our guides will tell you entertaining local stories.

Pacaya Volcano, it is not a difficult volcano to hike, even if you have no previous experience. However, if you believe your physical condition would not allow you to reach the tour, you can hire an additional service such as horseback riding, etc.

Being more than 7,000 feet high you will be able to contemplate the majesty of the beautiful landscapes of Guatemala including the neighboring volcanoes of Acatenango, Agua and Fuego.

We have All Inclusive tours from $25 per person. The tour includes transportation and a local guide.

It takes between 5 to 6 hours. You will be picked up from Guatemala or Antigua Guatemala, we will take you to the Volcano, you will hike up the Pacaya Volcano and we will take you back to your place.

All our trips are endorsed by the Guatemalan tourism institute INGUAT

Completed tours, hikers have joined us, years of experience, successful tours, check out an idea of the views you can see during the tour, it's impressive.

Discover how fun, safe and happy some of our last groups of adventurers who visited the Pacaya Volcano were when using our services, who return with other friends or family to complete the incredible task again, challenge themselves and appreciate the wonderful views that They never end up impressing us, no matter how many times you climb the volcano. 

Discover Guatemala and its charming places, in a safe, economical and fun way.

What to do in Guatemala?

©2024. Pacaya Tours by Turisteando. All rights reserved by Turisteando. Site developed by Gazela.net

No products in the cart.

Everything You Need to Know About the Pacaya Volcano Hike

This article contains affiliate links, that may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, please see our disclaimer here .

It felt like we had stepped into Mordor or landed on Mars, as we crunched along black, hardened lava rocks with the huge conical Pacaya Volcano looming overhead. 

Pacaya was our first volcano experience in Central America and it did not disappoint. One of just three constantly active volcanoes in Guatemala, hiking Pacaya Volcano is one of the top things to do from the colonial city of Antigua. 

The Pacaya Volcano hike is one of the easiest, cheapest and most accessible volcano hikes in the country, and if you’re short on time, money or fitness, this is the volcano for you! 

In just an hour or two of hiking, you’ll be standing mere metres from an active volcano. Looking at hardened lava flows, toasting marshmallows on hot volcanic rocks and watching smoke and gases sporadically puff out of the crater. 

This is everything you need to know about the Pacaya Volcano hike, including the deal with guides, tours and timings, what to wear and bring and a recount of our experience. 

Table of Contents

​About Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya Volcano (Volcán de Pacaya in Spanish) is an active complex volcano, sitting at an elevation of 2,552 metres (8,373 ft) in southern Guatemala. 

The volcano is protected as part of the Parque Nacional Volcan de Pacaya, and there is a 100Q fee (~$13 USD) to access the park.

It’s one of just three constantly active volcanoes in the country. The other two are Fuego, also accessed from Antigua and Santiaguito in Xela. 

Pacaya is constantly emitting small puffs of smoke and toxic gases, however, it hasn’t erupted since 2021. At this time, there were rivers of glowing lava flowing down the side of the volcano, and visitors could camp overnight near the volcano to see the lava. 

As of 2024, there is no active lava coming out of the volcano, so any photos you see showing this are outdated advertising. You can see the remnants of the 2021 lava flows, with hardened magma and black volcanic rock along the slopes of the volcano. 

If you want to see red hot, flowing lava, you’ll need to hike Acatenango to get a view of Fuego. I’d suggest doing Pacaya first, otherwise you might be disappointed by the experience. 

How to hike Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya Volcano is one of the most popular volcano hikes in Guatemala because it is relatively short and easy. At least in comparison to its neighbours, Acatanengo and Fuego, which require a gruelling overnight hike. Pacaya is a simple day hike that takes no more than 2 hours to reach the summit. 

You don’t actually hike to the summit of the volcano. Your shoes would be melting and you’d be breathing toxic gas if you got that close to the crater! The hike takes you to the summit of an adjacent hill, Cerro Chino, and you walk around the base of Pacaya Volcano. 

You can get an incredible view of the black, conical volcano, and despite not being right at the top of the crater, you’ll still feel very up close and personal to an active volcano!

There is still geothermal activity at the base of the volcano, so you get to see some hot rocks, where you’ll toast marshmallows, and you can see sporadic smoke and gases coming out of the crater. 

Exactly where you hike will depend on the tour and the day. The guides know what kind of activity is going on with the volcano, and which areas are safe to hike. My route might not be exactly the same as yours, as it depends on which areas of the rocks and lava fields are cool enough to walk on. 

A day tour to Pacaya is one of the most popular things to do in Antigua , but it’s also possible to take a tour departing from Guatemala City. From Antigua, it takes about 1 – 1.5 hours to drive to the trailhead, and about 1.5 – 2 hours from Guate City. 

Do you need a guide for the Pacaya Volcano hike?

Yes, it is mandatory to have a guide for the Pacaya Volcano hike. 

A lot of tourists complain about this and feel they’re being ripped off by being made to go with a guide. I understand why, as the trail doesn’t really require a guide. It’s straightforward with few junctions and you can easily find your way with an online map. 

BUT, don’t forget this is an active volcano and the locals are much more familiar with the volcano’s behaviour, and which areas are safe to climb. 

The guides are locals from the area, and most of them don’t speak English. It’s something to be aware of, and I know kind of frustrating that you’re paying for a ‘guide’ who can’t really give you a lot of information, but it’s a good source of income for the community, so just roll with it. 

I’d like to say that the guides are there to keep you safe, but in reality, it is a bit of a money-making scheme. But it’s just the way it is, and if you’re not happy to go with a guide, then don’t visit. It’s the rules, for better or worse. 

There are two ways to organise a guide: 

• Join a guided tour from Antigua, that includes transport to the volcano and a guide to lead you up the trail 
• Get yourself to the national park and pick up a guide at the entrance 

There are dozens of local guides waiting at the entrance to the national park. It is 200Q (~$25 USD) for a guide, which technically should be per travelling group (e.g. a couple) but they sometimes try to charge 200Q per person. The whole thing is a bit scammy and you’ll be hassled immediately if you arrive independently. 

There is limited public transport to get to the volcano, so unless you’ve got a rental car, I don’t think you’d save any money (and certainly not time) by trying to transport yourself to the trail and getting a guide on the spot. 

Inclusive tours from Antigua are as cheap as $35 USD, and you don’t have to muck around with finding Ubers/taxis/buses or organising a private driver. Plus, you won’t have the hassle of arranging a guide and dealing with the negotiations to be charged correctly. 

On the cheaper tours, you will have a driver from Antigua, and they will connect your group with a local guide when you arrive. If you’re on a more premium tour, you may have a guide accompany you the entire day, as well as a local guide you meet at the trail. The guide from your tour company is more likely to speak English, but again, not guaranteed. 

Pacaya Volcano hike difficulty

So how difficult is the Pacaya Volcano hike? You’ll read some comments that it was the hardest thing someone has ever done, and other comments stating it was a breeze. 

Let’s look at the stats: 

• 📏 Distance: 5.6 km / 3.5 mi out-and-back
• 📈 Elevation: 388 m / 1,273 ft

If you don’t hike, it will be tough for you. If you think this is an easy stroll to a lookout, it’s not. It is a short, but very steep hike that takes most people 1 – 2 hours to reach the summit. It inclines almost the entire way.

We’re fit, but not extreme hikers and I particularly don’t love going uphill. After reading all the dramatic comments about how challenging it was, I was a bit nervous. 

I was completely fine! I didn’t find it tough at all. Yes, it was steep and I had to stop sporadically to catch my breath and have a rest, but it was over just as quickly as it started and it was worth every step to be looking at that volcano! We got up in just over an hour. 

If you happen to have hiked the Indian Nose in Lake Atitlan , I’d say it’s a comparable steepness and difficulty, Pacaya is just a bit longer.

If you’re moderately fit, you will be fine! The steep incline means it’s not necessarily a pleasant hike, but it’s not that strenuous and it’s pretty short. 

Going down is easier on the heart and fitness, but tougher on the legs and muscles. There is one section where you literally slide down loose gravel. We had a blast and fully embraced it, practically tumbling down the side of the volcano. But if you’re not interested in covering yourself in volcanic ash, then it might be a bit tougher on the knees to stay steady and upright. 

Can you hire a horse?

Yes but please don’t.

There are dozens of locals with horses all along the trail offering tired and lazy tourists a very expensive ride. Please do not do this. 

The horses were very small and looked very skinny. I wasn’t comfortable at all with how they were being treated. If you don’t think you have the physical fitness to complete the hike, you shouldn’t attempt it.

The treatment of the animals is reason enough to avoid it, but on top of that, the local guys are notorious for overcharging tourists and being a bit deceptive about how far along the trail you are and where the horses can actually take you. They can’t go all the way to the summit. 

Plus it’s just downright annoying to be constantly hassled by these guys all along the trail. Any sign of slowing down or looking tired, a horse appears next to you. You have to dodge poop all over the trail and you don’t want to walk behind the horses as they kick up a lot of dust. 

Morning or afternoon tour?

There are dozens of tours leaving Antigua at all times of the day. Most commonly they depart in the morning (7:00 – 9:00 am) or in the afternoon (2:00 pm). 

The morning tours generally offer the best chance of clear skies, allowing you to see the best views of Pacaya, but also the other three volcanoes in the area (Agua, Acatanengo and Fuego). If it’s a sunny day, it would be quite hot hiking at this time. 

The afternoon tours get to see the sunset from the summit. This is the tour we opted for and are so glad we did! It was a bit cloudy and hazy, but we still had perfectly clear views of Pacaya, and we could see out to the other volcanoes, where the sun was setting next to them. 

We hiked down just before the sunset, so it was kind of dark, but not pitch black. We just packed our head torches and were totally fine. Going down was easy and it didn’t bother us walking a short way in the dark, but I know some people won’t want to do that. 

My recommendation is sunset, it felt like we were on top of the world looking out at the volcanoes and valley below, but it’s totally up to you what you prefer. The cheaper tours generally depart in the afternoon, and if you want to go in the morning it would probably be with a more costly or a private tour. 

Pacaya Volcano tours

There are varying levels of tours available, and of course, the cheaper the price, the less you’ll have included. 

The most basic is the tour that departs the city at 2:00 pm each day and is what most hostels, hotels and travel agents will sell you. It’s a cheap, basic option, that essentially gets you to and from the volcano, probably in a cramped shuttle, with a local guide herding you up in the right direction but not providing a lot of information. It doesn’t include entry to the national park, and there are no other stops or meals included. 

🌋 Hike to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua : this cheap and cheerful tour was the one we took. Don’t be expecting personalised service (look at the price), but it includes transport, a Spanish-speaking guide to lead you up the trails and marshmallows to roast at the top. It leaves the city at 2:00 pm, and you will enjoy the sunset before descending. The price doesn’t include entry to the national park (100Q).

MID-RANGE TOUR

The next tier is booking with a more specialised local company. It’s still a shared group tour, but probably a smaller group. You will have a guide from the tour company who should speak English and provide a more informative experience. You may have a meal included. 

🌋 Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Antigua : this tour leaves Antigua at 8:00 am to hike during the day. You’ll have an expert bilingual guide to teach you more about the volcano and environment, and the entrance fee to the national park is included. 

PRIVATE TOUR

The upper tier would be a private tour. You and your travelling companions will travel to the volcano in a private vehicle, and have a guide accompany you on the hike. 

🌋 Day Tour to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua in Private Vehicle : if you want a more personalised, private experience this tour leaves Antigua in the morning, which generally gives you a better chance of clear skies and views, but you won’t get to see the sunset. The price includes entry to the national park, and informative, English-speaking guides.

Amenities at Pacaya Volcano

When you arrive at the trailhead, you will instantly be bombarded by locals offering you guiding services, horses and walking sticks. 

If you’ve come with a guided tour, you can ignore any offers of a guide as this will be organised for you. I’ve already mentioned why I think you should politely decline the horse, but if you want to rent a walking stick, now is the time to do it. It should be between 10 – 30Q for a stick. 

There are bathrooms here and a few vendors here selling drinks and snacks if you need anything. 

From the car park, it’s a short walk to the visitor centre. This is where you will pay your entrance fee to the national park if it’s not included in your tour. It’s 100Q for foreigners (bring cash) and you’ll get a little paper ticket. There are also toilets here. 

Near the top at one of the lookouts there is another bathroom, but don’t be expecting anything clean and BYO toilet paper. 

You will sometimes find a ‘Lava Shop’ at the top, a little makeshift store selling handmade jewellery and trinkets made from the lava rocks. 

You’ve probably also heard of the Pacaya Pizza man, who cooks pizzas near the summit with the heat of the volcano. It’s a really cool concept and of course a very unique experience, but it is insanely expensive. He charges more than 300Q (~$40 USD) for a small pizza, and I’ve heard rumours that he has a normal woodfire going too if the volcano isn’t active or hot enough. 

I believe you have to get in touch and order in advance, and not all tour companies will allow you to go and get the pizza. It takes a lot of time and if it’s a big group and everyone wants one, then it becomes a bit of a mess. 

If having a volcano pizza is really important to you, you should ask your tour company before booking if they allow/facilitate this. If so, they will most likely give you the number of David, the pizza man, for you to put your order in in advance. 

Don’t worry, nearly every tour includes marshmallows to roast inside the hot rocks, which is just as special! 

What to bring on the Pacaya Volcano hike

• 💰 Cash: for the 100Q national park fee if your tour doesn’t include it, a walking stick, drinks or snacks and a tip for your guide/driver.
• 🥾 Sturdy shoes: while the days of lava melting shoes are over for now, the rocks are still quite hot and the trail is loose and slippery gravel. You need sturdy runners at the very least, if not hiking boots. 
• 🧥 Warm clothes: it is very cold and windy at the summit. Even though you’ll be hot and sweaty on the way up, you’ll be chilly at the top. 
• 🧣 Buff or scarf: if you have something like this, bring it for the dust. It’s not essential but would be helpful when sliding down the gravel or walking behind the horses. 
• 🔦 Headtorch: if you’re doing the sunset hike and you have a torch, bring it along. A phone light will suffice if not. 
• 💧 Water: you will be hiking uphill for quite a long time, so bring enough water to stay hydrated. The higher altitude can also be dehydrating. 
• 🧁 Snacks: most tours don’t include any food and you won’t get the chance to stop anywhere, except the small snack vendors in the car park. We brought some chips and pastries and we’re glad to have them at the summit, as it’s a long drive there and back. 
• 🐶 Dog treats: there are so many sweet doggies along the trail and at the summit. I wish I knew to pack some treats for them. We gave them some marshmallows and chips which is definitely not healthy for them, so if you love dogs please bring a small bag of treats. 

Our experience hiking Pacaya Volcano

We were told to meet our driver at the Iglesia de La Merced in the centre of Antigua for a 2:00 pm pick up. After the usual kerfuffle of picking up everyone from different hotels around Antigua and navigating the tight, cobblestone streets, we made it out of the city. 

We were in a very packed tourist van that sped along highways and squeezed through some of the tightest streets I’ve ever seen, mere millimetres away from scraping oncoming trucks. The driver was incredibly skilled and got us to the trailhead in one piece.   

The second we stepped out of the van we were bombarded with a sea of local kids offering us walking sticks. We politely declined and followed our driver to meet our guide, Paola.  

She was a local of the nearby town, San Vincente de Pacaya, and had hiked up the volcano hundreds of times! She spoke some broken English, but we really enjoyed practising our Spanish with her. 

We had the chance to go to the bathroom, buy any snacks or drinks or rent a walking pole or horse before we started up the trail. We walked just 5 minutes before arriving at the park’s official visitor centre, where we went inside and paid our entry fee, 100Q, in cash and got a little ticket. 

From there, it was onwards and upwards! Paola led the group but allowed everyone to go at their own pace. The first part of the trail was loose dirt, and pretty steep. It was foresty and shaded, and there weren’t any views on the first section. 

We stopped whenever we needed to catch our breath, and Paola was encouraging to keep everyone moving. The trail eventually opened up into a clearing and we got our first view out to the distant volcanoes, Agua, Acatenango and Fuego. 

We pushed on and eventually rounded a corner to our first clear view of Pacaya. This was our first volcano experience in Central America and we were absolutely blown away! It felt like we had landed in Mordor (if you’re a LOTR fan, you have to visit Hobbitenango in Antigua! ).  

The perfectly conical volcano was looming right in front of us, covered in black volcanic rock, with a maze of patterns running down its slopes from old lava flows. It was incredible. It immediately got very windy and very cold, and I was glad I packed extra layers. 

We followed the trail around the base of the volcano, which had turned from soft dirt to crunching lava underfoot. We opened up to a clearing that was a vast lava field, and Paola explained it was from the 2021 eruption. We could clearly see the path the lava had flowed down the side of the volcano, it was insane! 

We continued further through the lava field until Paola stopped at an opening in the rocks and pulled out the marshmallows! The rocks in this area of the lava field were warm enough to cook marshmallows, but not hot enough to burn our feet. 

Brayden enjoyed playing hot potato with the warm rocks and some sweet doggies magically appeared when the marshmallows were ready. Of course, I gave them some but I wished I had proper dog treats with me as they looked so skinny. 

After enjoying our volcano-roasted marshmallows we doubled back via a different trail, ascending a small hill for a perfect vista of Pacaya. The sun was just starting to set, and the golden light illuminating the surrounding volcanoes and valley was beautiful. 

Then it was time for the fun part! We slid (ahem rolled) down the side of the hill in the soft, volcanic sand. It was almost easier to just run down and let yourself slide, compared to trying to stand up and walk step by step. Either way – you’re going to be covered in volcanic dust and your shoes will be full of gravel! 

We made it down back to the trail we originally ascended on, and enjoyed some time at a lookout watching the sunset over Agua, Acatenango and Fuego. We emptied our shoes and enjoyed the snacks we packed (of course sharing with the doggies!). 

We were lucky enough to see Fuego puffing out huge plumes of smoke and ash against the pink, glowing sky. The sunset was hazy but so beautiful, and it felt like we were sitting on top of the world. 

Paola had to drag us away from the viewpoint to start descending. There was still a soft glow in the sky to light the way, but we were glad we packed our head torches. It was a quick and easy descent, a bit tough on the legs, but we were back down at the van in half the time it took to hike up. 

We had a dark drive back to the city, and it was after 8:00 pm by the time we got back. We were starving and headed straight for El Bosque, one of the best restaurants in Antigua , for some juicy burgers and empanadas.

Planning a trip to Antigua

If you’re planning a trip to Antigua, don’t forget to check out our Antigua Guatemala travel guide . It covers all the important info you need to know about the city, like getting there, getting around and other handy tips to get your bearings.  

OUR ANTIGUA TRAVEL GUIDES ⛪️☕️🌋

• ⛪️ Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide
• 🛏️ Where to Stay in Antigua Guatemala
• 🍝 Best Restaurants in Antigua Guatemala
• 🥾 Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala
• 🌋 Pacaya Volcano Hike
• 🧙🏻‍♂️ How to Visit Hobbitenango

Guatemala Map 🇬🇹

Get our FREE custom Guatemala Google Map with all our recommendations pinned for you! Cut down your planning and research time and have all our tips saved in your pocket.

Pacaya Volcano hike: Final thoughts

Pacaya might not be as impressive as Acatanengo and Fuego without the glowing lava, but we absolutely loved this hike! It’s quick, easy and cheap and we couldn’t fault the experience. 

We never really enjoy group tours and always prefer to hike or explore independently, but it’s just the way things are done and it didn’t hinder our experience at Pacaya. 

If you’re hesitant about Acatenango, which is much longer and more challenging, Pacaya is a great option. You’re still standing mere metres from one of the most active volcanoes in the world!

Don’t forget to check out my post on the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala for other activities in and around this charming city. 

MORE ANTIGUA POSTS

• Ultimate Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide + Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Antigua Guatemala: Best Boutique Stays
• Best Restaurants in Antigua Guatemala: Our Top 20 Spots
• 28 Best Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala
• How to Visit Hobbitenango: Lord of The Rings in Guatemala

Sally Rodrick

Sally Rodrick is the voice behind Sally Sees. She has spent 12 months travelling in Mexico and Central America, and has her sights firmly set on South America. Sally helps thousands of readers discover the magic of Latin America. Sharing detailed guides to inspire and equip them with the knowledge they need to plan their own epic adventures in this incredible part of the world.

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Guide

Pacaya Volcano Hike In Antigua, Guatemala: Complete Guide

Published: November 19, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Billie Matos

• Central & South America
• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Destinations
• Travel Essentials & Accessories
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Welcome to the complete guide to hiking Pacaya Volcano in Antigua, Guatemala! Nestled in the beautiful Central American country, Pacaya Volcano offers an exhilarating and awe-inspiring hiking experience like no other. This active volcano, standing at 2,552 meters (8,373 feet) tall, attracts adventurers from around the world who seek to conquer its rugged slopes and witness the incredible power of nature up close.

Embarking on a hiking trip to Pacaya Volcano promises breathtaking views, unique landscapes, and a journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a novice explorer, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your trip, ensure your safety, and make the most out of your adventure.

Discover the best time to hike Pacaya Volcano, learn how to get there, and find out what to pack for your journey. We’ll also provide you with some valuable safety tips to ensure a smooth and secure hiking experience. Additionally, we’ll delve into the thrilling experience of hiking the volcano itself and explore the surrounding area for additional adventures.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Pacaya Volcano hike has something for everyone. So, buckle up and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonder and beauty of one of Guatemala’s most iconic natural wonders!

Planning Your Trip to Pacaya Volcano

Before embarking on your hiking adventure to Pacaya Volcano, it’s essential to plan your trip carefully to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some key factors to consider when planning your trip:

• Research and gather information: Start by researching the volcano, its hiking routes, and any current updates or advisories. Gather information on the difficulty level, duration, and any permits or fees required for the hike.
• Determine your fitness level: Pacaya Volcano offers various hiking routes of different difficulty levels. Assess your fitness level honestly and choose a route that suits your capabilities. If you’re a beginner or have any health concerns, opt for less strenuous trails.
• Choose the right time: Consider the time of year and weather conditions when planning your trip. The dry season, from November to April, is generally considered the best time to hike Pacaya Volcano as the trails are more accessible. However, be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
• Duration of the hike: Determine how much time you want to allocate for the hike. Some people prefer a half-day trip, while others may opt for a full-day experience. Keep in mind that the length of the hike may depend on the route you choose.
• Arrange transportation: Plan how you will get to the starting point of the hike. Antigua, a charming city located near Pacaya Volcano, serves as a popular base for hikers. You can arrange transportation through tour operators, shuttle services, or public transportation.
• Book a guided tour: Consider booking a guided tour for your hike. Local guides are knowledgeable about the volcano’s history, geology, and ecosystem. They can enhance your experience by providing valuable insights and ensuring your safety throughout the journey.
• Check equipment and gear: Make a checklist of essential items you’ll need for the hike. This may include sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and a backpack. It’s also a good idea to pack a light snack or energy bars.
• Stay hydrated and fueled: Hydration is crucial when hiking at high altitude. Carry plenty of water and drink regularly during the hike. Additionally, pack some snacks or a packed lunch to keep your energy levels up.

By taking the time to plan your trip in advance, you’ll be prepared and ready to fully enjoy the breathtaking experience of hiking Pacaya Volcano. Remember to always prioritize safety, respect the environment, and embrace the wonders of nature along the way.

The Best Time to Hike Pacaya Volcano

Choosing the right time to hike Pacaya Volcano can significantly enhance your experience and ensure optimal weather conditions. While the volcano can be hiked year-round, there are certain periods that are considered the best for this adventure. Here are some factors to consider when determining the best time to hike Pacaya Volcano:

• Weather: The weather plays a crucial role in the hiking experience. The dry season, which runs from November to April, is generally considered the best time to hike Pacaya Volcano. During this period, rainfall is minimal, and the trails are drier and more accessible. It’s important to note that temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation, so be prepared for cooler temperatures as you ascend the volcano.
• Temperature: Pacaya Volcano’s elevation can result in cooler temperatures, especially at higher altitudes. It’s a good idea to check the average temperatures for the specific time you plan to visit and pack appropriate clothing layers to stay comfortable throughout the hike. Don’t forget to bring a jacket or sweater to keep warm during breaks or when reaching the higher parts of the volcano.
• Volcano activity: Pacaya Volcano is an active volcano, and its volcanic activity can impact hiking conditions. It’s important to check with local authorities or tour operators for any recent volcanic activity. In some cases, access to certain areas of the volcano may be restricted for safety reasons.
• Tourist crowds: If you prefer a quieter and more peaceful hike, consider visiting Pacaya Volcano during the shoulder seasons. The months of May and October tend to be less crowded compared to the peak tourist season. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the volcano without as many fellow hikers around.

Ultimately, the best time to hike Pacaya Volcano depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you choose to visit during the dry season for optimal trail conditions or during the quieter shoulder seasons for a more intimate experience, Pacaya Volcano is sure to captivate you with its natural beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Getting to Pacaya Volcano

Reaching Pacaya Volcano is relatively easy, thanks to its convenient location near the city of Antigua. Here are the various options for getting to Pacaya Volcano:

• Private Transportation: One of the most convenient ways to reach Pacaya Volcano is by booking a private transportation service. Many tour operators in Antigua offer transportation packages that include round-trip transfers from your accommodation to the volcano. This option provides comfort and flexibility, allowing you to have a hassle-free journey.
• Shuttle Service: Another popular option is to take a shuttle service from Antigua to Pacaya Volcano. These shared shuttles operate on a fixed schedule and are cost-effective. They provide a convenient way to reach the starting point of the hike and are a popular choice among independent travelers.
• Public Transportation: For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, public transportation is available. You can take a local bus from Antigua to San Vicente Pacaya and then catch a tuk-tuk or taxi to the volcano’s trailhead. Keep in mind that this option might require more time and planning.
• Guided Tours: Many tour companies in Antigua offer guided tours to Pacaya Volcano. These tours often include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and additional activities or stops along the way. Opting for a guided tour allows you to have a seamless experience, as the logistics are taken care of for you.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, it’s recommended to plan your journey in advance. Check the departure times, book your transportation in advance if necessary, and allow sufficient time to reach the volcano. Remember, the journey to Pacaya Volcano is part of the adventure, as it takes you through scenic landscapes and offers glimpses of Guatemala’s natural beauty.

Once you arrive at the volcano, you’ll find designated parking areas where you can safely leave your vehicle if you’re driving. From there, you’ll embark on an epic hiking journey to the summit of Pacaya Volcano, where breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment await.

What to Pack for the Pacaya Volcano Hike

Proper preparation and packing are essential for a successful and enjoyable hike to Pacaya Volcano. Here’s a checklist of items you should pack for your adventure:

• Sturdy Hiking Shoes: Invest in a pair of comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. The terrain can be uneven and rocky, so proper footwear is crucial for stability and ankle support.
• Layered Clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a breathable mid-layer, and top it off with a waterproof jacket or windbreaker. Don’t forget a hat and gloves for cooler temperatures.
• Water and Snacks: Keep yourself hydrated by carrying enough water for the duration of the hike. It’s also a good idea to pack some high-energy snacks or trail mix to keep your energy levels up along the way.
• Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a wide brim. The higher elevation of the volcano can intensify the sun’s effects, so it’s essential to prioritize sun protection.
• Backpack: Choose a comfortable and sturdy backpack to carry your essentials. Make sure it has enough capacity to hold your water, snacks, extra layers of clothing, and a camera to capture the stunning views.
• Trekking Poles (optional): If you prefer added stability and support, consider bringing trekking poles. They can help with balance and reduce stress on your joints, especially during steep ascents or descents.
• Camera: Pacaya Volcano offers incredible photo opportunities, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments along the hike.
• First Aid Kit: It’s always wise to carry a basic first aid kit, including band-aids, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, and any necessary personal medications.
• Personal Identification and Emergency Contacts: Carry a form of personal identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, and have emergency contact information readily available.

Additionally, make sure to check the weather forecast before your hike and pack accordingly. Be prepared for changing conditions and cooler temperatures as you ascend the volcano.

Remember, it’s important to pack light while ensuring you have all the essentials for your hike. Carrying unnecessary weight can make the trek more strenuous and challenging. With the right gear and items in your backpack, you’ll be well-prepared to conquer Pacaya Volcano and marvel at its incredible beauty.

Safety Tips for Hiking Pacaya Volcano

Hiking Pacaya Volcano is a thrilling adventure, but it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some crucial safety tips to keep in mind before and during your hike:

• Check volcanic activity: Before embarking on your hike, check for any updates on volcanic activity. Volcanic eruptions or increased volcanic activity may result in trail closures or other safety measures. Stay informed through local authorities or tour operators.
• Hike with a guide: Consider hiring a knowledgeable guide for your hike. They are familiar with the terrain, weather conditions, and any potential risks. Guides can provide valuable insights, enhance your experience, and ensure your safety throughout the journey.
• Stay on designated trails: Stick to the marked trails and follow any guidance provided by authorities or guides. Venturing off the trails can be dangerous and may lead to accidents or damage to the environment.
• Stay hydrated: Hydration is crucial, especially at higher altitudes. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your hike to stay properly hydrated. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and other health issues.
• Be prepared for changing weather: The weather on Pacaya Volcano can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain. Be prepared for cooler temperatures as you ascend. Check the weather forecast before your hike and plan accordingly.
• Watch your step: The trails on Pacaya Volcano can be uneven and rocky. Pay close attention to where you’re walking, especially during steep sections of the hike. Use trekking poles if necessary to maintain balance and stability.
• Protect yourself from the sun: The higher elevation of the volcano exposes you to stronger UV rays. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from sun damage.
• Carry essentials: Pack necessary items such as water, snacks, a map, a compass, and a first aid kit. Let someone know about your hiking plans, including your estimated return time.
• Respect the environment: Pacaya Volcano is a natural wonder and should be treated with respect. Avoid leaving any trash behind, and follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Preserve the beauty of the volcano for future generations.
• Know your limits: Be honest about your fitness level and hiking abilities. Choose a trail that matches your capabilities and feel comfortable turning back if you encounter any difficulties or adverse conditions.

By following these safety tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of hiking Pacaya Volcano while ensuring your well-being and the preservation of this extraordinary natural wonder.

The Pacaya Volcano Hiking Experience

Hiking Pacaya Volcano offers a truly unforgettable experience, immersing you in stunning natural beauty and giving you a glimpse into the power of Mother Nature. Here’s what you can expect during your journey:

The hike begins at the trailhead, where you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation and captivating landscapes. As you ascend, the air becomes crisper, and the views become more expansive. The trail is relatively well-marked, guiding you through volcanic rock, sandy terrain, and patches of vegetation.

As you continue your ascent, you’ll begin to witness the unique geological features of Pacaya Volcano. You may even come across volcanic rock formations, steam vents, and evidence of past lava flows. These captivating sights offer a glimpse into the volcano’s volatile past.

As you approach the summit, the landscape dramatically transforms, with panoramic views of the surrounding area. On clear days, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of nearby volcanoes, lush green valleys, and even Guatemala City in the distance. It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight that will leave you in awe of nature’s grandeur.

One of the highlights of hiking Pacaya Volcano is the opportunity to witness its active volcanic activity up close. As you reach the summit, you may see plumes of volcanic gases rising from the crater, or if you’re lucky, you might even witness small eruptions or flowing lava (always observe from a safe distance).

After taking in the magnificent views and volcanic activity, it’s time to descend back down the volcano. The descent offers a chance to reflect on the incredible experience and appreciate the unique beauty of Pacaya Volcano.

Upon completing the hike, you can celebrate your achievement and take pride in conquering this magnificent volcano. Many hikers describe the Pacaya Volcano hiking experience as a true adventure filled with adrenaline, awe, and a profound connection with nature.

Remember, every hiking experience is unique, and the conditions on Pacaya Volcano can vary. It’s essential to be prepared, follow safety guidelines, and respect the environment throughout your journey. Embrace the adventure, take your time, and savor every moment of this remarkable hiking experience.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

While Pacaya Volcano itself is a breathtaking natural wonder, the surrounding area offers plenty of additional adventures and attractions to explore. After your hike, consider venturing out to discover the following:

Antigua: Just a short distance from Pacaya Volcano, the charming colonial city of Antigua awaits. Explore its cobblestone streets, visit historic sites, browse through local markets, and indulge in delicious Guatemalan cuisine. Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

Hot Springs: Treat yourself to a relaxing dip in one of the hot springs near Pacaya Volcano. These natural geothermal pools offer a soothing experience as you soak in the warm waters and unwind after your hike.

Mayan Ruins: Guatemala is home to ancient Mayan ruins, and the area surrounding Pacaya Volcano is no exception. Take a day trip to explore the nearby ruins of Iximche or Tikal, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural wonders of the Mayan civilization.

Nature Reserves: Discover the incredible biodiversity of Guatemala by visiting nearby nature reserves. Explore lush forests, spot exotic wildlife, and embark on guided hikes to uncover the hidden gems of the country’s natural landscapes.

Coffee Plantations: Guatemala is renowned for its high-quality coffee production. Take the opportunity to visit a coffee plantation near Pacaya Volcano, where you can learn about the coffee-making process, sample freshly brewed coffee, and appreciate the agricultural traditions of the region.

These are just a few of the many options for exploring the surrounding area of Pacaya Volcano. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, culture, or simply want to relax and soak in the natural beauty of Guatemala, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to allocate some additional time to indulge in these experiences and make the most of your trip!

Embarking on a hike to Pacaya Volcano in Antigua, Guatemala, is an adventure of a lifetime. From the moment you set foot on the trail to the summit of this active volcano, you’ll be captivated by its natural beauty, awe-inspiring landscapes, and the power of nature unfolding before your eyes.

By planning your trip carefully, choosing the right time to hike, and ensuring you have the necessary gear, you’ll be well-prepared for this epic journey. Remember to prioritize safety, stay hydrated, and follow the guidance of local authorities and your guide if you choose to hire one.

The Pacaya Volcano hiking experience offers not only stunning views but also a chance to witness its active volcanic activity. The sight of steam vents and the possibility of seeing flowing lava create a sense of wonder and remind us of the earth’s powerful forces.

Beyond Pacaya Volcano itself, the surrounding area has much to offer. Explore the enchanting streets of Antigua, relax in hot springs, visit ancient Mayan ruins, or immerse yourself in the natural wonders of nearby nature reserves.

As you conclude your adventure and reflect on your experience of hiking Pacaya Volcano, you’ll carry with you not only memories but also a deep appreciation for the beauty, power, and resilience of nature. So, gather your gear, strap on your hiking boots, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to Pacaya Volcano, where adventure and wonder await.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Pacaya Volcano Guide: An Incredible Journey Worth Every Step

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole

One of our most unforgettable experiences that we had in Guatemala was hiking up Pacaya Volcano notwithstanding we are NOT a hiking family. My family loves adventure travel provided there isn’t too much sweat and exercise involved . So, if I book a hike, any hike, but most certainly one that is a 5 km (3.1 miles) hoof up 2350 metres (7700 ft) on an active volcano, it better be good. Otherwise, my three teenagers would NEVER let me forget!

So, it is with visible relief that I am happy to report that this hike was worth every step we took. If you are trying to figure out what are some of the “must do” activities or excursions in Guatemala, I would have to say that hiking up Pacaya Volcano is one of them. It was a tough hike in certain spots, but the panoramic views at the top were absolutely stunning. Further, it was an exhilarating experience to realize how close we were at the summit to the smoking crater above and the lava fields below that would have burnt the soles off our shoes had we taken one step too many.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy something through my site. This helps me run my website and produce the articles that I hope you find helpful.

Antigua, Guatemala

When we first arrived in Guatemala, my family of five (three teenagers aged 14, 15 and 17 years old) headed to  Antigua for 3 nights. Antigua is a beautifully preserved colonial city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. It has dozens of pretty churches and ruins to explore along cobblestone roads. We ate at fantastic restaurants and stayed at a beautiful hotel called Posada del Angel . From Antigua, we did a couple of excursions, one of which was the hike up Pacaya Volcano.

For more information about our time in Antigua, please read Antigua Guatemala: 8 Reasons Why It is Worth The Fuss .

Accommodation In Antigua Guatemala

For accommodation at Posada de Angel, or other beautiful hotels in Antigua Guatemala, I would recommend exploring Booking.com and the interactive map below to find the best accommodation for the best prices.

Self Drive or Not To Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya volcano.

Pacaya volcano is only a 50 km drive from Antigua Guatemala. Nevertheless, we decided against renting a car for two reasons. First, we had read that it was dangerous on the roads. Was it? From what we saw, it really wasn’t. This was true for our whole trip in Guatemala. The highways were well paved and lit. The main highway in and out of Guatemala City had lots of traffic but we didn’t see any crazy driving.  In most other places, there wasn’t very much traffic at all. Further, we never once experienced an encounter with another Guatemalan in person or in a car that made us question our safety. Nevertheless, there were travel advisories warning tourists about driving at night or in more remote areas. We did not want to take any unnecessary risks.

Second, we wanted to enjoy ourselves without worrying about the details. I didn’t want to be concerned about finding our way or wondering whether we could be putting ourselves into a risky situation. Instead, we hired a private car, driver, and bilingual guide for the day through a local tour company called  Sin Fronteras .

Hiking Pacaya Volcano

What you need to know before you start your hike up pacaya volcano.

The hike was described as “easy to moderate”. Yah, no! As mentioned before, we climbed 7700 ft or 3.1 miles to reach the summit. It took us 80 minutes to hike up and 40 minutes to walk down. I understand that this pace is pretty good. Most people take around 2 hours to reach the top.

The path up Pacaya Volcano was not dangerous. There were no death defying drops from the path. Instead, for most of the trek, lots of trees lined the footpath.  Accordingly, I would not be concerned about bringing young children on the hike provided they are physically capable to do the climb.

What you need to know about the slope up to Pacaya Volcano

Finely grounded volcanic rock lined the trail. This was both good and bad. The good part was that the trail was relatively gentle on your feet. However, the rocks settled loosely on the trail and they were slippery in steep sections. I slipped on the descent and rolled over a couple of times. I got covered in dirt, but thankfully, I didn’t hurt myself.

Overall, the hike had a consistent slope that was manageable with regular breaks. There are a few very steep parts but nothing that required us to scramble up using our hands. For most of the hike, we were hiking in the shade. Overall, the temperature was very pleasant both during our hike and while spending time at the top.

Lastly, there were hardly any other hikers on the trail. At the top, there were only around 20 people. It was a very large space so it felt like we had Pacaya Volcano to ourselve.

The Summit of Pacaya Volcano

The summit of Pacaya Volcano was a jaw dropping experience. We had 360º view of Guatemala and it was stunning. In one direction, we saw the flatlands nestled next to the Pacific Ocean. In another, we had the Pacaya Volcano ‘s smoking crater and its lava fields below. And still in another, we saw Fuego Volcano  a short distance away, the second of the three active volcanos in Guatemala. Just months before, several people were killed in a village below Fuego when it unexpectedly erupted. As we watched Fuego smoke and were reminded of these events, we were keenly aware of our proximity to Pacaya.

Download my personally crafted 11 day Guatemala travel guide with my hotel and restaurant recommendations, tours and activities that I enjoyed.

The Details of Hiking Pacaya Volcano

Here is key information about the experience.

• The entrance fee is 50 Quetzals or $7 USD per person.
• You have to hire a community guide to accompany you on the hike regardless of whether you are on an organized tour already. It cost 200 Quetzals or $26 USD.  Most likely, the community guide will only speak Spanish. Our community guide was 83 years old! He said that on some days, he climbs up and down Pacaya Volcano three times. He was amazing.
• Walking sticks are available for purchase at the bottom of the hike. They cost $1 USD. I highly recommend that you purchase one. We relied heavily on ours.
• You can rent a horse with a handler instead of hiking to the peak. This cost 200 Quetzal ($30 USD). If you are physically challenged in some way, I would highly recommend renting a horse. This seemed the way most families were transporting young children. The views at the top of Pacaya Volcano and along the way were stunning and very much worth the cost.
• Proper closed-toe shoes are a must. Hiking shoes would be best, but running shoes with a tread is enough.  Do not hike up with flip flops.
• Bring a light fleece or windbreaker. On the hike up, I took my fleece on and off constantly. At the summit, you will definitely need one. It is windy and your body temperature will cool after the climb.
• You can purchase drinks and snacks at the entrance. They cost more than elsewhere, but they are available.
• Locals were selling snacks and drinks at the top in case you need more.
• There were clean modern toilets available at the start of the hike, but nothing at the top.

Our Private Tour of Pacaya Volcano

Our private tour cost $70 USD per person or $350 for the five of us including all entrance fees and the community guide. We booked this tour with a local travel company called Sin Fronteras . This was more expensive than other options, but we were happy with our decision.

• We had a large private van where we could spread out. My husband and sons are all very tall (6’6″ or 198 cm) so leg room is always a concern.
• We had a driver and a bilingual guide. For the 3 hour return drive, we were provided with lots and lots of cultural and historical information about Guatemala and Antigua. We asked a ton of questions and learned a lot.
• As mentioned before, we also had a community guide, a local man who accompanied us on the hike.
• Further, we hiked up Pacaya Volcano at a pace that worked for everyone without anyone feeling like they had to climb faster than what they were capable. Our bilingual guide was in the lead with our fastest son and our community guide was at the back keeping an eye on our slowest member.
• We had regular breaks which allowed us to rest and kept our family together. Ultimately, we set the pace for these breaks.
• We were able to explore the summit without a schedule.
• Finally, we were completely left alone by the locals. No one followed us up with horses trying to get us to ride them or purchase anything. Regardless, we knew that we would pay a fair price for whatever we bought.

Do You Need a Bilingual Guide or Private Vehicle to Hike Pacaya Volcano?

The short answer is “no”. There were group tours from Antigua to Pacaya Volcano that offered cheaper travel and touring options. Also, Guatemala has excellent public transportation. I don’t know specifically how you would get to Pacaya Volcano from Antigua by bus, but it is a worthwhile option to explore if you are on a tight budget.

The pathway up Pacaya Volcano was very wide and easy to follow. You are not going to get lost trekking up the volcano with a community guide regardless of whether you speak Spanish or not.

It is much more a question of preference and budget. We prefer the type of tour that we took as it provided us with lots of comfort and support, but there is no reason that you would need a bilingual guide or private vehicle to do this epic hike up Pacaya Volcano.

Pacaya Volcano is an exciting destination and one that I would highly recommend that you add to your itinerary on your next trip to Guatemala. Depending on your physical condition, it could be a difficult climb, but you can hike at your own pace or ride a horse to the top. The panoramic views from the summart are mesmerizing and will leave you speechless. It was a thrill for us to be so close to an active volcano. Definitely, it was one of our highlights of our Guatemalan trip.

If you are interested in reading more about our time in Guatemala, please refer to the articles below:

• Antigua Guatemala: 8 Reasons Why It Is Worth The Fuss ;
• Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala: Hiking Up an Active Volcano ;
• Lake Atitlan Guatemala: Unravelling Its Mysteries ;
• Lake Atitlan Activities in Guatemala: 10 Of My Favourites
• Chichicastenango Market: Was It Worth?
• Tikal Guatemala Day Trip: The Best or Worst Idea
• Lake Peten Guatemala: An Easy Going Three Day Itinerary
• 10 Day Guatemala Itinerary: A Spectacular Trip With Teens

If you would like to save this article for future use, please click on the “Save” button on the photo below.

Similar Posts

Antigua Guatemala With Teens: 8 Reasons Why They Will Love It!

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole Our family of 5 (3 teenagers aged 14, 15 and 17 years…

Lake Atitlan Guatemala: A Guide To How To Plan Your Stay

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole When I was researching our trip to Guatemala, I had the hardest…

Lake Atitlan With Teens: 10 Unforgettable Activities

Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Nicole Recently, we spent 4 days at Lake Atitlan Guatemala. Our family of…

Tikal Guatemala Day Trip: The Best or Worst Idea?

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole My family of five (3 teenagers aged 14, 15 and 17 years…

Chichicastenango Market: Was It Worth It?

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole We spent a day visiting Chichicastenango in Guatemala with our three teenagers…

Best 11 Days Guatemala Itinerary In Winter (2024)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole Initially, what I loved about our trip to Guatemala was just how…

26 Comments

Sign me up! Thanks for a very detailed and inspirational blog!

You are welcome! I can totally see your family doing this!

I loved the pictures old the old towns and churches. Ivan

Thank you. They were beautiful to see.

I would like to try hiking soon, planning it for this summer but we will see 🙂 Love your experience and I hope I will get there one day 😀

Hiking is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of a country. I think that you will enjoy it. Have fun!

I’m becoming more of a hiker, but nothing too crazy. This one sounds perfect, a day hike with a bit of a challenge, but with the reward of an awesome experience and view! It is nice to know most of the hike was in the shade too. Crazy that an 83 might climb up and down the mountain three times a day! I hope I can do that when I am that age 🙂

The Community guide was a complete inspiration to my kids. They felt a little guilty complaining about the hike when they heard that! It sounds like you would be at a perfect level for this hike, like us. Tough in certain places but ok in others and a totally awesome view at the top.

I love hiking! If I ever go to Guatemala I’m definitely going to do it. The view from the summit of Pacaya Volcano looks amazing! This is what you need as a reward for the climb!

Hiking up on Pacaya Volcano has been on my bucket list since forever. It’s something I hope to do one day and I really enjoyed this virtual tour of yours. Thank you for sharing.

You are welcome. I think that you will really enjoy yourself when you do it. It wasn’t crowded and yet, it felt safe and a wonderful way to see a lot of Guatemala.

5 km is nothing, though maybe the altitude made it slightly difficult. It seems nice, and despite not being a hiking family, I think you ended up with a nice memory 🙂

It was amazing and well worth the climb. We have lots of great memories from that day.

How fun does this look?! I love a good adventurous hike!

It sounds like you would love this hike then!

It looks like a very exciting experience. I can relate to this as I have visited some active volcanos in Sicily, Italy!

I had no idea there are currently active volcanos in Italy. I’d love to go to Sicily for a number of reasons and now, to go hike up another active active volcano.

What an incredible family adventure you guys had! I’ve not yet been to Guatemala and honestly am not the best hiker. However, saying that, those views are amazing, and I bet you felt so good to do it and accomplish this. Your guide sounds like a sweet and knowledgeable guy too!

I feel basically the same way – i’m not the best hiker. But, I’ve learnt that so many of these hikes give you experiences that you wouldn’t have if you didn’t do it. This was one of them. The views were incredible and we felt so accomplished once we were done. And yes, he was very sweet 83 year old man.

I heard that Acatenango is a very tough hike. I think that you would find Pacaya Volcano quite easy after that!

If I didn’t already have a reason to go – now I have more. Guatemala has always been on my top places to visit mainly because my good friends were Guatemalan.

Having friends from a country is one of the best reasons to go visit. How wonderful if you could get a tour of the country with locals!

Nice post!! It’s useful and helpful article for me. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you! Enjoy the hike!

For me and my husband personally, Antigua, Guatemala has to be one of the most beautiful places we have ever gone, and its something we’ll treasure forever

I agree. It is truly a gem. It is such a beautiful town in Guatemala.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

DOWNLOAD THE ITINERARY

• Email Address *

• BACKPACKERS WANDERLUST - AN AWARD WINNING TRAVEL BLOG
• Work With Me | Backpackers Wanderlust

• DISCLOSURE & PRIVACY POLICY
• United States
• Cook Islands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Accommodation Goals
• Budget And Cost Of Travel
• Foodie Goals
• Packing & Planning
• Travel Inspiration
• Volunteering Abroad
• Working & Studying Abroad
• Other Travel Tips

Guatemala , Central America

Pacaya volcano hike: difficulty, what to expect & top tips 2024.

If you are looking for an easier Volcano trek in Guatemala then the Pacaya Volcano hike is the perfect choice. With the help of this guide find out everything you need to know including Pacaya Volcano hike difficulty, costs, what tour to book, what to expect, weather, and so much more!

Now if you are in Antigua and looking to get into nature hiking Pacaya Volcano is a perfect option. The Pacyaya Volcano hike is a fun and adventurous activity for travelers who want to experience one of Guatemala’s natural wonders.

You will trek up the side of the volcano, through forests, and over sandy trails until you reach the top and are welcomed by the steam vents and hot rocks.

Guatemala is a country with 37 volcanoes, three of which are still active. One of the most popular and accessible volcanoes to hike is Pacaya, located about an hour and a half drive from both Guatemala City and Antigua.

Pacaya is an active volcano that erupted in 2021 but don’t expect to see any red-hot lava coming out of the peak. Instead, you will walk through the rocky lava fields and feel the heat of the volcanic rock. You can even toast marshmallows on the hot stones if you bring some graham crackers and chocolate.

Though there are also some other things, or limitations you should also consider before deciding whether hiking Pacaya Volcano is the right choice for you.

In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know for the Pacaya volcano hike, including the difficulty level, the best time to go, the prices, the safety tips, what to pack, and more.

Pacaya Volcano Hike Difficulty & Travel Tips

Table of contents.

TAKE YOUR TRIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL …

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Guatemala: GuateGo

The Basics Of Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America at a height of 2552 meters. It first erupted over 23,000 years ago and has been erupting frequently since 1965. The most recent eruption was in March 2021, when it spewed ash and lava up to 1,500 meters high.

These are those incredible photos you will often see online, but in reality, it isn’t like that anymore.

The volcano has two main peaks: Cerro Chino and Cerro Grande. The former is an extinct cone that offers a panoramic view of the surroundings, while the latter is the active cone that emits steam and gas.

The hike usually takes you to the base of Cerro Grande, where you can see the lava flows and feel the heat of the rocks. Sometimes, depending on the volcanic activity and the weather conditions, you can also hike to Cerro Chino or to a viewpoint near the crater.

Pacaya Hike Difficulty: How Fit Do You Need To Be?

The Pacaya hike is considered a medium-difficulty hike, but it can be challenging due to the steepness, the altitude, and the soft sand terrain. You will need a good level of fitness and endurance to complete the hike without too much struggle. You will also need comfortable shoes, water, and sunscreen.

I actually decided to do this hike as a test of how I would cope with hiking Acatenango Volcano. Now honestly one of my first concerns with hiking full stop is the difficulty. I mean I have trekked the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal , but that was a couple of years ago.

I have always been a plus-size traveler, but nowadays I work from my laptop and fitness is a bit of an afterthought if I am honest. Also, prior to this adventure, I had spent a few days in Semuc Champey where I got terrible food poisoning thanks to Mcdonald’s.

Seriously it’s ironic that is what gets me sick. So after spending a couple of days in a private room semi-recovering, I made the journey to Antigua where my body and energy levels were quite depleted. Though about a week later I decided to test my luck with the Pacaya Volcano hike.

Luckily I didn’t find it too bad, I simply went at my own pace and was about 5 or so minutes behind the rest of our group.

The hike starts with a gentle slope through a forested area, don’t be fooled, this is the easy part. After about 20 minutes, you will reach a checkpoint where you have to show your bracelet that proves you paid the entrance fee. Then, the trail becomes steeper and more rocky as you enter the lava fields.

The last part of the hike is the most difficult, as you have to climb over large boulders and loose gravel. You will also feel the effects of the altitude more as you get closer to the top. The trail ends at a flat area where you can rest and enjoy the views of the volcano and its surroundings.

You can also toast some marshmallows on the hot rocks or explore some nearby caves.

If you find the hike too hard or too tiring, you have some options to make it easier. You can rent a horse at the park entrance or basically anywhere along the way as they will follow you up. You can also buy a walking stick for Q5 ($0.7) at the parking lot.

The stick will help you balance and support yourself on uneven terrain and is something I strongly recommend.

All in all, like any good hike it is more about determination and stamina. You just need to put on some good music, look down, and put one foot in front of the other. You will see people of all ages, and sizes, completing the Pacaya Volcano hike.

What Company To Book With & Prices

There are many companies that offer guided tours to Pacaya volcano from Antigua or Guatemala City. The tours usually include transportation, entrance fee, guide fee, and sometimes lunch or snacks. The prices vary depending on the company, but they range from Q150 / $20.00 to Q300 / $40.00 per person.

Now I would tell you what company I booked with if I could, but I honestly can’t. See this isn’t an overly dangerous trek, like Acatenango may be considered, I just booked the one on offer through my hostel, Maya Papaya .

This cost me Q150 / $19.20 and did not include the entry fee which is an additional Q50 / $6.40 per person.

Here is a little breakdown of what I found were the most popular companies travelers seem to book with, as well as their pros and cons:

As you can see there is a large price difference between these reputable companies and a cheap one I booked with a completely random tour operator. Depending on the company you book with the entry fee to the park will either be included or not.

It is an additional 50Q / $6.20 payable in quetzales at the registration office.

Overall the Companies should all include:

• Transfers to and from Antigua to the start of the hike
• Marshmallows to toast at the top
• Local guides (though their English may not be the best so don’t expect a huge speech about the scientific details of volcanos)

If you are interested in booking through Get Your Guide you can do so by clicking one of the activities below:

Best Time To Hike Pacaya Volcano

There are two distinct seasons that occur in Guatemala and you will either be doing the Pacaya Volcano in the dry season or the wet season. It is important to know you can do this hike all year round.

Dry Season (November to April): The dry season is no doubt the most popular time to do the Pacaya Volcano hike, though that is because this is the most popular time to travel the country as a whole. You can expect minimal clouds and excellent views. Though you will find large crowds as well as higher prices.

Wet Season (May to October): During the rainy season, there is more chance of rain and clouds, which means lower visibility and more slippery hiking conditions. However, the rainy season is also a low season for tourism, which means fewer crowds on the trail and lower prices for tours and accommodation.

The time of day also affects your hiking Pacaya Volcano experience in terms of temperature, visibility, and crowds.

There are two main options which are either a morning hike leaving Antigua at 6 am or the afternoon hike leaving at 2 pm.

A morning has some advantages such as cooler temperatures, better visibility, fewer crowds, and more wildlife. However, you do have to wake up early. An afternoon hike means starting late and reaching the top before sunset. Though you do risk lower visibility and have to deal with more crowds.

I did the afternoon tour and honestly, if I were to do it again I would do the morning. It was completely clouded during our entire hike and we had zero views. When I caught up with my friend who had done it in the morning she had beautiful clear views with the most stunning photos showing off the valley below.

How Long Does The Pacaya Volcano Hike Take

The hike itself is set over 5 kilometers return and typically takes around 3 hours return, though you will also get a 30-minute or so rest stop at the top. No matter what company you decide to book with they all sort of follow a similar itinerary which is as follows:

• Driving time from Antigua: about 1 hour 30 minutes each way
• Hiking time from San Francisco de Sales to Cerro Grande base: about 2 hours
• Resting time at Cerro Grande base: about 30 minutes
• Hiking time from Cerro Grande base to San Francisco de Sales: about 1 hour
• Driving time from San Francisco de Sales back to Antigua: 1 hour 30 minutes

Overall it is best to set aside around 6 hours for the tour including your return transport to Antigua. Be aware depending on the time of day you can also hit traffic on the roads.

Hiring Horses & Porters For The Pacaya Volcano Hike

Now if you are a bit like me and doubting your abilities to complete the Pacaya Volcano hike you may want to pay for some extra assistance to increase the likelihood of finishing. Luckily this is certainly an option in the form of horses and porters.

Horses On The Pacaya Volcano Hike

Horses are available at the entrance of the park and can take you up and down the trail for about Q300 / $40.00. Even if you change your mind you can find horses pretty far up the hiking trail.

Now I researched all options, including taking a horse up, prior to booking my tour. Though as a plus size traveler, if I do not ethically feel comfortable riding a horse at sea level, on a flat surface, why would this be okay to do so at an altitude up the side of a volcano?

Nevertheless, the locals looking after the horse were determined I was going to cave in and hire one. They literally followed me for a full hour, which is crazy in itself!

There is nothing more annoying than the horses on the trail. From constantly having to dodge horse poo, getting stuck behind them, or having them follow you relentlessly.

In my opinion, this hike would be a lot better without horses on the trail, though I understand that is the livelihood of the local community, so it is up to you whether to support this or not.

Hiring A Porter On The Pacaya Volcano Hike

Now because this is simply a short day hike and you won’t be carrying much there aren’t really porters on the trail. This service is much more common in the nearby Acatenango Volcano hike especially because you are expected to bring everything for 2 days and water up with you.

Can You Do The Acatenango Volcano Hike Without A Tour Company

The answer is yes, but it is not recommended. You can reach the park on your own by renting a car or taking a few different local buses. Though once you arrive at the park, you will need to pay an entrance fee of Q50 / $6.40 and a guide fee of 200 / $26.00.

You cannot hike Pacaya volcano without a guide, as it is required by the park authorities for safety reasons.

If you are interested intaking a private shuttle from Antigua it costs about Q200 / $26.00 per person round trip. You can also take a public bus from Antigua to Escuintla for Q10 / $1.30 per person and then another bus from Escuintla to San Vicente Pacaya for Q15 / $2.00 per person.

From there, you can take a tuk-tuk to San Francisco de Sales for Q10 $1.30 per person.

Is Hiking Acatenango Volcano Safe

Hiking Pacaya volcano is generally safe as long as you follow some basic rules and precautions. The most common risks are:

• Altitude sickness: This can affect anyone who is not used to high altitudes and can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. To prevent altitude sickness, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, eat light but energizing food, and ascend slowly.
• Dehydration: The hike can be hot, especially during the dry season (November to April). To prevent dehydration, drink at least 2 liters of water during the hike and bring electrolyte drinks or tablets if possible.
• Sunburn: The sun can be very strong at high altitudes and can cause sunburn even on cloudy days. To prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and long sleeves.
• Injuries: The trail can be rocky, slippery, and uneven in some parts. To prevent injuries, wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip, use a walking stick if needed, and watch your step.
• Eruptions: Pacaya volcano is active and erupts frequently, but usually only emits small amounts of ash and gas that are not harmful. However, there is always a possibility of a larger eruption that could pose a danger to hikers. To prevent being caught off guard by an eruption, listen to your guide’s instructions, stay on the marked trail, and avoid getting too close to the crater.

I have trekked at altitude before so I know how my body reacts to changes in oxygen levels, and I knew this trek would not be an issue for me. Though unfortunately for many people this will be their first experience hiking at altitude.

To prevent any side effects from happening to you, you should spend a few days in Antigua prior to doing this hike. This means no, don’t travel to Antigua from the sea-level town of El Paredon, then decide to hike Pacaya the following day.

Hiking Pacaya volcano is safe as long as you are prepared, informed, and respectful of nature. If you have any doubts or concerns about your health or safety during the hike, consult your doctor or guide before going.

My Experience On The Pacaya Volcano Hike

Now to get into my experience hiking Pacaya Volcano, so you can learn from my mistake. No seriously, if I had seen what incredible views I was missing out on from all the clouds, I would’ve been quite bummed.

Though, those who don’t know won’t know, so I was happy enough scrunching my marshmallows into hot steam vents. Nevertheless, let’s get into it.

As I previously mentioned I had booked my Pacaya Volcano tour through my hostel, so after a busy morning at Spanish School and a quick lunch I found myself patiently waiting for pick up.

Luckily it did not take too long until a large white minibus rumbled down the cobblestone streets stopping outside my hostel. I jumped onboard and chose a seat while we continued driving around town picking up more passengers.

Soon enough we were making our way out of the city, along backroads and towards the highway. Honestly, the drive was rather uneventful but did take a decent amount of time.

Luckily enough we soon pulled into a little muddy parking lot, and boys selling sticks seemed to appear from nowhere. From my very limited research I knew getting a walking stick would be beneficial, so I splashed out the Q10 / $1.30.

Sure I could have haggled for a cheaper price, but what’s the point? After a quick bathroom break in some questionable-looking toilets, it was time to hit the trail as we trodded up a well-worn dirt road.

Luckily enough this part was flat for the most part and I easily kept up with the rest of the group. Walking past little homes, and fields we reach the checkpoint after about 20 minutes where we pay our entry fee.

Unfortunately, this is where the horses and their owners show up and literally walk with us for the next hour.

Seriously in our group of 15 or so people, there are 5 horses and their owners walking along beside us. Up and down all the hills, and every time we take a breather they stop as well, of course. Also being the only plus-size person in the group I am their ideal target, surely this girl can’t make it up.

Though they don’t know I am stubborn, and the constant dodging of horse poo, as well as horses has put me off the idea even more. Even if I wanted one I wouldn’t out of spite.

Nevertheless, a few people in our group hire the horses and I hang back a little bit going at my own pace. Basically, when the group stops for a drink I catch up, they walk off and repeat the cycle. It is quite steep in sections and the sand-like terrain is soft, but there is minimal grip.

Eventually, I reach a large house where horses are tied up and the trail goes from being a dirt road to an extremely rocky path. This is where the walking sticks come in handy.

I traverse down the trail to the rest of the group where we grab some marshmallows and start cooking them on the extremely hot rocks. It’s a weird feeling when the air around you is so cold, but the ground is warm.

After a snack and break we continue on a bit further where there is a view of the top of Pacaya, supposedly. Right now clouds cover absolutely everything around us.

We wait here for 15 minutes in hopes the clouds will clear, and thankfully they do so we can see the top of Pacaya. Of course, out comes the Guatemala flag for plenty of photos!

After everyone has taken their obligatory shots, and the sun is beginning to set, we start heading back the way we came just as it’s getting darker. By the time we have reached the large building on the dirt road, we are surrounded by the night.

Luckily I had brought along my head torch, so I turned that on and began navigating my way down the side of the volcano.

Honestly downhill is a hell of a lot easier, though it can be super slippery in parts due to the loose sand. It’s a mixture of let’s go faster I’m not tired, and slow down I am going to fall.

Luckily it doesn’t take too long to get back to the carpark where I leave my hiking sticks for the entrepreneurial boys to sell again, use the bathroom, buy some snacks, and jump back onboard for a sleepy drive back to Antigua.

What To Pack For Hiking Pacaya Volcano

Packing for hiking Pacaya volcano can be tricky because you need to be ready for different weather conditions and temperatures. The weather can change quickly from sunny and hot to cloudy and cold depending on the season and time of day.

The temperature can also vary from 25°C at the bottom to 0°C at the top.

Here is a list of essential items that you should pack for hiking Pacaya Volcano:

• Backpack- A comfortable backpack that can fit all your belongings without being too heavy or bulky.
• Water bottle- A reusable water bottle that can hold at least 2 liters of water.
• Snacks- Some snacks that are light but energizing such as nuts, dried fruits, granola bars, or chocolate.
• Sun protection- Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, sunglasses with UV protection, hat with a brim, and long sleeves.
• Warm clothing- A fleece jacket or sweater, a windbreaker or rain jacket, gloves, and a beanie.
• Hiking shoes- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip that are broken in before the hike.
• Walking stick- A walking stick that can help you balance and reduce pressure on your knees. Though you can hire one when you first arrive.
• Flashlight- A flashlight or headlamp that can help you see in the dark if you are on an afternoon hike.
• Camera- A camera that can capture the stunning views of Pacaya volcano and Fuego volcano.
• Marshmallows- Marshmallows that you can toast on the heat of the volcanic rock for a sweet treat.

Some tour companies may provide some of these items in their package price. Check with your tour company before packing to avoid bringing unnecessary items.

Other Things To Do In Antigua

Now in the few weeks, I spent in Antigua I absolutely fell in love with this gorgeous city. Apart from doing the Acatenango Volcano hike, there are also plenty of other things to do here:

Learn Spanish: There are so many places in Guatemala you can learn Spanish, though I choose Antigua and found it was perfect. You could be studying in the morning and exploring in the afternoon. One day I even hiked a volcano after school!

Acatenango Volcano Hike: This is the longer and harder of the two volcano hikes you can do. It’s an overnight adventure where you can watch Fuego Volcano erupt right opposite your camp. No doubt this is one of the most spectacular things I have ever done.

Explore The Ruins: Now prior to visiting I never knew Antigua was full of incredible ruins. My favorites were Convento Capuchinas and Convento La Recoleccion. Though there are numerous spots dotted around the city worth checking out.

Shopping: I loved the handicrafts in Guatemala and Antigua is an excellent place to purchase them. If you don’t like haggling and prefer to buy somewhere with fixed prices I can recommend Nim Po’t. Seriously I could spend hours exploring this place.

Hobbitenango : Being from New Zealand I thought the idea of Hobbitenango was kind of strange, and it is, but still it’s worth a visit. Here you still find Instagram spots, incredible views, and many games. Just best not to visit on a weekend.

Where To Stay In Antigua?

I absolutely love Antigua, no doubt it was one of my favorite spots in Guatemala, and I would happily move here to live among the Volcanos. You commonly will find hotels and restaurants with the most incredible views of the valley, where you can even see the Acatenago Volcano erupting on a clear night.

There is an excellent hostel scene here in Antigua , and they are very high-quality hostels as well. You will be able to find pod-style dorm rooms, cool common rooms playing Netflix, onsite bars, kitchens to cook in, and some even have pools.

Though I will say that it can be hard to find a dorm room here with air conditioning, and depending on the time of year you visit it can be quite warm.

Personally, I stayed at Maya Papaya hostel in Antigua, I even loved it so much that I booked 4 separate stays there over my month in the country. The staff are lovely, the beds are comfortable, and there’s a super clean fully equipped kitchen, awesome location, and chill hangout areas.

Be aware that the nicer hostels here can be on the pricey side where you will easily be paying upwards of $20.00 per night.

My partner actually joined me partway through my adventures in Guatemala and we often found it was cheaper to book a nice guesthouse, rather than two hostel beds. This was even more so when booking last minute when you can often find good deals on booking.com.

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

Want more Guatemala Inspiration? Check out….

• ACATENANGO VOLCANO HIKE: TOP TIPS TO SUCCEED
• BEST HOSTELS IN EL PAREDON
• ANTIGUA TO EL PAREDON TRANSPORT GUIDE
• CAN YOU SWIM IN LAKE ATITLAN?
• EL PAREDON BACKPACKING GUIDE
• BEST HOSTELS IN LAKE ATITLAN
• PANAJACHEL TO SAN PEDRO & THE TOWNS BETWEEN: WATER TAXI LAKE ATITLAN
• 4 DAYS IN ANTIGUA ITINERARY

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Related Posts

The 8 BEST Hostels In Lake Atitlan: My Favorites (2024)

Come find out my best hostels in Lake Atitlan for the perfect lakeside stay. This [...]

Flores To Semuc Champey: How To Make The 10 Hour Journey

Come check out exactly how to travel from Flores to Semuc Champey in Guatemala. These [...]

Is Flores Guatemala Worth Visiting? All You Need To Know

Let’s find out is Flores Guatemala worth visiting. Depending on where you start your travels [...]

Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pacaya Volcano Hike: How to Do the Pacaya Volcano Tour From Antigua, Guatemala

Wondering how to do the popular Pacaya volcano tour from Antigua? You’re in the right place! I’m going to tell you everything about doing the Pacaa volcano hike in Guatemala.

Before I visited Guatemala, it didn’t even cross my mind that toasting a marshmallow in an active volcano was actually a thing. I’m glad to tell you it absolutely is a thing and the Pacaya hike 100% needs to be on your Guatemala bucket list.

The Pacaya tour is one of the most popular day trips from Antigua. Walk into any of the adventure tour outlets and ask to do the affectionately named ‘Marshmallow Hike’, they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about. Let’s go!

Some of the links on Meet Me In Departures are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

The Pacaya Volcano Tour From Antigua

The easiest place to hike Pacaya volcano is from the stunning UNESCO city of Antigua. 

The ancient capital of Guatemala is surrounded by volcanoes, a number of them are still active and Pacaya (aka Volcan de Pacaya) is one of them. 

There are quite a few options to do the volcano Pacaya hike; including a Sunrise tour or the Sunset tour.

Is It Worth Hiking Pacaya Volcano?

In a word, yes! The Pacaya volcano hike in Guatemala is certainly worthy of your attention. 

Whichever Pacaya volcano hike tour you opt for, you won’t be disappointed. 

You’ll have outstanding views of the surrounding valley and experience the epicness of actually walking across the lava field of an active volcano. 

This popular Guatemala volcano tour is also one of the most accessible in the region, meaning you don’t have to have an athlete’s level of fitness to do it. 

Pacaya Volcano Facts

The very much active Volcan de Pacaya is approximately 45km from Antigua. Frequent small eruptions happen around every 5 years, with the last major eruption happening in 2021. 

On the day I visited, it was clear enough to see up to the crater and see a faint glow and boulders being spewed out of the top.

Book Here: Half-Day Pacaya Sunset Hike with Marshmallow Toasting, Guide and Transportation

What Type of Volcano Is Pacaya?

Here’s some sciency-bits about volcano Pacaya, Guatemala

Pacaya is what’s known as a composite volcano, featuring a combination of geological features. These include an older stratovolcano, domes, flows, tephra, and a more recent basaltic stratovolcano. 

This formation has evolved over the past 23,000 years in the volcanic region of Guatemala. The volcano’s composite nature happened because of successive eruptions which caused a build-up of layers of different materials, resulting in its unique characteristics.

Is Pacaya Volcano Dangerous?

Pacaya Volcano is an active and therefore, potentially dangerous volcano. It’s located in Guatemala’s volcanic arc, which has a history of eruptions causing serious threats to nearby communities and infrastructure. 

When Was the Last Pacaya Volcano Eruption?

The last major eruption of Pacaya happened between 2020 and 2021. Lava flow started on 29th April 2020 and travelled over 2 km before the fissure’s activity came to an end on 17th May the following year.

Pacaya Volcano Hike – Know Before You Go

If you’re planning on climbing Pacaya volcano, there are probably plenty of questions you have. In this section, I delve into things that people ask before doing a Volcan de Pacaya tour

Where Is Pacaya National Park?

Pacaya National Park is also known as Parque Nacional Volcán de Pacaya y Laguna de Calderas or Volcán de Pacaya y Laguna de Calderas National Park.

It’s located in Guatemala and encompasses the active Pacaya Volcano and the Calderas Lagoon which offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders of this volcanic region.

Location of Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala

The volcano is located inside Volcán de Pacaya y Laguna de Calderas National Park. If you do a Pacaya tour from Antigua, it will include transportation to the park. It can be a little challenging getting to the park without your own transportation.

The city of Antigua is at an elevation of 5,000 ft (1.5km) above sea level. So if you’ve just arrived in the region, altitude sickness might be a problem. Spend a few days acclimatising before going on a hike.

Getting to the Pacaya Volcano From Antigua

To reach Pacaya Volcano from Antigua, Guatemala, you can take a guided tour or arrange private transportation. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

The drive starts smooth and then turns into a bumpy and windy track. You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful views of the countryside along the way. There’s a car park at the entrance to the Pacaya Guatemala hike. 

How Long Does It Take To Hike Pacaya Volcano?

Naturally, this will depend on the speed at which you’re walking. Typically allow between 90 minutes – 2 hours to reach the top and much less for the journey down.

Our group had a mix of ages and fitness levels and at no point did anyone feel pressured to keep up. 

We just went at a comfortable level with plenty of breaks. Regardless of your fitness level, you’ll want to keep stopping anyway to look at the view while you’re climbing Pacaya volcano in Guatemala, – the scenery is stunning!

Pacaya Volcano Hike Difficulty

The Pacaya volcano hike is classed as an altitude hike so you’d want a reasonable level of fitness to be comfortable. If you have lower levels of fitness or respiratory problems, take this into account.

The elevation gain during the Pacaya hike in Guatemala is around 1500ft (approx 1/2 a kilometre). This will take you up to around about 7700ft (approx 2.3km) above sea level in total. 

The total height of Pacaya volcano is 8373 ft (approx 2.5km). Don’t worry, you’re not going all the way to the top!

There is a sign at the entrance that states it’s a medium to difficult hike, although I have done much tougher hikes than this before. 

In my personal view, it was a moderate challenge.

If you need them, walking poles are available to rent at the start of the hike as well as horses to ride up, or to take the return journey on.

Best Time to Hike Pacaya Volcano

Volcan de Pacaya tours happen all year round. However, the best season to do the Pacaya Volcano Hike is from November to January, which is just before the dry season. 

During this time there will still be plenty of greenery about as well as flowers which makes the walk a bit more picturesque.

From January onwards (the dry season), it will be substantially hotter, dustier and dryer.

Best Volcan Pacaya Tour

If you don’t have your own transportation or are not accustomed to hiking, then I highly recommend booking one of the tours. 

Here are two of the best Pacaya Volcano tours. I opted for the sunset tour. Both of these tours include transfers and guides. 

Pacaya Volcano Tour and Hot Springs

This tour features a hike up to an active Pacaya volcano. You’ll be amazed by the stunning views of the fiery lava and the lush greenery. And after the hike, you’ll get to relax and pamper yourself with a thermal circuit. It’s the perfect way to experience nature and wellness at the same time.

Half Day Pacaya Volcano Marshmallows Tour

This trekking tour starts later in the day and takes you to the best spots to see the sunset from. This is the iconic hike that is suitable for most people who can hike (children can take part in this trail). Once at the lava field at the top, you’ll get to experience the heat of the landscape and toast a marshmallow in the ground .

Pacaya Volcano Tour Prices

The prices for Volcan Pacaya tours vary depending on which tour you opt for. Starting prices are around $35 for a half-day tour with transportation, but then you’ll often have to purchase an admission ticket separately. 

Prices for a full-day private tour are in the region of about $70. 

Before you book your Pacaya tour make sure you know what’s included in the price.

Can I Do the Volcano Pacaya Hike Without a Guide?

You could organise your own Pacaya volcano hike if you had your own transportation to get from Antigua to the start of the trail  – it’s about 45km away, although it takes about 1hr 20 along the bumpy road. 

Also, to hike Pacaya volcano, you’d want to be a confident hiker as this is classed as a moderately difficult hiker.

There is a car park at the foot of the trail. The route up was also very clearly defined until you got to the boulder field, then it was a bit of a free-for-all to wander about. 

If you do decide to hike alone, it’s always sensible to tell your accommodation that you are going to do the Pacaya volcano hike in case you have any problems.

Pacaya Volcano Entrance Fee

Pacaya Volcano is located in a national park, and the entrance fee is 100 Quetzales, which is equivalent to less than $13.

What to Pack for Your Volcano Pacaya Tour

There are several things I recommend taking when it comes to hiking volcanoes in Guatemala. The temperature can vary big time, it can be warm at the base, but chilly and breezy at the top. 

If you’re wondering what to wear on the Pacaya Volcano hike, here are my suggestions:

• It can be chilly all year round. So wear layers! regardless of the time of the year, if you are doing the Pacaya volcano hike, you’ll need them. The wind at the top can be quite cool so take some sort of windproof jacket.
• I get cold hands easily, so I always take my thin running gloves just as a lightweight layer of protection against the wind. I was certainly the envy of the others who didn’t have gloves.
• Naturally, make sure you’re wearing a breathable and comfortable pair of walking shoes. You WILL get grit inside your shoes. Also, go for shoes with a thick sole – the lava field is really spikey so you’ll be able to feel every boulder with just thin tennis shoes. 
• You can not drink the water straight from the taps in Guatemala, so make sure you pack your water purification water bottle which means you can fill up from the taps without getting sick. It’s also worth taking some snacks with you. 

What to Expect on the Volcan Pacaya Tour

I opted for the sunset hike to Pacaya Volcano. Each type of tour will differ slightly, but essentially, you’ll all be taking the same route up. My tour started in Antigua. Here’s what to expect when you tour Volcan Pacaya .

Transfer From Antigua to El Volcan Pacaya Parque

Most of the tours will start in Antigua with a central pickup. 

This was followed by a 1hr 20minute drive in our minivan with dubious suspension, to the car parking area at the start of Pacaya trail.

The parking spot at San Francisco de Sales, is also where you’ll find your last ‘decent’ – I use that word in its loosest sense –  toilet stop. There’s also a small shop selling some overpriced bottles of water and snacks – word to the wise – take your own!

As soon as you step out of the van you’ll be bombarded by a hoard of children (cuteness sells!) trying to either rent you a horse or a walking pole. Cute as they are, pester power is the name of the game here.

Start the Upward Climb

You’ll start to make your way up the dusty trail, followed by your entourage of kids (and their respective adults) who follow you up the volcano a little way behind. They will be frequently offering you a horse or pole if it looks like your struggling. 

You certainly can’t knock them for perseverance – it didn’t feel like we were being harassed either, they did keep their distance…until you stopped.

I talked about wearing layers of clothing earlier in this article, well you’ll be thankful for them now. 

The heat of the sun twinned with walking means when you’re not in the wind, you get quite warm. Don’t forget to take regular stops to rehydrate, at my time of visiting it was incredibly dry, it’s thirsty work. 

It’s also worth stopping to take in the incredible panoramic views.

Usually, there are vendors along the route, and there is certainly evidence of them, however on the day I did the hike, we only saw their vacant stalls.

The Lava Store near the top of Pacaya, unfortunately, was closed.

Fascinating Nuggets of Information

Your guide will give you plenty of information and stories along the way as well as point out surrounding volcanos, some of them smoking away in the distance.

Remember the Volcano Fuego eruption from 2018 which left at least 190 people dead and a further 256 missing? well, you can see her in the distance whilst you’re doing the Pacaya volcano hike.

The Lava Field

Eventually, you’ll reach the lava field. In my head, this is exactly what the surface of the Moon would look like. 

The dark reddish-grey rocks and boulders here are sharp, jagged and pitted with holes. It’s a good idea to wear something that covers your ankles to save them from getting scratched up. Those wearing thin-soled tennis shoes said they certainly felt it on their feet too!

The lava field is the highest part of the hike. You can see the crater of Pacaya volcano, but you can not go up. In all honesty, you wouldn’t want to either, we could see it churning out lumps of rock that were being spewed in all directions.

You’ll get to spend a decent amount of time up in the lava field. 

Depending on the time of day you do the Pacaya Volcano hike you might find it either in the shade of the volcano or with a chill breeze whipping about. You’ll be thankful for your windbreak layer up here. 

Marshmallow Toasting

Because this volcano is so active, it’s this which keeps the surrounding boulder field warm.

Granted, it’s not hot on the surface and in fact, when you’re out of the sun, the breeze makes it quite chilly up here. However, under the surface, the rocks are still warm enough to toast a marshmallow.

Your guide will lead you over to a little hole dug out of the rocks, the hole is about 1m deep. 

To prove that the rocks were still warm, we were handed one which was taken from inside the hole. These are nature’s answers to a hot water bottle, although I’m not convinced I’d be in any hurry to curl up with this sharp rock in my bed!

So you know how I obsessed about the marshmallow toasting being a thing at the start? Here’s where it happens and for many the highlight of the Pacaya mountain hike.

You get given a stick and a marshmallow before gathering around one of the holes to hover it into, where you sit and wait.

In all honesty, it is gimmicky, but I loved it! I never thought I’d toast a marshmallow in a volcano, I didn’t even realise it was a ‘thing’. So as novel as it is, not many people can say they’ve done this, it’s certainly one I added and ticked off my bucket list!

The Hike Back Down

When you’re finished with the marshmallow toasting, you’ll begin the journey down. Because our tour went later in the day, the sun was beginning to set. 

This created an orange haze in the ash that was being kicked up by our steps. This made for some beautifully ethereal-looking photos of silhouettes against the sun.

You’ll probably find that the ash gets into EVERY orifice it can find – up your nose, in your pockets and down your shoes. I hadn’t banked on getting my feet exfoliated while doing the volcano hike to Pacaya. 

Even if you do stop to empty your shoes, within a few minutes of walking, they are filled up with ash again.

Homeward Bound

Eventually leaving the ashy trail behind, you’ll get back to the minivan for the journey back to Antigua. Despite the bumpy journey home, you’ll have this relaxed feeling about you.

Back in Antigua, you’ll spend the rest of the day dislodging the dust and ash from everywhere imaginable, think of them as a little memento from the most outstanding experience.

Pacaya Volcano Hike in Guatemala – FAQs

I’ve covered a lot of details about what to expect on a Pacaya Volcano tour from Antigua, however, you might still have some questions. This final section answers some of the common questions that come up about doing this hike. 

What Is Pacaya in Guatemala?

Pacaya is an active volcano located in Guatemala, Central America. It is one of the country’s most prominent and frequently erupting volcanoes. The volcano is part of Pacaya National Park and offers visitors the opportunity to witness volcanic activity and experience the remarkable landscapes surrounding the area.

What’s the Pacaya Volcano Hike Distance?

The Pacaya Volcano hike distance is approximately 2.5 to 3.5 kilometres (1.5 to 2.2 miles) each way, depending on the specific trail taken. The hike typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit.

What Other Volcano Hike in Guatemala Is Worth Doing?

If you’re interested in hiking Guatemala’s volcanoes and you want something more challenging, then the nearby Volcan Acatenango Hike is a great alternative.

What’s the Easiest Guatemala Volcano Tour?

The easiest Guatemala volcano trek is the Pacaya Volcano. It is suitable for most fitness levels and offers guided tours from Antigua or nearby areas. The hike provides incredible views of the volcanic landscapes without requiring advanced hiking skills, making it accessible and enjoyable for many visitors.

What’s the Best Pacaya Volcano Tour From Antigua?

The best Pacaya Volcano tour from Antigua offers a guided trek to experience the volcano up close. Book a tour that includes knowledgeable guides, transportation to and from Antigua, and options to experience the thermal circuit or sunset views from the volcano’s peak for the best experience. 

When Is the Best Time to Hike Pacaya Volcano?

The best time to climb Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. This season has more stable weather conditions, making the trek safer and providing clearer views of the surrounding landscapes and volcanic activity.

When Was the Last Pacaya Guatemala Volcano Eruption?

The last eruption of Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala happened between 2020 and 2021. During that time, a lava flow began on 29th April and continued until 17th May 2021. 

Can I Do a Pacaya Volcano Tour From Guatemala City?

Yes! During this full-day trip from Guatemala City to Pacaya Volcano you’ll hike to the top with a friendly guide and see the lava field and Pacaya crater. You’ll also enjoy views of Fuego, Agua, and Acatenango volcanoes.

Thinking of Doing the Pacaya Hike?

Interested in doing a not-too-technical volcano hike in Guatemala? Then I 100% recommend doing the Pacaya Volcano hike.

You will get to see an active volcano, walk on lava rocks, toast marshmallows on hot vents, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. 

The Pacaya tour is also well-organized, safe, and fun. Trust me, you will not regret doing this volcano hike in Guatemala.  It is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will never forget!

Planning on travelling around Guatemala or Central America? Read more inspirational articles…

• The Best Guatemala 2 Week Itinerary
• Tikal Runs Sunrise Tour, Guatemala
• Exploring the Mysteries of the ATM Cave in Belize
• Discovering the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza

Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed DIY travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a solo traveller on a mission to experience the best adventures our fabulous little planet offers. I love creating my own itineraries that focus on unforgettable experiences, from climbing mountains and scuba diving to spotting wildlife and exploring ancient ruins.

When I'm not on an adventure, you'll probably find me sipping coffee or with a glass of wine in hand, planning my next journey.

Come with me on my travels, as you plan yours

Everything You Need to Know for the Pacaya Volcano Hike in Guatemala

This post might contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you buy through my site. I appreciate your support of my site.

In a country with 37 volcanoes it’s no surprise that one of the top things to do in Guatemala is to climb one of those volcanoes. Not all of the volcanoes can be hiked and some are safer than others. You’ll want to add at least one volcano hike to your Guatemala itinerary . 

Pacaya Volcano (​​Volcán Pacaya) is one of the most popular Guatemala volcano hikes. Despite the number of tourists hiking Pacaya every year, I found a lot of contradictory information about the hike. Not to mention a lot of missing information as well. Seriously fellow bloggers you need to include the essentials like restroom availability! 

In this guide I will help you decide if a Pacaya Volcano hike is worth including in your Guatemala itinerary or not. I will break down everything you need to know and the different options for hiking Pacaya Volcano. 

Pacaya Volcano Hike in Guatemala 

General Information for the Pacaya Volcano Hike

Where is pacaya volcano .

The volcano is located in Parque Nacional Volcán de Pacaya about 1 hr and 15 minutes drive from both Guatemala City and Antigua. 

What is the height of Pacaya Volcano? 

The total elevation is 8,373ft (2,552 meters). You will not hike all the way to the top. The general hiking route gains about 1,500ft (457 meters). 

Is Pacaya Volcano an active volcano?

Pacaya is an active volcano that erupted in 2021. You will walk through the rocky lava fields, but don’t expect to see any red hot lava coming out of the volcano. 

Can I hike Pacaya Volcano without a guide? 

You can’t hike Pacaya Volcano without a guide. After some tourists were lost on the volcano the park started to require a guide for every group. 

How do I reach the Parque Nacional Volcan de Pacaya? 

There are two main options for visiting. 

You can arrive to the national park on your own. Upon arrival you will need to pay the entrance and guide fees. Entrance is about 100 quetzales and 200 quetzales for a guide. 

There is no public transportation to the park so unless you are renting a car you need to factor in the cost of transportation. You’ll probably be able to get an Uber to the park, but may have more difficulty getting one back. 

Your best bet is to reserve a round-trip private shuttle ahead of time. A few companies you can check for private transportation include Atitrans , GuateGo , Guatemala Transportation , and Come to Guatemala . 

Alternatively you can take a guided tour. Read each tour description carefully to see what it includes. Some tours only include transportation and do not include park entrance or admission. Other tours are all-inclusive and even provide lunch. 

Should I book a guided tour or hire a guide at the park entrance? 

Most guided tours will be at least $80 USD a person. If they are cheaper they usually do not include the guide and/or the entrance fee. 

With the cost of round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and guide fees it will be about $80 USD to arrive on your own as well. This option will be cheaper the more people you have in your group as you only need to pay the guide fee once, unlike a guided tour where each individual needs to pay separately. 

A guided tour will be easier as you can pay in credit card ahead of time, you don’t need to have as much local currency, and there is no need to worry about coordinating transportation. 

In addition, all of the local guides only speak Spanish. Even with a guided tour it’s not guaranteed, but you’ll have a better chance of an English speaking guide that way. 

What is the best guided Pacaya Volcano tour? 

I did a guided tour with Guatemalan Adventure from Antigua. Of course I only did the tour once and went with one company so I can’t say if the tour was “the best” one or not. I can share what I liked and didn’t like about the tour though. This is also what you can expect from most guided tours.  

More information about other tour options is included below. 

Guatemalan Adventure Pacaya Volcano Tour 

While the Pacaya Volcano hike with every company will differ slightly, they all follow a similar format. My experience hiking Pacaya Volcano and the following information is based on my tour with Guatemalan Adventure . 

How Much is the Guatemalan Adventure Pacaya Volcano Tour? 

Book the Guatemalan Adventure Pacaya Volcano tour online with a credit card in advance. 

Currently it is $163 USD for one person or $172 USD for two people. If you are a solo traveler you may want to book a different company or try to find another fellow solo traveler to book with to avoid paying almost the same price of two people on your own.

It is also expected to tip the driver and the guide at the end of the tour. This is not included in any guided tours. 

When is the Pacaya Volcano tour? 

One of the reasons I booked this tour was that pick-ups were at 8am from Antigua (7am from Guatemala City). Many companies left at 6am in the morning. I am not a morning person, 8am was early enough! 

Other tours were sunset tours. While it would be cool to see the sunset from the volcano I knew I didn’t want to be walking down the volcano in the dark. As that was the most challenging part for me I am thankful for that decision. 

We were told to be ready at 8am and were picked up at about 8:15am. We returned back to Antigua at about 2pm. 

What is the transportation to Pacaya Volcano? 

You will be picked up from your hotel in either Antigua or Guatemala City. We were picked up in Antigua in a van and arrived at the park about 1 hr & 15 mins later. The driver waited at the park and we returned after the hike in the same vehicle. The driver spoke English and the ride was overall comfortable.

How is the Pacaya Volcano guide?

The guide met us on arrival to the park. She spoke limited English. The other two women on our tour only spoke English and had specifically chosen the tour as it advertised an English speaking guide. Luckily my friend and I speak Spanish and were able to translate for the other hikers. 

I was happy to receive the tour in Spanish and practice my listening skills by translating everything into English. While I didn’t mind, my friend made a very valid point that we were actually doing more work then the guide and shouldn’t have had to tip the guide when we were also guiding the tour as much as she was. I don’t know what would have happened if we weren’t on the tour. If I was the two other women I would have been frustrated to pay for a service that wasn’t provided. 

The guide was friendly and provided some interesting information. Overall a guide was definitely not needed. It felt like a way for locals to earn more money from tourists and not a beneficial service. As I mention below the trail was not that difficult, no more so than moderate hikes in gigantic US national parks where someone can easily become lost. The trail was pretty easy to follow. There weren’t a lot of trail junctions or areas where hikers could wander off course. With a few signs that could be funded by the park admission there shouldn’t be any issues without a guide. Plus there are rangers on the trails. 

I hike regularly and am not used to having a guide. For me having a guide took away more than it added. I felt rushed on the hike. I would have liked to stop and enjoy the scenery for longer, sit and have some snacks, and go at my own pace. 

Will people try to sell me things at Pacaya Volcano? 

Yes!! As soon as you step out of your vehicle you will be surrounded by children trying to sell you a walking stick. They will follow you to the restrooms and to the beginning of your hike. Persistently they will tell you that a walking stick is needed.

On our route there weren’t as many horses, but children and men will also be riding the trail and asking if you want a “taxi” or an “uber”. It’s funny the first time that they call their horse an Uber, but it gets old quickly. If you want to walk, but go slow, they will follow you just in case. It’s quite annoying to have a horse right behind you. As I mentioned it adds to the overall feeling of being rushed. Even towards the top a ride of only 5 or 10 minutes will cost you about $15 USD. 

Towards the end of the hike there is also a stop at the Lava Store where you can buy locally made jewelry. 

What is the Pacaya Volcano tour route? 

The route of each guided tour varies. The photos in this post are included in chronological order of the tour route.  We went up the forest trail that was mostly dirt. We stopped in a few spots for views of surrounding lakes and volcanoes. We reached the summit of the hike where we saw the full volcano. You don’t actually climb all the way up the volcano.

Then we started heading down on a very rocky and slippery trail. This led us to a large area covered in ashes where we roasted the provided marshmallows. After a short break we continued down a different trail that was rocky, but not quite as steep. 

On the way up we didn’t pass any other hikers or groups. On the way down there were several groups going in both directions. 

Unfortunately it’s hard to tell what the route will be when booking a tour. I think I would have had a much easier time going down if our route was reversed. Our actual hiking time was about 3 hours. 

Are there restrooms at Pacaya Volcano? 

There are indoor restrooms with sinks at both ends of the hike. There was a rustic outhouse at the top (the viewing point of the volcano) that I spotted. It wasn’t mentioned, but I always notice the essentials! 

On the way down there were a few spots that looked like there could have been outhouses. Towards the end I could clearly see that a restaurant had restrooms. 

Other than the beginning and end of the hike you’ll need to keep your eye out or ask if you need a restroom as they most likely won’t be offered to you. 

Is there food at Pacaya Volcano?

Some tours include food. Ours only included the marshmallows to roast. 

There are some food vendors towards the bottom of the trail (where we ended). On the tour we didn’t stop. 

How hard is the Pacaya Volcano hike? 

When preparing for this post I read a wide range of responses from, “it’s one of the easiest hikes I have ever done” to “this hike should not be classified as easy as it was very strenuous with the elevation and altitude”. 

If you want my two cents, I think the discrepancy comes from the hike being advertised as one of the best things to do in Guatemala. A lot of the activities are more nature focused which I think leads people to hike the volcano as a sightseeing activity versus an adventure activity.

In the US most non-hikers won’t set out on most national park hikes. They may check out some viewpoints or do some short, easy, and flat hikes. In reality they may not even visit hiking areas and stick to cities and other parts of the country. Long story short, a lot of people in Guatemala who aren’t regular hikers end up doing this hike as it is the thing to do around Antigua. 

What is the Pacaya Volcano hike difficulty?

On the US national park difficulty scale I would say the hike is moderate. It isn’t that long, but it is all uphill and then downhill. The altitude can be an issue for some people. One person in my tour group was feeling quite sick on the way up. 

I definitely went slow and appreciated catching my breath from time to time, but I find hiking in the mountains around Salt Lake City much more challenging. 

The downhill was actually way more challenging for me. We went up the forested dirt trail side and came down on the exposed rocky side. On the initial descent every step felt like I was going to wipe out.  

What should I wear and bring for the Pacaya Volcano hike? 

My friend hiked in sneakers and had no problem. I wore my hiking shoes as I didn’t have my hiking boots with me. That one section of downhill I would have liked to have my trusty hiking boots for some extra ankle support, but other than that hiking shoes worked just fine. 

Your hiking clothes will depend on the temperature and time of day of the hike. We started hiking around 9:30 am in February. Shorts, a tank top, and a light long sleeved layer was perfect for me. 

I don’t go anywhere without my favorite REI daypack . It’s great to put extra layers in as well as a water bottle and snacks. 

Other Pacaya Volcano Hiking Tours

Marvelus Travel

Time: 6am or 2pm

Transportation: Included from Antigua 

Cost: $23 (does not include the entrance fee) 

Guides: Speak Spanish 

Old Town Outfitters

Time: 8am or 2pm

Cost: $100 for one person or $160 for two people (also includes lunch) If no-one else has booked on your date, prices will be higher. 

Guides: Speak English & Spanish 

Gray Line Guatemala 

Time: 7:30am (doesn’t run daily)

Cost: $65 (does not include the entrance fee) Two participants are required to book if no-one else is already booked for the date.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Pacaya Volcano 

I enjoyed hiking Pacaya Volcano and I am glad I did the hike as a Guatemala volcano hike is a top activity in the country. The views are beautiful and it is a cool experience to include when visiting Guatemala . 

In Lanzarote I did a three volcano hike where I hiked to the top of a crater and in a crater. The hikes were longer, included a lot more information, and were closer to the actual volcanos. That hiking trip colored my experience of this hike. As we couldn’t actually go to the crater for safety reasons. 

In addition as an avid hiker I typically only do free or very low cost hikes without a guide. For what it is, I think the Pacaya Volcano hike is quite pricey and almost the same amount of time is spent getting to and from the hike as actually hiking. If the hike didn’t require a guide, if it was longer, and if we could take our time I would be more enthusiastic about it. 

If I helped you plan and prepare for your Pacaya Volcano hike please consider supporting me by Buying Me a Coffee . 

Other Guatemala Volcano Hikes

You may have decided that a Pacaya Volcano hike is not for you, but you still want to hike a volcano. You’re in luck as there are other hikeable volcanoes in Guatemala.

• Volcán De Acatenango : Typically hiked as a two day hike. You can see the nearby Fuego volcano erupt. An additional hike partially up Fuego is also available. This is a popular volcano hike in Guatemala. Most people come from Antigua. 

• Volcán  de Agua : No entrance fees or guides are required. The volcano is near Antigua, but it has some safety concerns. There are many concerns of armed robberies when hiking. 

• Volc á n Atitlán :  This volcano hike is located on Lake Atitlán. The challenging hike offers great views of the lake. It can be done without a guide.

• Volc á n San Pedro : Another hike around Lake Atitlán that isn’t quite as long. It does require an entrance fee.

• Volc án de Santa María : This is a day hike near Xela. It’s not required to have a guide, but it is recommended. 

Let me know in the comments below if you plan on setting out on a Guatemala volcano hike!

Share this:

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

You May Also Like

The Perfect 5 Day Guatemala Itinerary

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Pacaya Volcano Hike: Overnight

• Pacaya Volcano
• Volcano Tours

The Pacaya Volcano Overnight Hike is the best way to beat the crowds and experience a dynamic and active volcano. See it the right way, with a sunset and sunrise and sleep in a tent under the stars. Hiking Volcan Pacaya is a great family friendly experience.

Book Now, Deposit $29

Pacaya Volcano Overnight Hike

The Pacaya Voclano Overnight adventure tour is absolutely the best way to see Volcan Pacaya. When the sun sets, our group of overnight campers toast the sunset with a cup of wine and watch as the hoards of tourist rush off the mountain before it gets too dark. We then relax with a hot meal at our base camp. After dinner we venture into the lava fields in search of recent lava flows and “HOT” spots where we can roast marshmallows (please bear in mind that this depends on recent volcanic activity).  We get up early the next morning to watch sunrise with what is (weather permitting) one of the best views in Guatemala. So experience Volcan Pacaya the right way; spending as much time on the volcano as you want.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Watching the sunrise over the volcanic chain; from here you can see Volcan Acatenango and Volcan Fuego clearly, and if you’re lucky both Pacaya and Fuego will put on a show for you!

Pacaya Volcano Overnight Hike: What to wear

With an elevation of 2552m the Pacaya volcano is much lower than Acatenango Volcano. However we can still experience adverse weather conditions and for that reason always recommend a 3 layer system. A waterproof jacket is important as even in dry season you can get heavy fog at times and without a jacket you will get very damp!

Pacaya Volcano Overnight Hike: Weather

The Pacaya Volcano has its own micro-climate. It can be clear and sunny everywhere else and cloudy on Pacaya or vice-versa! Generally speaking it is clear in the morning and the evening. The temperature varies from 10 – 25 degrees Celsius (50-77F), but if it is windy it can feel much colder.

Pacaya Volcano Overnight Hike: Difficulty

The Pacaya tour is one of our least difficult tours, but hiking can always be a challenge. The hike from the trail head to the camp site takes around 1-2 hours; here we set up camp and then hike to a viewpoint for sunset. Then we hike back to campsite for dinner and relax, sometimes we go exploring if there has been a recent lava flow after dinner. The next morning we hike to see the sunrise and then head back down the volcano and are back in Antigua Guatemala by 10-11 AM. If you don’t have time for the Pacaya Overnight Hike, take a look at our Pacaya Volcano Day Hike . This is a half day tour round trip from Antigua, Guatemala and we have 6AM or 2PM start times.

  ** Please note that this itinerary can change depending on a variety of factors (weather conditions, group ability etc). Your professional guide will always prioritize the safety of the group. 

1:45 PM – 2.00 PM: Meet at OX Expeditions and packing

2.00 pm – 3.30 pm: transport to the volcano, 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm: hiking, 5:00 pm – 5.30 pm: teatime, 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm: sunset and marshmallow roasting, 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm: dinner and drinks, 5.00 am – 7.00 am: sunrise with a view, 7.00 am - 8.00 am: breakfast, 8.00 am - 9.00 am: hiking, 9.00 am - 10.30 am: transport back to antigua.

Pacaya Volcano Tour Review — Climbing an Active Volcano Near Antigua, Guatemala

Pacaya Hike at a Glance

• Location:  About an hour from Guatemala City
• Hike Distance:  Approx. 3 miles
• Total Tour Time:  Approx. 4 hours
• Associated Trip: Guatemala, 2010
• Tour Company Used:  Turansa
• Cost:  $15 / person
• Our Rating:  5 of 5 Stars!
• Recommended For:  Anyone able to hike 2-3 miles moderately uphill

O ne of our favorite excursions from our Guatemala Trip was this hike up the side of Volcán Pacaya. The feature photo on this post remains one of our all-time-favorites from any trip.

Volcán Pacaya  is an active volcano just outside Antigua, Guatemala. Tourists are allowed to hike nearly all the way up to the vents surrounding the caldera and tours run daily when climbing on the volcano is deemed safe. Just four months before we visited, Pacaya experienced a deadly eruption  that blanketed the city in ash. As a result, tourism on the volcano was down from about 300 average climbers a day to just under 100, according to our tour guide.

When Kim first suggested this adventure I was definitely skeptical. (Not because I was scared of course! I was thinking about the children on a volcano!) But those concerns were unfounded. The hike is completely safe.

The climbs starts midway up the volcano at the visitor center and is approximately three miles over relatively moderate slopes. An alternative to walking is to pay for a horseback ride that will take you about two-thirds of the way up. Even if you decline the ride, the horses and their handlers will follow you up the mountain just in case you give up. The last 1/3 of the journey goes through very rocky terrain that the horses cannot manage.

The base of the mountain is rich with plant life due to the volcanic soil. Here’s the boys and I getting started on the hike. That’s our tour guide behind me. You just gotta love B’s face in this picture. I think he’s being fierce as we get ready for the climb.

Especially in the earlier parts of the climb the sights are simply magnificent. The black ash carpets the trail and is surrounded by lush greens and browns all around. The contrast between the lush foliage at the base of the volcano and the completely barren top is stark.

About midway up the hike we got a grand view of what we think is  Volcán de Fuego , but we honestly can’t remember. If you know which volcano this is, please leave us a comment! (Side note: We use this volcano picture in our Facebook and Pinterest share images for this post. We know it’s not Pacaya, but it’s the best volcano picture we have and we captured it on the Pacaya hike!)

A little further up and the foliage thinned out and opened up to some beautiful vistas of the towns below.

At the transition to the upper part of the volcano, the horses that had been following us could go no further, and the caballeros headed back to the visitor center hoping for more tourists who couldn’t quite hack the hike. We watched them walk away and felt victorious!

As we proceeded further, everything turned desolate. The fog you see evaporating off of this field is due to lava flows under the mountain heating up the surface. Pretty amazing stuff.

I love this next shot. That’s our tour group heading to see the lava. It felt a whole lot more like the outskirts of Mordor than planet earth. If you look closely you can see two dogs in this picture. I had forgotten about the dogs, but when we were writing this article B remembered how cool it was that the dogs followed us up so they could get some marshmallows from the tourists.

When we approached the summit, our tour guides found an active lava flow over which we roasted marshmallows. The picture on the left below is the best pic we could get of the lava with our point-and-shoot camera. The surface of the vent was hot enough that when we finished roasting the marshmallows, the guides threw the sticks on the vent and they burst into flames.

Here’s some pretty proud boys (me included!)

After marshmallows, we called my mom on the phone to let her know her six-year-old grandsons were standing on top of an active volcano!

And then we got a few volcanic selfies with these boys.

Planning Your Own Tour

Most hotels in Guatemala City or Antigua will help you arrange a Pacaya tour. We used Turansa which booked the climb as part of a package deal for us including Antigua, Chichicastenango, Tikal, Yaxha, and the Pacaya climb. No matter who you book through, the tour is going to be the same. In fact, you’ll likely be joining tours from other companies as you hike.

Read About All Nine Days of our Guatemala Trip

As far as things to do on vacation, this one isn’t very expensive. You’ll essentially pay for a taxi to get to the base camp and a guide to walk with you. Labor rates in Guatemala being less expensive than the U.S, you can expect to pay somewhere around $20 per person for the tour and the tour company will provide the marshmallows! Make sure to keep some money handy to tip your guide.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Volcano news
• Volcanoes Today
• Which volcanoes are erupting now?
• Volcano Glossary
• Latest VAAC advisories
• Earthquakes
• Latest Quakes
• By Country/Region
• Find quakes
• Report a Quake!
• Global Seismic Activity Level
• Volcanoes & Earthquakes App
• Destinations
• Support us to maintain this site!  

Latest quakes near Pacaya volcano since 2024 - list, stats and map

• 2 quakes above magnitude 4
• 8 quakes between magnitude 3 and 4
• 30 quakes between magnitude 2 and 3
• 5 quakes below magnitude 2 that people normally don't feel.
• Past week: Mag. 4.1 on Monday, Aug 26, 2024 – Santa Rosa , 38 km S of Guatemala , Guatemala
• Past month: Mag. 4.1 on Monday, Aug 26, 2024 – Santa Rosa , 38 km S of Guatemala , Guatemala

Quakes, magnitude and depth over time

About our data

Earthquake catalog - look up past earthquakes, earthquake statistics, number of quakes per year, average number of earthquakes.

• Mag. 5 or higher: 0.2 quakes per year (or 1 quake every 5 years)
• Mag. 4 or higher: 1.46 quakes per year
• Mag. 3 or higher: 5 quakes per year
• Mag. 2 or higher: 17.8 quakes per year
• Mag. 1 or higher: 21.4 quakes per year

Number of earthquakes over time

Magnitude and seismic energy over time

Magnitude and energy distribution

Embed or share standalone map

Guaranteed tours

Pacaya volcano (Guatemala) continues its slumber

Pacaya volcano (guatemala) - smithsonian / usgs weekly volcanic activity report for 18 august-24 august 2021 (continuing activity), more on volcanodiscovery.

Support us - Help us upgrade our services!

• Improved multilanguage support
• Tsunami alerts
• Faster responsiveness
• Design upgrade
• Detailed quake stats
• Additional seismic data sources

Tread The Globe

PACAYA Volcano Guatemala _ Roasting Marshmallows Backpacking Guatemala [S3-E42]

Posted: August 30, 2024 | Last updated: August 30, 2024

More for You

New poll shows Harris’s lead over Trump cut in half in must-win swing state

Kurt Russell Channeled A Hollywood Legend To Play Escape From New York's Snake Plissken

What we know about McDonald's long-awaited 'Big Arch' burger

You can buy mansions in these Mediterranean countries for the price of a studio in New York

Podiatrists say these are the best walking shoes for seniors

How much interest would a $5,000 CD earn in 2 years?

10 Places To Retire That Are Just Like Arizona but Way Cheaper

I Asked 2 Corn Farmers the Best Way To Cook Corn—They Both Said the Same Thing

The Japanese Hybrid SUV That Outsells Every Other Hybrid Vehicle

Nasa makes discovery ‘as important as gravity’ about Earth

Look inside the Breakers, a 70-room, 138,300-square-foot mansion that belonged to one of America's wealthiest Gilded Age families

The Best Bra Brands: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Style and Fit

Tim Burton says Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin aren’t in ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel because he was ‘focused on something else’

'We're looking at a downsized America': Kevin O'Leary cautioned any new house, car and lifestyle you acquire will be a lot 'smaller' — here's what he meant and how you can prepare

LeBron James hypes up Caitlin Clark after her terrific performance vs. Angel Reese

Disney's New California Desert City Starts Taking Shape

This U.S. State Is One of the Best Places to Retire for Low Crime, Taxes, and an Affordable Cost of Living

How to know when it’s time to quit your job

Here's Why Electric Cars Have Been Generally Unreliable So Far

Overnight attack on Ukraine: Air defense downs 24 UAVs, 3 drones fly into Russia and Belarus

• LIVE DISCOURSE
• BLOG / OPINION
• SUBMIT PRESS RELEASE
• Advertisement
• Knowledge Partnership
• Media Partnership

Russian Helicopter Goes Missing Over Kamchatka Peninsula

A russian helicopter with 22 individuals on board has gone missing in kamchatka. the mi-8t helicopter departed from near the vachkazhets volcano but failed to report at its scheduled time. the search and rescue operation is hindered by thick fog in the region, complicating efforts..

A Russian helicopter with three crew members and 19 passengers on board has gone missing in the far eastern peninsula of Kamchatka, the emergencies ministry said on Saturday.

The Mi-8T helicopter took off from a base near the Vachkazhets volcano and the crew failed to report at the scheduled time of 04:00 GMT, Interfax news agency reported, citing the federal air transport agency. The emergencies ministry said the search and rescue operation was being hampered by thick fog in the area.

Kamchatka, which is nine hours ahead of Moscow, is a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine rivers, geysers and volcanoes.

Sabarmati Express Derails Near Kanpur: Passengers Safe, Relief Operations Underway

Sabarmati express derailment shocks passengers near kanpur, dri nabs passengers with rs 3.33 crore worth gold dust at mumbai airport, air india cabin crew member assaulted at london hotel, airline seeks police action, air india crew member assault incident sparks safety concerns.

Health Updates: Polio in Gaza, COVID and Mpox Vaccines, Opioid Settlement, a...

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Bolsters Ties with Tech Giants in San Francisco Visi...

Major Blackout Hits Venezuela Amid Allegations of Sabotage

AI Researchers Overhaul Dataset After Child Abuse Imagery Discovery

Latest news, luis suárez shines again: leads inter miami to victory, ukraine escalates drone warfare targeting russian infrastructure, family announces death of israeli-american hostage hersh goldberg-polin, far-right surge: afd poised for historic victory in eastern germany.

OPINION / BLOG / INTERVIEW

Global water crisis: the urgent call to protect our dying freshwater ecosystems, bridging the gap: who's new guidelines for tuberculosis diagnostics promise hope for millions, unlocking jordan’s potential: the urgent need for affordable childcare to empower women in the workforce, hidden in the water: how better monitoring could prevent a global health crisis, connect us on.

• ADVERTISEMENT
• KNOWLEDGE PARTNERSHIP
• MEDIA PARTNERSHIP
• Agro-Forestry
• Art & Culture
• Economy & Business
• Energy & Extractives
• Law & Governance
• Science & Environment
• Social & Gender
• Urban Development
• East and South East Asia
• Europe and Central Asia
• Central Africa
• East Africa
• Southern Africa
• West Africa
• Middle East and North Africa
• North America
• Latin America and Caribbean

OTHER LINKS

• Write for us
• Submit Press Release
• Opinion / Blog / Analysis
• Business News
• Entertainment News
• Technology News
• Law-order News
• Lifestyle News
• National News
• International News

OTHER PRODUCTS

Email: [email protected] Phone: +91-720-6444012, +91-7027739813, 14, 15

© Copyright 2024