Pacaya — Local services in Escuintla

Pacaya Volcano offers a unique and incredible hiking experience and is situated conveniently from Antigua (approx. 1.5 hours away) where you can walk on hardened and warm lava rocks and roast marshmallows in the heat vents.

I booked a morning hike to Pacaya with a local tour operator in Antigua, which included transportation and guide, during my visit in November 2016.

The hike passes through dense and beautiful forests with some lovely views of the surrounding mountainous scenery along the way, until it finally opens up to the barren black landscape of the hardened lava rock fields near the top. The trail was a steady and steep uphill climb from the beginning and I found it difficult, as I was still getting over a stomach illness. I struggled with the elevation and the inclines. Our guide was moving at such a fast pace and hardly stopped for any breaks to allow us to catch our breath. Thankfully, there are guides with horses that follow you along the hike and I opted to rent a horse for Q200 the rest of the way up the volcano.

There were some amazing views of the surrounding jungle-covered mountains, other volcanoes, valleys and small towns and villages from along the trail. The atmosphere was so serene and calm along the entire trail.

After about an hour and a half of climbing and gaining elevation, we arrived at the beginning of the lava fields as the forest opened up to a completely barren landscape of expansive hardened black volcanic rocks. It was quite windy and chilly at the lava fields and I was glad that I had worn warm layers and brought a windbreaker. We were given lots of time to explore the area. Walking on the hardened lava rocks was an amazing experience and I was surprised that the rocks were still quite warm, considering the last eruption was two years ago! Walking there was quite treacherous as well as the rocks were unstable and had sharp edges, so definitely wear sturdy shoes. The landscape was gorgeous with lush green vegetation and beautiful vibrant wildflowers growing along the edges of the lava fields.

Our group then all roasted marshmallows over the heat vents in the rocks and it was such a cool experience (the guide will bring the marshmallows)! We stopped at The Lava Store, which is a unique shop set up directly on the lava rocks. They sold a variety of jewelry pieces made by local artisans which all incorporated the volcanic rock in them and purchasing something there directly supports the local communities around the volcano.

If you are hoping to see red flowing lava, you probably won’t see it at Pacaya. You aren’t able to get close to the crater of the volcano for safety reasons, as Pacaya is still active. But even though there’s likely no lava to be seen, visiting Pacaya is still an amazing experience.

All of the travel agencies in Antigua will sell a package tour to Pacaya for around Q90 which includes round-trip shuttle transportation (pick-up from your accommodation) and a certified guide. You have to bring an extra Q50 for the entrance fee to the park and this is paid when you arrive. The tours leave at 6 am and 2 pm and last around six hours in total, including transportation time of 1.5 hours each way from Antigua to the volcano. I booked through Adrenalina Tours and was pleased with their excellent service and professionalism. I got picked up a little after 6 am from my hostel and was back in Antigua by 12:30 pm.

My guide was really knowledgeable, informative and funny. If you’ve never been to a volcano before, this is definitely a must-have experience in Guatemala and visiting Pacaya is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon while staying in Antigua! I had a wonderful and very memorable experience.

Make sure to wear sturdy shoes; dress in warm layers and bring a windbreaker; bring snacks and lots of water; and bring extra cash for the entrance fee, snacks and if you decide to rent a horse or purchase a souvenir from the Lava Store.

Amazing experience and would highly recommend! Review based on my visit in...

Volcán Pacaya is one of the most active and accessible volcanoes in Guatemala, making it a popular destination for adventurous travelers. Located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of Guatemala City, Pacaya offers spectacular views, fascinating geological features, and an exciting opportunity to see a live volcano in action.

Key Features of Volcán Pacaya:

Active Volcano: Pacaya is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, with frequent eruptions over the past few decades. While eruptions vary in intensity, it’s possible to witness flowing lava or fumarolic activity, making it a thrilling experience for those interested in geology and volcanoes.

Hiking Experience: The hike to the summit of Pacaya is a major draw for visitors. The trek can range from moderate to challenging, depending on the route and the current volcanic activity. The most popular route is about a 1.5 to 2-hour hike that takes you to a viewpoint where you can see lava flows and volcanic craters up close.

Scenic Views: On the way up, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including nearby volcanoes such as Agua and Fuego, as well as the lush Guatemalan countryside. The contrast of the black, rocky terrain with the greenery of the lower hills makes for a striking landscape.

Lava Viewing: The main attraction for many visitors is the chance to see lava in action, especially during active periods when lava flows can be visible. Depending on the level of volcanic activity, visitors can safely approach areas where the lava is visible from a distance. The sight of glowing lava against the dark volcanic rock is awe-inspiring.

Volcanic Geology: Pacaya is an excellent spot for learning about volcanic processes. The volcano has a long history of eruptions, and its landscape features lava fields, craters, and a variety of volcanic rocks, which are interesting to explore. Local guides often share educational insights about the volcano’s history and the science behind its eruptions.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Activity Level: Volcán Pacaya is an active volcano, which means that the level of activity can change quickly. It’s important to check for current conditions and any safety advisories before visiting. In some cases, hiking to the summit might be restricted or dangerous due to lava flows or ash clouds. Always follow the advice of local guides and park rangers.

Guided Tours: While it’s possible to visit Pacaya independently, most travelers choose to join a guided tour. Guides are knowledgeable about the volcano’s behavior and provide safety information, especially in potentially dangerous areas. They also know the best spots for viewing lava and other volcanic features.

Safety: As with any active volcano, safety is a priority. Hiking on loose volcanic ash and rock can be physically demanding, so sturdy footwear is a must. Additionally, it’s advisable to bring protective gear like hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Weather Conditions: The weather can change rapidly at Pacaya, with temperature drops and rain showers common, so it’s important to dress in layers and bring a rain jacket. The altitude can also affect some hikers, so it’s recommended to take breaks if you start feeling fatigued.

Accessibility: The volcano is located near Antigua, making it a popular day trip from the city or Guatemala City. The hike is typically manageable for most people in good physical condition, although it can be strenuous due to the altitude and the terrain.

Overall: Volcán Pacaya is a must-see for those visiting Guatemala who are interested in experiencing an active volcano. The chance to see lava flows up close and the unique volcanic landscape make it a memorable experience. With proper preparation, guided tours, and attention to safety, a visit to Pacaya can be an exciting adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the...

Fantastic Adventure but Strenuous and Rugged.

There are a lot of reviews that talk about this trip being a 'moderate hike'. I'm pretty sure this is at least two notches above moderate on most people's scale. It's not impossible to do if you are a recreational hiker or are in great shape, but it is strenuous even for those in the best shape because of the steepness of the trail and the dramatic elevation change. It is approximately a 1,000 ft. climb and if you go with a group you are likely climbing the full distance in a hour.

The good news is that if you find it is too strenuous there are men with horses just waiting to help you out ... for Q150 - 200.

We went in the afternoon/evening, which was spectacular. And moreso because the minor eruptions while we were there grew in intensity. We hiked back down in the dark which was an adventure of itself: If you choose to go late in the day prepare to bring some sort of flashlight or headlamp to guide the way. And, if you've ridden up, consider keeping your option (horse and Caballero) to ride back down as well. You will have to make the choice, and you should also try to participate with the group as much as possible.

We hiked down to the edge of the lava flow to roast marshmallows in a hot Pocket. Then we had to climb back up to the ridge to begin the descent to the trail head.

Check around with agencies for price. If you have the time, you may also want to stop in at a hotel to see if they have tours scheduled. Very often they offer the best prices.

Pack light, but make sure to bring water, some energy snacks and a jacket or something warm to wear at the top where the temperature is dramatically...