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Explore the active landscapes of Pacaya Volcano with guided hikes and ATV adventures departing from Antigua and Guatemala City. Trek across solidified lava fields, roast marshmallows over geothermal vents, and relax in nearby hot springs.
Free Cancellation Hike Pacaya’s volcanic slopes near Antigua to see steam vents and roast pizza over geothermal heat.
Free Cancellation Ride ATVs through volcanic sand and hike petrified lava flows with views of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes.
Free Cancellation Hike one of the world's top adventurous volcanoes on a three-hour trek with views of the Pacific coast.
Free Cancellation Trek through volcanic landscapes on a guided day trip from Antigua to the active slopes of Pacaya Volcano.
Free Cancellation Hike the lunar landscapes of Pacaya Volcano on an 8-hour guided trip featuring lunch on recent lava flows.
Free Cancellation Hike the active slopes of Pacaya Volcano followed by a relaxing soak in naturally heated thermal springs.
Free Cancellation Hike the slopes of active Pacaya Volcano with a guide to see views of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.
Free Cancellation Hike the active Pacaya Volcano followed by a relaxing afternoon in thermal hot springs and spa circuits.
Free Cancellation Hike the active Pacaya Volcano to see hardened lava flows and panoramic views on a guided day trip from your hotel.
Free Cancellation Hike Pacaya Volcano from Antigua to roast marshmallows over volcanic heat and explore petrified lava fields.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Pacaya Volcano — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Visiting Pacaya Volcano offers a rare chance to get up close and personal with one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes. Located just a short drive from Antigua, this trek takes you through lush forests before opening up to a dramatic, otherworldly landscape of dried lava fields and steaming geothermal vents.
Step out of the forest and onto a moon-like landscape made entirely of black basaltic rock. You can actually feel the intense geothermal heat radiating through the cracks beneath your boots.
A classic Pacaya experience. Your guide will lead you to active geothermal hot spots where the earth's natural heat is intense enough to melt marshmallows on a stick in seconds.
Hike up to this northwest flank overlook for spectacular panoramic views of the active McKenney cone. On clear days, you can see the towering peaks of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango in the distance.
Afternoon tours reward you with a stunning sunset over the Guatemalan highlands. The descent is done in the dark using headlamps, adding a thrilling edge to the adventure.
Some tours offer the chance to try Pizza Pacaya, where a local chef cooks fresh pizza directly on the hot lava rocks. This unique culinary experience usually needs to be arranged in advance.
Many full-day itineraries combine the volcano hike with a visit to nearby thermal pools like Kawilal or Santa Teresita, perfect for soothing tired muscles after the climb.
Planning your trek up Pacaya is straightforward, but knowing a few key logistical details will help you choose the right tour and arrive prepared.
You can choose from budget-friendly shared group hikes, private tours for personalized pacing, or combo tours that include a post-hike soak in local hot springs. For thrill-seekers, there are even ATV tours that navigate the rugged volcanic base.
Almost all tours exclude the national park entrance fee. You must bring exactly Q100 (about $13 USD) in cash per person to pay at the gate. Credit cards and foreign currencies are not accepted.
The hike is rated as moderate, featuring a 455-meter elevation gain over 2.6 kilometers of loose volcanic soil and scree. If you or your kids get tired, local community members rent horses for Q150 to Q300 to take you up the steep sections.
It is legally required to have a certified local guide to enter Pacaya National Park. Booking an organized tour takes care of this, as they provide bilingual guides who know the safest routes and monitor volcanic activity.
Sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots are mandatory—the sharp basaltic rocks will easily destroy thin sneakers. Wear long pants to protect your ankles from the heat and sharp edges, and bring a windbreaker, as the summit gets very cold and windy.
The best visibility is during the dry season (December to April). If you book during the rainy season (May to October), expect afternoon downpours and slippery trails. Bring a quality raincoat and a waterproof cover for your backpack.
Most tours depart from Antigua and include round-trip hotel transfers, taking about 6 to 8 hours total. If you book an afternoon tour, be prepared for potential traffic delays returning to Antigua in the evening.
The majority of tour operators on this route offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Tours run rain or shine unless local authorities close the park due to extreme weather or dangerous volcanic activity.
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| Shared Group Hike | Volcano & Hot Springs Combo | ATV Adventure | Private Day Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 - 6 hours | 9 - 10 hours | 8 hours | 5 - 8 hours |
| Best for | Budget travelers & solo hikers | Relaxation seekers | Thrill-seekers & non-hikers | Families & custom pacing |
| Includes | Round-trip transport, Bilingual guide, Marshmallows | Transport, Guide, Lunch, Hot springs entrance | ATV rental, Guide, Snacks, Water | Private vehicle, Dedicated guide, Flexible timing |
| Price from | $29 - $35 | $65 | $112 | $94 - $138 |
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Pacaya National Park is open daily, with guided hikes generally operating in two main time slots to avoid the hottest parts of the day and maximize visibility.
The actual ascent takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and you will spend roughly 30 to 45 minutes exploring the lava fields and roasting marshmallows before making the descent.
Pacaya Volcano is located in the Escuintla Department, roughly 38 kilometers (23.6 miles) southwest of Antigua and 30 kilometers from Guatemala City.
The ideal time to hike Pacaya is during the dry season, which runs from December to April, as well as a brief mid-year dry window from June to August. During these months, you have the best chance of clear skies and panoramic views of neighboring volcanoes.
The heavy rainy season from May to October can make the steep, ash-covered trails highly slippery and dangerous. Severe thunderstorms are common in the afternoons, and heavy cloud cover often results in zero visibility at the summit viewpoints. If visiting during these months, a morning tour is highly recommended to beat the afternoon rains.
The standard hiking trail is not wheelchair accessible. The route features a steep 455-meter elevation gain over 2.6 kilometers of loose volcanic soil, ash, and jagged lava rock.
However, the hike is manageable for most ages with some preparation:
Facilities at Pacaya National Park are relatively basic, so it pays to come prepared.
Because Pacaya is a highly active volcano, strict safety regulations are enforced by CONAP (Guatemala's protected-areas authority).
The entrance fee is Q100 (approximately $13 USD) per person. This must be paid in cash in Guatemalan Quetzales at the visitor center, as credit cards and foreign currencies are not accepted.
Most tour packages do not include the park entrance fee. You will need to bring Q100 in cash to pay directly at the gate when you arrive.
Seeing flowing red lava is not guaranteed and depends entirely on current volcanic activity. However, you will always be able to walk across hot, dried lava fields and see steaming geothermal vents.
The hike is rated as moderate. It involves a 455-meter elevation gain over 2.6 kilometers of loose volcanic ash and rock, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to ascend.
Yes, it is legally mandatory to hire a certified local guide to access the trails. Organized tours from Antigua include this guide in the package.
Yes, local community members offer horses for rent at the trailhead. A one-way trip up the volcano costs approximately Q150 to Q300 and is a great option for kids or tired hikers.
You must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots to navigate the sharp lava rocks. Long pants are recommended to protect your ankles, and you should bring a warm jacket since the summit gets cold and windy.
Yes! Roasting marshmallows is a major highlight of the tour. Guides will provide the marshmallows and sticks, and you will roast them over active geothermal vents in the lava fields.
Yes, children aged 4 and above are welcome on most tours when accompanied by an adult. Renting a horse is a popular backup plan if younger kids get too tired during the steep climb.
Yes, as long as you follow the rules. Authorities constantly monitor Pacaya's seismic activity, and guides will only take you to safe, designated viewpoints, strictly avoiding the dangerous active summit.
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Located just an hour from Antigua, Pacaya offers a direct look at an active volcanic landscape. The trail leads you through fields of solidified lava and past steaming vents where the ground is still hot to the touch. While there is currently no visible flowing lava, the rugged terrain and views of the surrounding highlands make for a stark, impressive climb. Depending on the weather and volcanic activity, some groups have the opportunity to cook pizza using the heat from the rocks. The tour includes round-trip transportation and a bilingual guide. If you would rather not hike the steep sections, local horse rentals are available at the trailhead to help you reach the top.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Departing from San Vicente Pacaya, this ATV tour navigates the rugged terrain surrounding the 2,500-meter Pacaya Volcano. The route covers a mix of wet forest trails and rocky paths, passing through local villages at the volcano's base. You will have the opportunity to drive across volcanic sand and lava fields located within a private plantation, providing access to areas typically closed to the public. The experience includes a hike up the side of the volcano over petrified lava flows. From these elevations, you can see the Calderas Lagoon and the three surrounding volcanoes: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. The trip focuses on off-road exploration, combining technical driving with views of the active volcanic landscape. Please note that this tour operates on private land and trails; it does not enter the San Vicente Pacaya National Park.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Located just an hour from Antigua, this tour takes you to Guatemala’s most visited volcano for a three-hour hike. National Geographic has named this trek one of the ten most adventurous in the world, offering a close look at how the volcanic landscape shapes the local ecology and the regional economy. As you ascend, you will see panoramic views stretching across the Pacific coast and the Guatemala City Valley. The trail provides a unique vantage point to observe the surrounding volcanic chain and understand the geological forces that define this part of Central America.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Depart from Antigua for a guided trek up Pacaya, one of Guatemala’s most accessible active volcanoes. The trail leads through diverse terrain, transitioning from forests to the stark, ash-covered fields near the summit. Your guide will navigate the path while explaining the geological history and recent activity of the area. Once you reach the higher elevations, you can observe cooled lava flows and steam vents. From the slopes, you will have clear views of the three neighboring volcanoes: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. This full-day excursion focuses on the natural environment and the unique topography of the Guatemalan highlands.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This eight-hour excursion takes you to Pacaya, one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes. The trip begins with private transport to the base, followed by a steady 1.5-hour hike to "la Meseta," a plateau situated just below the main cinder cone. The trail is manageable for most fitness levels and provides a clear look at the region's volcanic activity. Once at the plateau, you will walk through cooling lava fields that have transformed the landscape into a rugged, barren terrain. You’ll have time to explore the area while the smoking crater sits directly above you. The tour includes a freshly prepared lunch served on-site before the descent. Your booking covers all entry and guide fees, private transportation, and a bilingual guide trained in first aid.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This excursion takes you to Pacaya, one of the most accessible active volcanoes in Guatemala. The hike leads to recent lava fields and viewpoints where you can observe volcanic activity from a safe distance. You will walk through a landscape shaped by past eruptions, experiencing the heat radiating from the ground firsthand. Following the descent, the tour continues to a local hot springs resort. Here, you can spend the afternoon relaxing in several pools naturally heated by the volcano’s geothermal energy. It is a practical way to unwind and soothe your muscles after the morning trek before returning.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This full-day trip departs from Guatemala City for a guided hike on Pacaya, one of the country's most active volcanoes. The trail leads through local volcanic vegetation and over solidified lava fields, providing a direct look at the terrain shaped by recent eruptions. From the upper slopes, you can see the surrounding highlands and the three neighboring peaks: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. Your guide will provide information on the local geology and the history of the landscape as you navigate the trail.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This full-day tour begins with a hike up Pacaya, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes. The trail leads through diverse terrain, including pine forests and recent lava fields, reaching a safe viewpoint where you can observe volcanic activity and views of the surrounding highlands. Following the descent, you will head to a local hot springs resort to unwind. The visit includes access to thermal pool circuits and the facility's spa services, providing a restorative way to recover from the hike before returning.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This tour begins with a hotel pickup followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the base of Pacaya Volcano. The ascent follows a steady, gradual path that is accessible for most hikers. As you climb, the trail transitions from green hillsides to open volcanic terrain with views of the surrounding landscape. At the top, you can walk across recent lava formations and get close to active heat vents in the rocks. After exploring the summit, the descent takes approximately one hour. The experience concludes with a return drive and drop-off at your hotel. Please note that the park entrance fee is not included in the basic tour option.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This guided tour departs from Antigua for the base of Pacaya Volcano. The hike to the summit takes approximately 1.5 hours along a moderate trail, where a local guide will lead you through the terrain. A Q100 entrance fee is required at the park gate to access the trails. At the top, you will explore a landscape of petrified lava and use the volcano's natural heat to roast marshmallows. Once you've finished exploring the peak, the group will descend back to the shuttle for the return trip to Antigua.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish