Pacaya Volcano

Hike from the base of Pacaya to the lofty shelf just below the smoking cinder cone. The ascent takes about 1.5 hours, and coming down is usually faster. Visitors must hire a guide to accompany them on the climb.

Most hikers go as part of an organized tour; these generally include round-trip transportation from Antigua or Guatemala City, as well as a guide to accompany them during the volcano hike. Full-day tours typically begin with a morning ascent up the volcano followed by lunch and a relaxing afternoon at nearby hot springs. You also can complete part of the ascent on horseback, disembarking for the final walk across the solidified lava fields beneath the cone.

• Bring cash to pay your entrance fee to Pacaya National Park.

• Wooden sticks that serve as hiking aids can be bought at the base.

• Wear shoes with good grip, as volcanic scree (loose rock fragments) can be slippery.

• While glowing red lava flow used to be commonplace, it is now a rare sight on Pacaya.

Pacaya is about 15 miles (25 kilometers) southeast of Antigua. Driving from Antigua takes about 60–75 minutes. Getting there by public transportation requires transfers, so if you don’t have access to a car, it’s best to go as part of an organized tour.

Pacaya is best hiked during the dry season, from November to April. Start your hike in the early morning or later in the afternoon to avoid trekking during the hottest part of the day. During the rainy season, time your hike for morning when skies are typically clearer.

The lower part of the trail leads past coffee plantations and through forests, with trees on either side providing welcoming shade. The further up you go, the more barren the landscape becomes, with large parts of the upper slopes carpeted in loose rock fragments ejected during previous eruptions. While these lava fragments have cooled and solidified, small gaps still emit enough heat to cook food or roast a marshmallow.

Yes, a visit to Pacaya Volcano is worth it for many travelers, especially those visiting from nearby Antigua or Guatemala City. The drive takes roughly one hour each way, and the hike can be accomplished in three hours or less. From Pacaya, you can see other volcanoes, even some erupting.

You’ll need to visit Pacaya Volcano with a guide so the costs to visit will vary depending on how you get to the park. Rates to access the park alone may average about $6USD. Guided hikes, horseback rides, and more options may average between $12USD to $25USD).

Compared to other volcanoes in Central America, Pacaya is considered a relatively unchallenging hike. The volcano’s side isn’t as steep as nearby volcanoes such as Fuego, making it more accessible for visitors who may only be moderately active. A relatively fit individual should have no trouble climbing Pacaya Volcano.

Yes, you need a guide to hike Pacaya Volcano. This can be secured in one of two ways. Many visitors opt to arrange tours to Pacaya from cities such as Antigua or Guatemala City, which include transport. You can also hire a guide directly from the park when you arrive.

When including only the 3.2 mile (5.1 kilometer) round-trip hike, most people complete a guided trek of the Pacaya Volcano in an average of two to three hours. However, you can reach the lava fields from the trail heads in as little as one to two hours.

Yes, one of the coolest aspects of hiking the Pacaya Volcano is that you can get a fantastic view of the Fuego Volcano. That’s not all either—depending on the weather conditions and the time of day you hike, you should be able to see Acatenango and Agua during your hike.