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Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya Volcano: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Trek

1. From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Trek

Walk for 2 hours to the summit of Pacaya Volcano and enjoy stunning views. Leave from Antigua for a 1-hour bus journey to the volcano's base before immediately starting your 2-hour trek with your local guide. Hike through wonderful pine forests up to the trickier volcanic ash section and finally to the sulfur smoking cone. On occasion, you can even see small eruptions and lava flowing, depending on the activity of the volcano. From the summit, you can enjoy great views of the nearby volcanoes, Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango, the pacific lowlands, and all the way to El Salvador. To ensure your safety you won’t be able to visit the crater, but you will get an amazing view of red-hot lava flowing and steam baths created by the heat of Pacaya. Take a break and relax here as you take in more scenic views before hiking back to the base of the volcano, from where you will transfer back to your accommodation. 

From Guatemala City or Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Day Tour

2. From Guatemala City or Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Day Tour

Come and see the Pacaya Volcano: the most active volcano in Guatemala at 2,500 meters (more than 8,000 feet). Witness spectacular views of the lagoon of Calderas and three other volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. The surrounding area is an experience unto itself, composed in large part of humid forest and rocks. After a walk through volcanic sand paths, with great views of the volcanoes and unique vegetation, you´ll arrive at the plateau where you can see the main crater of the volcano. Today, you can't visit the crater of the volcano for security reasons, but you will see the lava (if active) and some steam baths created by the heat of the Pacaya Volcano. At the volcano, you'll have the opportunity to get an up-close look at the volcano. After a thrilling day of exploration and dramatic views, you will arrive back at your hotel.

Pacaya Volcano Tour and Hot Springs with Lunch

3. Pacaya Volcano Tour and Hot Springs with Lunch

This day you will visit the Pacaya National Park. Visit to the most active volcano in Guatemala, its 2500 m. above the sea; the environment is formed by humid forest and rocks. Transfer to the foot of the volcano Pacaya and from there,we start hiking from the San Vicente de Pacaya village and begin ascent route is estimate at 60 minutes of walking up to a distance of approximately 50m from the craterat the top you can see down into the crater to the lava as well as experience the energy of an active volcano. Pacaya Volcano remains one of the active volcanoes of Guatemala. After the visit and explored of the Pacaya Volcano we continue to Kawilal Hot Springs to have time to take lunch   ( Included ). Kawilal is a world of relaxation, where the most important elements of nature are present in this unique place of hot springs, in our environment are mixed fire and heat from Pacaya Volcano who gives us the thermal waters and steams. Has a complex that promotes sustainable tourism in our country, and has 12 thermal pools, Thermal Circuit, 25 Steam Baths, and 3 Hydrotherapy Baths. The spa offers Relaxing Massages, Reflexology, Shiatsu Relaxing, Manicure and Pedicure among others, within our facilities are also Fonda Del Castillo, a restaurant with international with fast food service. At the end of the Tour Transfer to Antigua Guatemala.

From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Day Hike

4. From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Day Hike

Volcano Pacaya (8370ft/2552m) may not be Guatemala’s highest peak, however its slopes and unique landscapes are certainly of some of the most impressive volcanic landscapes in all of Central America. Set in its own National Park, Pacaya is a 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. The group meets in Antigua at 08:00 (for a morning hike) or 14:00 (for a sunset hike) – where drinking water, bathroom facilities, and retail outdoor equipment are available. Your drive to the trailhead is just over 1 hour in private transport from Antigua to the Park Office. As the group moves up the myriad of trails on the mountain, Guatemala’s impressive vistas open up before you. As you reach the base of the caldera, your guide will direct the group through the rugged dried lava fields, recently reformed by a massive eruption in 2010. No matter what conditions you encounter on the mountain, the group will have the opportunity to traverse unique volcanic-rock landscapes as you ascend towards the peak. Here the group will stop for a freshly prepared picnic to enjoy along with views of nearby volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. There will be plenty of opportunity to explore geothermal hot-spots on the cooled lava formations – which are always available to help roast marshmallows! The hike down brings across the remaining dried lava fields before you begin your descent through Pacaya’s lush and lesser known forests and farmland. After your hike down to the trailhead, the group returns to Antigua by private transport to arrive in town at roughly 16:00 (day hike) or 20:30 (sunset hike).

Guatemala: 10-Day Mayan Explorer Adventure

5. Guatemala: 10-Day Mayan Explorer Adventure

Spend 10 days in Guatemala exploring the country’s stunning landscape of volcanoes and mountain lakes. Learn about the Mayan lifestyle, shop at traditional markets, visit ancient ruins, and hike up a volcanic peak. Transfers and first-class public bus service are included, as is basic hotel accommodation with private bath. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Guatemala City – Antigua Your driver will meet you at Guatemala City’s Aurora Airport for the transfer to your Hotel in Antigua. Day 2: Antigua – Lake Atitlan Today you’ll travel from Antigua to Panajachel, where you’ll stay overnight with a Mayan Family in San Jorge village. Experience the local Mayan lifestyle. Day 3: Lake Atitlan by Boat Take a boat tour to visit Mayan communities along the lake, including San Pedro, Santiago, and San Antonio. Day 4: Panajachel – Chichicastenango – Antigua (Thursday and Sunday only) Travel from Panajachel to the Chichicastenango Market, the largest market in Guatemala, where vendors offer colorful clothing and souvenirs. You’ll have time to bargain and do a lot of shopping and interacting with Mayan sellers. Day 5: Antigua – Pacaya Volcano Active Trek Your driver/guide will pick you up at your hostel for the transfer to the bus station. You’ll have a 1-hour ride to the Pacaya Volcano base, and then hike for 2 hours to the volcano’s peak. Day 6: Antigua – Lanquin – Semuc Champey You will be transferred from your Antigua hotel to Lanquin, travelling for the whole day. Day 7: Lanquin – Kanba (Kanba Caves and Semuc Champey Day Tour) A local guide will meet you at your hotel to begin this day tour. Experience the pristine KanBa Caves and relax by the crystal clear waters of the Semuc Champey pools. Day 8: Lanquin – Semuc Champey – Flores Your will be transferred from Lanquin to Flores by shared van, travelling for the whole day. Day 9: Flores – Tikal The driver will meet you at your hotel for your transfer to Tikal park. Arriving early in the morning, you’ll be among the first visitors and have a chance to see monkeys in the jungle area. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins. Day 10: Flores – Guatemala City You have a free day in Flores to relax on the amazing beach of Lake Peten Itza. That night you'll be transferred by first-class public bus on the overnight service to Guatemala City for your departure.

From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Hiking Experience

6. From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Hiking Experience

You will be picked up at your hotel in Antigua and transfer to National Park Pacaya. Upon arrival at the park, your local guide will be waiting for you and ready to fill you in with everything you need to know. Start hiking from the San Vicente de Pacaya Village and begin the adventure with a 1-hour ascent to the top of the Volcano. Around the middle of the trail, you will find the Lava Store. Here, you can get a beautiful souvenir of volcanic material that's been crafted by a local artisan. As you continue walking on the trails, you will soon leave behind the paths full of vegetation and leafy trees, arriving at a flat, open clearing. This means that you have reached the top of the volcano since, due to the continuous eruptions that the volcano makes, the plants can not bloom in this area. When we get to the top of the volcano, enjoy the experience of roasting marshmallows on volcanic rocks and sharing them with others. After the visit to Pacaya Volcano, the local partner will return you to Antigua and your hotel.

Pacaya Volcano Tour & Hot Springs from Guatemala City

7. Pacaya Volcano Tour & Hot Springs from Guatemala City

This day you will visit the Pacaya National Park. Visit to the most active volcano in Guatemala, its 2500 m. above the sea; the environment is formed by humid forest and rocks.  Transfer to the foot of the volcano Pacaya and from there, you start hiking from the San Vicente de Pacaya village and begin the ascent. The route is approximately 60 minutes of walking and up to a distance of approximately 50 meters from the crater. At the top, you can see down into the crater to the lava as well as experience the energy of an active volcano. Pacaya Volcano remains one of the active volcanoes of Guatemala. At the end of your walk you will reach a rocky and arid area where you can see the volcano and lava flows, and where you can cook marshmallows. Time to take photographs. You will then begin your descent and during your journey you will find the Lava Store, where you can feel free to buy a souvenir made with volcanic material. After the visit and exploration of the Pacaya Volcano, you continue to Kawilal Hot Springs where you will have lunch (included). Kawilal is a world of relaxation, where the most important elements of nature are present in this unique place of hot springs. In this environment, fire and heat from the Pacaya Volcano creates the thermal waters and steams. This is a complex that promotes sustainable tourism in Guatemala, and has 12 thermal pools, Thermal Circuit, 25 Steam Baths, and 3 Hydrotherapy Baths. The spa offers Relaxing Massages, Reflexology, Shiatsu Relaxing, Manicure and Pedicure among activities. Within these facilities is also Fonda Del Castillo, a restaurant with international with fast food service.

Guatemala City Pacaya Volcano Hike Experience

8. Guatemala City Pacaya Volcano Hike Experience

After being picked up from your hotel in Guatemala City, transfer to Pacaya Volcano National Park which contains Pacaya Volcano, the most active volcano in Guatemala which reaches 2500 meters above sea-level. Upon arrival at the park, you will be greeted by an expert local guide. Begin the adventure from the San Vicente de Pacaya village and hike for 60 minutes to the top of the volcano along the trails. On the way, appreciate the beautiful landscape and take in the views of the Agua Volcano and the Fuego Volcano. Learn about the local vegetation and animal species that live in the area from your guide. Halfway up the trail, visit the Lava Store, where you can purchase a beautiful handmade souvenir made from volcanic material which supports the work of local artisans in the community. At the top of the volcano, enjoy the opportunity to explore, roast marshmallows on volcanic rocks and take in the incredible views. After the hike, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Guatemala City.

Other Sightseeing Options in Pacaya Volcano

Want to discover all there is to do in Pacaya Volcano? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Pacaya Volcano

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 256 reviews

The driver was excellent, safe, and patient. He knew where to go and was happy to let us chatter away. The van was spacious for 4 adults and clean / well maintained. He showed up on time at the location. The volcano hike was very challenging (I’m 45 and moderately active, live in nyc, walk a lot but do not gym since pandemic) but very worth the pain. The views are incredible. Our volcano guide was very nice and attentive and we met a lot of other nice locals on our hike. The lunch at the spa wasn’t great. The food was average. Overall ok after the hike but not something I’d rave about. Good coffee. The spa experience was disorganized but that is because it’s a local spa spot so they aren’t catering to one group or individual. Beware: no one spoke English at the spa and it felt a bit like we were intruding. The ladies in our group wore bikinis and were stared at and followed by multiple local men- it was fine, we were intruders… just know going in and set expectations accordingly.

The bus pick up was smooth, we stopped for coffee and snacks just outside of town and then met up with our guide at the park. She was Knowledgeable and fun. The guide provided marshmallows and sticks to roast marshmallows. The hike was beautiful!

Such an amazing time! I wish I remembered our guides name, he was hilarious. It’s a really easy, quick hike but the views are amazing and we roasted marshmallows at the top.

Great tour guides and an overall amazing and breathtaking experience

Amazing experience - the views after the hike are breathtaking