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Volcán Pacaya Visitor Center: Gateway to an Active Volcano

Explore Guatemala's active Pacaya Volcano: Hike through lava fields, witness volcanic landscapes, and enjoy panoramic views from this accessible peak.

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The Volcán Pacaya Visitor Center serves as the starting point for exploring one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes. Visitors can hike through unique volcanic landscapes, witness hardened lava flows, and enjoy panoramic views. It's a popular and relatively accessible volcanic experience.

A brief summary to Centro de visitantes, Volcan Pacaya

  • Monday 6 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-7 pm
  • Friday 6 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking boots for navigating the rugged volcanic terrain and ensuring a safe climb.
  • Bring water and snacks, as the hike can be strenuous, and there are limited options for purchasing refreshments along the way.
  • Check the weather forecast and volcanic activity updates before your visit to prepare for changing conditions.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for an enriching experience and valuable insights into the volcano's history and geology.
  • Bring cash for the Pacaya National Park entrance fee (100 GTQ) and optional expenses like a walking stick or horseback ride.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Guatemala City or Antigua, drive towards San Vicente Pacaya. Follow signs to Volcán Pacaya. The visitor center is located at La Corona, San Vicente Pacaya. Parking is available near the visitor center, but it can be crowded during peak hours. Parking fee is approximately Q30.

  • Public Transport

    Shuttle services are available from Antigua and Guatemala City to Pacaya. These shuttles typically drop you off near the visitor center. From Antigua, a shuttle can cost between $110 and $175. From Guatemala City, a tour including transportation, entrance fees, and guides is available.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be hired from Antigua to reach Volcán Pacaya. The journey takes approximately 57 minutes and costs between $29 and $35. The taxi will drop you off at the visitor center.

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Discover more about Centro de visitantes, Volcan Pacaya

The Volcán Pacaya Visitor Center is the primary access point for exploring the active Pacaya Volcano, located near San Vicente Pacaya, Guatemala. As part of the Pacaya National Park, the visitor center provides essential services and information for those looking to hike the volcano and witness its geological wonders. Pacaya Volcano stands at an elevation of 2,552 meters (8,373 feet) and is one of Guatemala's youngest and most active volcanoes. The visitor center is the starting point for a moderately challenging hike that takes visitors through diverse terrains, including farmlands, cloud forests, and solidified lava fields. Although Pacaya has been relatively quiet since its last eruption in 2021, hikers can still observe steam and gas emissions, as well as feel geothermal hotspots. The hike to Pacaya typically takes about 2 hours to reach the lava fields, where you can explore cooled lava chambers and even roast marshmallows over the volcanic heat. The trails offer stunning views of nearby volcanoes, such as Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango, as well as the Pacific coast on clear days. The visitor center staff provides guidance and ensures visitor safety, making the experience both informative and secure. While hardened magma and black volcanic rock remnants from the 2021 eruption are visible, active lava flows are not always present. For those seeking the sight of flowing lava, a more challenging hike to Acatenango offers views of the actively erupting Fuego volcano. Despite the absence of constant lava flows, Pacaya remains a captivating geological experience, offering a close encounter with an active volcanic landscape.

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