Background

Pacaya Volcano: An Active Adventure

Hike an active volcano near Antigua, Guatemala, for stunning views, lava encounters, and a thrilling adventure in a volcanic landscape.

4.3

Hike Guatemala's Pacaya Volcano, an active complex volcano that offers a thrilling experience with stunning views and the chance to witness volcanic activity up close. It's a popular tourist attraction that provides a moderate hike suitable for various experience levels.

A brief summary to Pacaya Volcano Trek & Tour from Antigua

  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothes suitable for uneven, jagged terrain.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated.
  • Check the volcano's activity level before your visit and follow your guide's instructions for a safe experience.
  • Consider booking a guided tour with transportation included for a hassle-free experience.
  • Bring cash for the entrance fee (Q100.00 GTQ) and any optional tips for your guide.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Shuttle

    The most common way to reach Pacaya Volcano from Antigua is by shuttle. Many tour operators offer round-trip transportation from your hotel in Antigua to the volcano's base. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours each way. A round trip shuttle will cost around $20.00 USD. Once you arrive at the Pacaya Volcano National Park, you'll need to pay the entrance fee of Q100.00 GTQ (approximately $13 USD) per person. It is mandatory to hire a local guide at the entrance. Guide fees are around 200 GTQ (25 USD).

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Antigua to Pacaya will cost $29 - $35 and take approximately 57 minutes. From there you will need to pay the entrance fee of Q100.00 GTQ (approximately $13 USD) per person. It is mandatory to hire a local guide at the entrance. Guide fees are around 200 GTQ (25 USD).

Unlock the Best of Pacaya Volcano Trek & Tour from Antigua

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Pacaya Volcano Trek & Tour from Antigua

Pacaya Volcano, located near Antigua, Guatemala, is an active complex volcano that provides a unique and exciting experience for tourists. Rising to an elevation of 2,552 meters (8,373 feet), Pacaya first erupted approximately 23,000 years ago and has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish conquest of Guatemala. After being dormant for over 70 years, it began erupting vigorously in 1961 and has been erupting frequently since then. Pacaya's activity is mostly Strombolian, characterized by lava and ash shooting out, but Plinian eruptions also occur, sometimes showering nearby areas with ash. The volcano is part of the Central American Volcanic Arc, formed by the tectonic subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate. Pacaya lies on the southern edge of a volcanic caldera formed in the Pleistocene age, which contains Lago de Amatitlán. A trek to Pacaya Volcano offers breathtaking vistas of the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes. Depending on the volcano's activity, you might see flowing lava and even roast marshmallows over the heated rocks. The hike is of mild to moderate difficulty, taking about 1 to 2 hours to reach the lava fields. It's recommended to wear comfortable hiking clothes and shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Pacaya's eruptions have varied over the years, with significant events in 1989, 2000, and 2010. The most recent eruption was from 2015 until 2021. Despite the risks, Pacaya remains a popular destination, offering a safe and exciting outdoor experience for all levels.

Popular Experiences near Pacaya Volcano Trek & Tour from Antigua

Popular Hotels near Pacaya Volcano Trek & Tour from Antigua

Select Currency