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Pacaya Volcano: An Active Adventure

Hike an active volcano in Guatemala! Witness stunning views, explore lava fields & roast marshmallows over geothermal vents on Pacaya Volcano.

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Hike Guatemala's Pacaya Volcano, an active volcano offering stunning views, solidified lava fields, and the unique experience of roasting marshmallows over geothermal vents. A popular and relatively accessible climb, Pacaya provides a thrilling glimpse into the dynamic world of volcanism.

A brief summary to Informacion y servicios volcan pacaya

  • C92P+638, San Vicente Pacaya, GT
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable hiking clothes and sturdy shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky.
  • Bring cash for the national park entrance fee (100Q for foreigners) and any optional horse rentals.
  • Hire a licensed guide for a safe and informative experience; guides are mandatory.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as cloud cover can affect visibility.
  • Consider bringing marshmallows to roast over the volcanic heat.
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Getting There

  • Shuttle

    Most visitors access Pacaya Volcano from Antigua. Shuttle services are widely available, with round-trip transportation costing around $20 USD. The journey to the park entrance takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. From Guatemala City, a shuttle to San Vicente Pacaya is available every Sunday and Friday at 8:00 AM. This all inclusive tour includes transportation, entrance fees, guides, and lunch.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Antigua to Pacaya costs approximately $29-$35 USD and takes about 57 minutes. From the park entrance, it's a short walk to the visitor center where you pay the 100Q entrance fee. A private tour with hotel pick-up can also be arranged.

  • Driving

    Driving from Antigua to Pacaya takes around 57 minutes, covering a distance of 38 km. The drive costs approximately $5-$7 USD. Take the road to Escuintla and connect to Carretera CA-9, following the signs to San Vicente Pacaya. From there, continue to the national park. Be aware that the road from San Vicente Pacaya to the visitor center is unpaved.

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Pacaya Volcano, located in southern Guatemala, is a constantly active complex volcano that stands at 2,552 meters (8,373 ft). As part of the Parque Nacional Volcán de Pacaya, it offers a remarkable opportunity to witness volcanic landscapes up close. Pacaya has been actively erupting since 1965, showcasing Strombolian and Plinian activity. The Pacaya Volcano hike is popular due to its accessibility and moderate difficulty. The trail takes you through diverse terrains, from farmlands to cloud forests, before reaching the solidified lava fields. While you won't reach the summit crater for safety reasons, the hike leads to Cerro Chino, an adjacent hill, providing panoramic views of the Pacaya's main crater, nearby volcanoes (Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango), and the surrounding landscapes. One of the highlights is exploring the geothermal hot spots on the cooled lava formations, where you can roast marshmallows. The experience combines adventure with stunning vistas, making it a must-see for travelers in Guatemala. Local guides accompany all hikes, ensuring safety and providing insights into the volcano's history and activity.

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