Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Hike one of Central America's most active and accessible volcanoes on this unforgettable adventure just an hour from Antigua. Pacaya offers dramatic volcanic landscapes, including solidified lava flows and steaming vents (no flowing lava is visible), but you’ll feel the heat beneath your feet.
What truly sets this tour apart is the chance to experience a unique geological wonder with the added possibility (on select departures) of cooking pizza over hot volcanic rocks, a fun and memorable highlight when conditions allow.
We ensure a smooth and well-organized experience led by knowledgeable guides. With round-trip transportation, bilingual assistance, and optional horse rentals at the trailhead, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic and scenic outdoor adventure near Antigua.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Accessibility & Requirements
Not wheelchair accessible.
Minimum age: 4 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
This is a moderate hike; the difficulty level may vary depending on your physical condition.
- Important Notes
The tour runs rain or shine, and will only be canceled in the event of a dangerous storm or if local authorities restrict access.
Entrance fee (Q100) must be paid in cash and in quetzales at the park entrance.
Horse rental is available as an optional service, arranged directly with authorized local community members at the park. While this is not part of our tour package, we are happy to assist in coordinating if needed. Please note that the use of this service is under the responsibility of the provider and guest.
If you're interested in the Pizza Pacaya experience, we can help arrange for your guide to take you there—however, it is not included in the tour. This is an independent service offered by David of Pizza Pacaya. Once we confirm availability, we’ll provide his contact and the steps to follow. Orders and payment are handled directly with him.
- What to Wear & Bring
Hiking boots with good traction and toe protection are essential.
Comfortable pants, a light jacket, and sun protection (hat/cap, sunscreen).
Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Warm, sunny days with cooler temperatures at the top. Wear breathable clothing and bring a jacket.
Rainy Season (May–Oct): Expect afternoon rain. Wear waterproof boots, a raincoat or poncho, and moisture-wicking clothing. A waterproof backpack cover is highly recommended.
- Traffic Notice (Daily – 2:00pm Tour)
Due to frequent afternoon traffic congestion in and around Antigua, especially during peak hours, travelers booked for the 2:00pm tour (Monday to Sunday) may be asked to meet at a central pickup point instead of their hotel. This helps us avoid delays that can affect the entire group. We will notify you in advance if this applies to your reservation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation
- Customer Support Availability
Our WhatsApp number is available for general inquiries Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 6:00pm (local time). Outside these hours and on weekends, we kindly ask for your patience, as our responses may be delayed. During this time, we prioritize communication with travelers who have confirmed bookings and tours in progress.
What To Expect
Pacaya Volcano
Embark on an unforgettable half-day adventure to Pacaya, one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes. After a scenic one-hour drive from Antigua, begin a guided hike through lush forests and volcanic terrain. The trail offers striking views and leads to a plateau with dried lava fields and steaming vents—clear signs of ongoing volcanic activity. For safety reasons, visitors can’t approach the crater, but the volcanic heat is felt underfoot. On select departures, and when conditions allow, you may even cook pizza over hot volcanic rocks (a fun and unique treat). At the summit, take in panoramic views of nearby volcanoes and the vast Guatemalan landscape before descending back to the base. This experience blends natural beauty, light adventure, and a rare geological encounter, perfect for curious travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Options
Pacaya in the afternoon
Duration: 6 hours: Round-trip drive takes approx. 3h. Hike is 1.5h. up, 30 mins at the top, and 50 mins down. Times may vary due to traffic. Rainy Season: During May–Oct rain is more likely in the afternoons. Bring a rain jacket and a flashlight. Pickup included
Pacaya in the morning
Duration: 6 hours: Round-trip drive takes approx. 3h. Hike is 1.5h. up, 30 mins at the top, and 50 mins down. Times may vary due to traffic. Recommended for Rainy Season: Morning tours are ideal in rainy season (May–Oct) due to better weather conditions. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Shared transportation round trip from Antigua.
Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)
Trail Guide in both languages Spanish-English (Basic English)
Entrance fee - Entrance fee to Pacaya National Park: Q100.00 per person (approx. USD $14), mandatory and payable in cash directly at the park entrance. 100 per person.
Horse rental (optional): Approx. Q300 per horse (US$40), payable directly to local providers.
Wooden walking stick (Optional) - Q10.00 ($1.5) payable directly to local providers.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
540 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exploring different things
mmodey,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience and I enjoyed the hike. I’m glad that I wore boots because certain parts were steep and slippery. I highly recommend this hike.
This is about a 4.5 mile...
Kayleigh H,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is about a 4.5 mile hike. There are segments that are quite steep and challenging. However, the guide takes frequent enough breaks. There is also the option to ride a horse instead. This means that there's horse poop on the trail, so watch your step! The views at the top are awesome. Our hike also included a stop to roast marshmallows using the steam from the hot water underground; a stop at the Lava Store, which featured art and jewelry by local artisans; and a stop where you could buy food (tamales, hot dogs, or very expensive pizza) - all optional. The drive from Antigua to the start was about an hour long, and we spent about 3.5 hours on the hike itself.
Everyone must do!!
Meander66367180935,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was amazing! Definitely a must do when you’re in Antigua. It was moderately difficult, but a short hike (~1 hour) which makes it very doable. The guides did a great job making sure everyone could go at the pace they wanted. And the views are spectacular!!
We had a great time! Our...
Alexis L,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time! Our guide was very experienced and helpful. We also got some information of trees, wildlife, and the volcano during the hike. The shuttle ride was straightforward as well and was on time. Thanks again, we had a blast!
Volcano Hiking Adventure!
Q8184ZEfaithb,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We were picked up promptly at our hotel, but then also stopped in Antiqua at a coffee shop with 2 other vans for a breakfast stop. I would much rather they skip this and just have us get picked up 30 minutes later. The ride to the volcano is a bit treacherous, so if you get car sick easily, be prepared for that as it’s over an hour of winding roads. The hike is not easy, especially if you’re not used to the altitude difference, (and still a bit car sick). I decided to take a horse after hiking a little ways, but my friend who hiked the whole way said it was a difficult hike (and she’s quite athletically gifted). We were unfortunately there on an extremely cloudy day, so we got zero views, but that’s obviously not the tour operator’s fault. The “roasting” of mallows was what I was there for, and honestly it’s a little over hyped. Maybe it’s because we were there on a cold, rainy day, but our mallows were just slightly softened after about 5 minutes. Definitely a fun experience, just be prepared for a difficult hike and a lot of wind at the top!!
Great experience and guide.
Karen C,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was great, very attentive, knowledgeable, and we had a wonderful experience. Highly recommend booking with him!
A good Hal-day work out in incredible landscapes
Kevan K,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00This shortish hike (2-3hrs) requires stamina and determination especially over the first section: adjusting to altitude (1,700 metres) and a steady steep and rocky slope. Highly recommend hiring a walking pole (only 10 Quetzel) to give you balance especially on the way down. On the positive side: the walk is almost entirely under the shade of trees except for the much gentler return route through soft sand. Unlike many volcanos hikes in the tropics the path is clearly marked and stepping stones at reasonably shallow height. For the crossing of the lava field the path has been cleared - walking on solid lava rocks is no joke! To get to and from the park starting point takes a one hour bus ride so don’t hesitate over the early morning pick up. Hiking in cool air is much easier.
More challenging than they let on!
rossf947,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A great but challenging experience! My only reason for giving it 4 stars is two-fold: first, I think the operators *far* undersell the challenge of even this "moderate"- labeled trail. I would say that half of the 50 people in our group had visible difficulty completing the hike to the top. There are locals every 100 yards or so with horses for hire, and the cynic in me wonders of that has something to do with the operators describing the hike to be easier than it was. The second reason is that the guides spoke little/any English...which I wouldn't even expect, except our safety/health was in their hands (no cell service for 90% of the hike) and had anyone faced a "real" health crisis (fortunately no one did)...yikes. I'm not trying to talk anyone out of booking this adventure AT ALL. It was exciting, memorable and beautiful at every turn. There was a strong group-wide sense of accomplishment when we all reached the top. But unless you are a serious runner or do some other high-level cardio activity, you will be *gassed* by the time you reach the summit. Between the incline and the altitude, your cardiovascular system will be challenged. Also, do *not* take the "uneven terrain" comments in the description lightly, because it is very (very) uneven, with loose baseball-size rocks on a steep path (often more like steps than a path). Again, not a deal-breaker, but something you should be aware of, especially if you have/had knee, ankle or foot issues.
Moderately strenuous hike...
Tarun M,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Moderately strenuous hike for first 1-1.5 hours up the volcano but with beautiful views and frequent stops. Our guide Ervin was amazing and taught us a lot about the history of the volcano and its recent eruptions as well as the local plants and their intricacies. There is an option for horseback ride up the mountain as well. Well worth it for the views of the volcano as well as the pizza and marshmallowsz
View very nice bus driver...
Jeanette S,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00View very nice bus driver good pick up from hotel was good almost on time , overall it was ok but not what I imagine , not very good organization , people who want it horses should be seperate from the ones that want it to hike and each group shout have a tour guy not only one guy with both groups ! Why ? Because is very different timing hiking vs horse back riding !
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Operated by Voyageur Tours