Pacaya Volcano Hike from Antigua

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

6 hours

Mobile ticket

EMBARK EN a unique adventure with our tour of the Volcano DE Pacaya, one DE Guatemala’s most active and visited volcanoes. Through DE senros surrounded by nature and volcanic rock, you will reach a unique landscape where you can walk on solidified lava and admire unforgettable panoramic views, this tour includes comfortable transportation and certified Local Guide, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

- Panoramic view DE other volcanoes (Volcán DE Agua, Fuego y Acatenango)

- Hike to the volcano DE Pacaya from Antigua between volcanic rocks and nature

- Roast DE marshmallows with the heat of the Volcano

- Opportunity DE take unique photos

- Authorized Local Guide

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Marshmallows for grilling EN designated areas of the volcanic field

Air-conditioned vehicle

Roundtrip transportation DE Antigua hotels to Pacaya Volcano National Park

Certified Local Guide (English 70%) (Spanish full)

DE entry fee to Pacaya National Park (Q100 or $14 - $15 POR person) is paid EN cash only

DE wood cane (optional) - Q10 quet, ($1,5) you can EN rent it directly in the Volcano

Rental DE horses (optional) Approx. Q300 ($40) you can book with us or EN the Volcano

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Antigua

Our av EN tura comienza at the pickup at your hotel then we head to the Pacaya Volcano DE national park approximately 1 hour and a half to 1 hour with 45 minutes DE walk, when you arrive you can stretch or go to the bathroom before starting the hike with your guide.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Parque Nacional Volcan De Pacaya

Upon arrival, the ascent begins with a local Guide, walking POR a wide wooded area. Walk the DE DE ros volcanoes, taking in views DE the other volcanoes as well as the regional vegetation along the way. When you reach the plateau, gaze at the main crater of the volcano from a distance. Watch the lava EN DE DE LA volcano activity and some POR baths created by the heat DE LA Volcano de Pacaya. After soaking DE DE Agua, Fuego and Acatango volcanoes at the top DE LA Pacaya, start the DESCENT to the base, before taking the bus back to Antigua. DE return time will be DE 11⁄2 hours.

3 hours • Admission Not Included

Options

Pacaya Volcano Hike from Antigua

Pickup included

Reviews

4.54

13 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Beautiful volcano
carolina t,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent activity, good communication with the operator, the volcano guides are the best, always pending, what they announce is as it is what you receive. The views are worth all the money
Lucky day, lucky trip.
MIHAIL F,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Everything from pick up to drop off was perfect. Excellent guide, good weather, moderate hike, amazing sunset and even glimpses of lava on another volcano.
Good times at the Volcano
Emanuela P,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wear comfy shoes! It's a pretty steep climb to the top. They do have a horse option if you need it even after starting the climb.
Hiking and horseback riding Pacaya Volcano
Chekesha G,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Unforgettable experience! Much more challenging than I expected. I’m glad the “taxis” (horses) were an available along the route. Riding horseback partway up Pacaya made the climb easier while still taking in stunning views. Hiking across lava fields and roasting marshmallows over heat vents was surreal. A must-do in Guatemala — magical, humbling, and unlike anywhere else.
A Horse & A Girl On A Volcano Hike
Yvonne C,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a fantastic experience. At first I tried to hike, but it was too hard after 20 mins. If you’re not in the best shape, I recommend renting the horse. They had many guides along the way to help and make sure you were comfortable. I liked that. Had enough tile to take lots of pictures with beautiful views. 10/10. Even though I ended up getting on a horse.
Stellar experience! September 2025
Sylvia M,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Book it! I booked it at last minute and it was ideal. Whatsapp communication from the tour company was prompt. Timely pick up from my accommodation. Great driver. The tour guide gentleman was just tremendous. So warm and caring to everyone on the tour. I encourage guests to carry some cash to tip the guides and driver, at your discretion. They really put in a lot of energy to get everyone up there in whatever fitness level you are at. Some guests did end up transferring to horse back part way up the incline utilizing services of a local horseman. Bring a water resistant jacket, water and reasonable walking shoes. For my needs this tour was excellent as I didn't have much time in Antigua to commit to a longer tour of larger volcano. Visiting from USA (Australian)
It's an impeccable job.
Dalila J,
Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I had a wonderful experience! The staff was friendly, everything was well organized and exceeded my expectations. I would recommend it to others.
Everything was fine, the...
Marcos R,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Everything was fine, the guide was very friendly, if you need a little conditioning for the tour, although there were also horses in the area
Ruta Ideal tour agency poorly run. Volcano tour crew was decent. Challenging hike.
Mun W,
Feb 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
I was at the designated hotel pickup point at 545am. At 6am, I messaged the tour operator to confirm I'm waiting. No response. B by 630am, still no response. I contacted viator at that point and the agent was mostly useless. A bus came to pick up 2 other people that were waiting with me. The driver said my name wasn't on his roster. The tour operator finally messaged me to say he FORGOT to add me to the roster. The bus had to come back around after another 15b minutes. I'd essentially been waiting an hour. The tour operator said he would contact the bus driver to have him pay $13 for my park entrance fee. Nobody paid for my entrance fee once I got into the park. The bus was packed. Every seat filled. It took about an hour for the drive. Very twisty and lots of switchbacks. If you have motion sickness, take Dramamine before the trip. Once we were dropped off, our group was turned over to the folks that work at the volcano park. The hike is very steep and takes alot of effort due to 7000 foot elevations. They do rent horses if you are unable to hike. At the top, it was all cloudy and foggy that day. There was nothing to really see. On the way down you go through lava fields. The marshmellows do not "roast", they get "steamed" in the fissures. On the way down, parts are steep. The rocks and scree make for very slippery path. Lots of folks lost their footing or fell. Bring hiking poles. I was at the designated hotel pickup point at 545am. At 6am, I messaged the tour operator to confirm I'm waiting. No response. B by 630am, still no response. I contacted viator at that point and the agent was mostly useless. A bus came to pick up 2 other people that were waiting with me. The driver said my name wasn't on his roster. The tour operator finally messaged me to say he FORGOT to add me to the roster. The bus had to come back around after another 15b minutes. I'd essentially been waiting an hour. The tour operator said he would contact the bus driver to have him pay $13 for my park entrance fee. Nobody paid for my entrance fee once I got into the park. The bus was packed. Every seat filled. It took about an hour for the drive. Very twisty and lots of switchbacks. If you have motion sickness, take Dramamine before the trip. Once we were dropped off, our group was turned over to the folks that work at the volcano park. The hike is very steep and takes alot of effort due to 7000 foot elevations. They do rent horses if you are unable to hike. At the top, it was all cloudy and foggy that day. There was nothing to really see. On the way down you go through lava fields. The marshmellows do not "roast", they get "steamed" in the fissures. On the way down, parts are steep. The rocks and scree make for very slippery path. Lots of folks lost their footing or fell. Bring hiking poles and water. I would have only given this a 1 star review due to Ruta Ideal tour operator very poor coordination of my trip. I would never book with them again. This rate review was 2 stars due to the volcano crew being separate.
It was a great trip, but there are a few areas that could be better planned.
Hao Z,
Jan 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
The views of the Pacaya Volcano and the Antigua Valley were stunning. The hike itself is okay, but the way up is quite steep, and the guide moves quickly with only a few brief stops for rest. If you're not in good shape, I’d recommend taking a horse ride up, as it’s not an easy hike—the guide climbs quickly, and the path is challenging! That said, the tour guides and driver were professional and did their best to accommodate everyone. I deducted one star, not because the tour itself was bad, but because I believe the planning could be improved. First, instead of picking up guests from various locations, which took an hour in a town with little traffic, it would make more sense to have everyone meet at a single location since Antigua is a small town. Second, the tour should ideally depart around 12pm or 1pm, as descending in complete darkness is unsafe. Starting at 2pm is too late, especially in winter, as it’s already dark by the time you begin the descent.