Pacaya Volcano Hike (half-day)
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
This tour provides a unique, up-close experience on the slopes of an active volcano! The two hour climb will surely leave you a bit breathless, but the views are worth it. You will be able to clamber over volcanic rock, roast marshmallows in heat vents, and potentially see erupting ash and lava. For those looking for a less-active experience, you can rent a horse on site from the horse handlers. (We are not affiliated with the horses).
Please note that Pacaya is an ACTIVE volcano, and due to safety regulations, you cannot walk up to the summit. Pacaya spews hot ash, rock, and lava, and travelers visit at their own risk. This is the easiest volcano climb in Guatemala that gets you up close and personal with an active volcano, however, it is still a two-hour uphill hike.
You must provide your pick-up address at the time of booking, including hotel name. Please wear closed-toe shoes, bring sun and rain protection, and bring local currency to pay the entry fee (Q100 for foreigners)
Additional Info
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
This tour is roundtrip from Antigua, Guatemala. We will pick up at hotels, and drop off at central park.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Pacaya Volcano
You will arrive at the base of Pacaya Volcano after a 1.5 hour ride from Antigua. After paying your Q100 National Park entrance fee (please bring exact change), you start the two-hour climb. Pacaya is an active volcano and you may see short lava flows or hear her belch some ash and rock, however, due to safety concerns, you will not be allowed to go directly to the summit as Pacaya has been more active lately. (This is a regulation that your guides must legally enforce.) After a short break, you'll head back down the mountain for the trip back to Antigua. If you prefer, you can negotiate and rent a horse to ride up and/or down the volcano. The hike takes approximately two hours uphill. Please wear closed-toe shoes, bring sun and rain protection, and as it is cold at higher elevations, bring a warm sweater. You will need bottled water and perhaps a snack. Return to Antigua at approximately 1pm for morning departures, and at approximately 8pm for afternoon departures.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Please bring drinks and snacks.
You will be required to pay Q100 (approx. $13) for the National Park entrance fee.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Pacaya Volcano Hike
Private Group
Pickup included
Shared Pacaya Volcano Hike
Shared with other travelers
Pickup included
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Poor hike plan with upsell on other services
Bhaskar M,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00This was advertised as getting close to pacaya volcano. We were asked to be ready at barehuus hostel by 1:45 pm for 2 pm departure. Unfortunately we were not picked up until 2:45 and didn't leave antigua until 3:15 pm. It was close to 4:20 by the time we got to trailhead. In between our druver stopped by at a place for 15 mins to see if anyone wanted mules though no one was interested. It started getting dark by the time we started hike. So our guide cut short our hike, took us thru a shortcut to get to some location and it was dark by the time we got there. It was impossible to continue without headlamps. Overall it was a very poorly planned hike with emphasis on what additional services they can sell us than giving us full hike experience. Apparently bus, guides are separate entities with their own interests. Due south tours should focus more on quality hike experience than outsourcing everything. None in our group were happy with the way hike was done. I won't recommend this. I am sure pacaya hike would have been great. Just our experience with this operator was terrible.
Activity with beautiful views
JAGP73,,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice experience with beautiful views along the way of the three volcanoes of the area (Volcán del Agua, del Fuego and Acatenango). The group was about 24 people with two accompanying guides along the way. The guides were very nice. The ascent path of 3.5 km is done in 1.5h and the descent by the same place in about 1h. The road is simple and well marked. The summit is not reached but you have beautiful views of the crater. Fumaroles may be observed occasionally emerging from the crater. Sometimes you can observe the activity of volcano of Fire that is active. At the top of the volcano, clouds of treats are offered to warm up in the heat of the volcano and eat them. The return journey from Antigua with the bus is made heavy by heavy traffic
Beautiful people and very...
Bronte L,,Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful people and very wonderful as your guides! I recommend highly to book this group, I can’t wait to do it again.
Highly recommend!
Galina V,,Feb 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a wonderful time on this hike. The trek up can be challenging if you’re not acclimated to the altitude (take your altitude pills well beforehand if you are used to lower altitudes). Also, don’t be a hero - request a horse if it proves to be too difficult but the views at the top are worth it. They have a wonderful staff and guide. The roasting of the marshmallows in the hot rocks on the way down was a great touch. Highly recommend.
Great Hike to Pacaya
Wanderer34425549708,,Jan 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We hiked during the afternoon tour and it was absolutely amazing!! The guides are so friendly as well! But the views were absolutely stunning! I highly suggest hiking during the afternoon, as you will be able to see the sunset and it is AMAZING!
Nice hike with nice views
VGTrenz,,Dec 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great communication with them before the trip. The bus was on time and driver was reliable. Nice guides also, making sure that everyone was happy and climbing at their own pace. I would recommend it
Great tour!!
frankiea221,,Aug 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was great! So much fun to hike the volcano and then roast marshmallows at the end! I would do this again! It was also a lovely drive to see the local culture!
Best Volcano Trip
Venture34912089598,,Apr 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved the Tour it was amazing and I loved the people and the people I went along with the tourist was amazing and she did an amazing job she pointed out things and this was my first volcano
Other Worldly Day Trip
annie alee,,Mar 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Due South made this trip so easy! The hike is close to Antigua and not too hard. It was a totally new experience to climb on lava fields and roast marshmallows from heat vents! We even saw some red hot lava in heat vents. Our guides were informative and fun and our group waited for us to take pictures on the return. One of the best experiences we had in Antigua. Great tour!
Excellent
377alejandraj,,Mar 23, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's worth the most!!! Wear comfortable shoes for the walk!!! It's not worth buying the sticks that sell you down to climb!! But if you carry water!! Burning chocolates in the lava!!! I've never been so close to an active volcano
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Operated by Due South Travels