The day trip Pacaya Volcano Hike is an adventure star in Guatemala: active, easy and fun for the whole family. At 2552m Volcan Pacaya is less challenging than our other hikes, but the views and volcanic landscape make it so worthwhile and it is still a great adventure!
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | OX Expeditions office | ||||
DEPARTURE TIME | 6:00 AM or 2:00 PM | ||||
INCLUDED |
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NOT INCLUDED |
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WEAR | Hiking clothes, a good pair of trainers or hiking boots, hat and sunscreen |
Pacaya Volcano Hike: Day Trip
Still the most fun active volcano in Guatemala. Join in this tour to experience an active volcano still with lava hot-spots, cooled lava chambers and a broken peak from the big eruption of 2010. Just recently Pacaya has become more active again, so if you’re lucky you might get to see some new lava (from a safe distance!). You will also get to toast marshmallows on the recently cooled lava! A half day trip that is family friendly and great for travel groups. We don’t take the normal tourist route; instead we take you on a private circular path giving you the opportunity to see things most tourists do not.
Pacaya Volcano: What to wear
For our Pacaya Volcano day hike we offer two start times; 6AM and 2PM. For both tours we recommend you bring comfortable hiking clothes and a good pair of trainers of hiking shoes. The rock is quite jagged and uneven so please don’t wear sandals. We also recommend you bring a hat, sunscreen and waterproof to plan for all types of weather!
Pacaya Volcano Eruptions: Volcanic Activity (2019)
Recently the Pacaya volcano has become more active again, there is a smaller cone growing inside the main crater, and if you are lucky you will get to see lava (from a safe distance of course!). Currently there are new lava flows every 3-4 days and at night you can see the red glow of the cone. However the volcanic activity of Volcan Pacaya is unpredictable and we cannot guarantee that you will see lava! If you want to maximize your chances of seeing lava take a look at our Pacaya Overnight Hike.
Pacaya Volcano: With Kids
We recommend this tour if you want to do Pacaya Volcano with kids, the hike is relatively straightforward and they will love exploring the lava fields and toasting marshmallows on the hot-spots. For children under the age of 5 we recommend you bring along a backpack or are able to carry them if they get tired.
Pacaya Volcano: On Horseback
There is always the option of doing Volcan Pacaya on horseback if you get tired. This costs around Q100 and is paid directly to the person leading the horse.
Pacaya Volcano Hike: Difficulty
The Pacaya Volcano Day Trip is the least challenging volcano tour we operate but that does not mean it is easy! The hike from the trail head to the lava fields takes around 1-2 hours, here we have our snack and then go exploring; looking at hot-spots, any new lava flows and roasting marshmallows. This normally takes around 1:30hrs. Then it is around 30 mins to 1hr back to the trailhead to take our shuttle back to Antigua, Guatemala.
** Please note that this itinerary can change depending on a variety of factors (weather conditions, group ability etc). Your professional guide will always prioritize the safety of the group.
We have two start times: 6 AM and 2 PM