6-7 hours
Duration
Easy
Difficulty
2552 m
Elevation

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!

Book Now, Deposit $29

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATIONOX Expeditions office
DEPARTURE TIME6:00 AM or 2:00 PM
INCLUDED
Rental gearSnack on the volcano
Marshmellows
Local guide
Bi-lingual professional guide

 

NOT INCLUDED
Extra snacks
Guide gratuity
Park Entrance Fee

 

WEARHiking 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

1

0-30min: Meet at OX and finish packing

We make sure everyone has what they need and it is all properly packed.
2

30 min – 1hr 30min: Transport to the volcano

This normally takes around an hour but sometimes we hit traffic so please be patient… it’s worth the wait!
3

1hr 30min – 3hr: Hiking

We start hiking in farmland which we quickly leave behind and start into cloud forest zone, timing changes depending on the size of the group/ability etc but we should reach the lava fields after about 1 – 1  1/2 hours.
4

3hr – 3 hr 30min: Lunch/Dinner

Eat your delicious meal at a great vantage point overlooking the lava fields
5

3hr 30 min – 4hr 30min: Exploring and roasting marshmallows!

Time to explore the lava fields, our guide will take you to any recent lava flows and you can roast marshmallows on a hotspot!
6

4hr 30min– 5hr 30min PM: Hike back down

7

5hr 30min– 6hr 30min: Transport back to Antigua

Pacaya Volcano Hike Day Trip Antigua, Guatemala
Pacaya Volcano Day Trip Antigua, Guatemala
Pacaya Volcano Hike Day Trip Cooled Lava Field
Pacaya Volcano Hike Day Trip Antigua Guatemala
Pacaya Volcano Day Trip Antigua, Guatemala