Guatemala · PACAYA VOLCANO HIKES
Pacaya is the volcano you can climb in an afternoon and still make dinner. These 15 are compared on transport, group size, price and how much of the black gravel you walk yourself, plus which ones put a horse at the bottom of the slope.
Review of the Pacaya Volcano hike from Antigua, with lava fields, volcano views, marshmallows, transport, costs, and practical trail advice.
“It was so fun! a bit challenging but in the best way. We did the 2pm and the sunset was gorg!!”
Hike Pacaya from Antigua through pine forest and volcanic ash for lava views, steam-heated marshmallows, and big volcano scenery.
“Hike is relatively easy, but in case there is a problem, horses are provided for 100 QTZ (one way). I advise against taking the horses though, since I feel like they don't treat them well. Unfortunately it was cloudy and I wasn'r really able to see anything. Hiking shoes are recommended but it can also be done in sneakers.”
Hike Guatemala’s active Pacaya Volcano from Antigua with transport, local guides, lava fields, steaming vents, and volcano views.
“We had an amazing hike up Pacaya with our guide Ervin. He was patient and extremely knowledgeable, and took the time make sure we thoroughly enjoyed the hike and understood local customs, history and fauna. Our group of six hikers had an unforgettable day!”
Review of Antigua’s Pacaya Volcano ATV Tour, with lava fields, Calderas Lagoon views, snacks, costs, terrain, and practical booking advice.
“Unforgettable ATV Volcano Adventure! This was hands down one of the best excursions I’ve ever done! We rode ATVs through incredible landscapes, including stunning views of volcanoes and a beautiful lake. The scenery alone was worth it, but what really made the experience special was the amazing staff. They were so friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone was having a great time. One of the coolest parts? They grilled us sandwiches using the heat from the volcanic rocks — seriously one of the most unique and fun experiences I’ve had. If you’re looking for adventure, nature, and great vibes, this tour is a must!”
Ride ATVs across Pacaya’s lava fields, visit Calderas Lagoon, and enjoy volcano views, lunch, snacks, and transport from Antigua.
“We had a wonderful time, a great day trip and so much time spent on the ATV’s with incredible views!”
Review of the Pacaya Volcano tour from Antigua, with hike details, guides, costs, horse rides, views, practical tips, and booking advice.
“Irwin, our tour guide/driver, and Daniel, the volcano tour guide, were amazing! Irwin was very welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable about the history of Antigua and Guatemala! Daniel, who took us on the actual hike, was very patient and shared some cool facts about the volcano and the area. Although the hike itself was only about 3 miles round trip, it was a bit strenuous due to the very steep incline and about 1000 feet of change in elevation. But the pizza (not included) and roasted marshmallows at the top was so worth it!!! Highly recommend!!!”
Roast marshmallows on Pacaya Volcano from Antigua, with bilingual guides, dramatic views, a steep hike, and useful practical tips.
“Trip was excellent, super friendly guides and very professional. They are quite persistent on the hike to try and get you to take a ‘taxi’ instead of walking, but word of advice don’t follow directly behind any of them :) Only thing I would advise is that you offer a central and single point of pickup, most people would prefer this to waiting 20 mins for the shuttle and wasting 45 mins driving around super bumpy roads picking everyone up. Adios!”
Review of the Pacaya Volcano day trip from Antigua, with hike details, lava views, horse options, guide quality, costs, and practical tips.
“This was a brilliant trip. Luis was a fantastic guide. He shared lots of interesting information about the volcano and local history and culture. We really appreciated that he allowed us to set the pace - we didn’t feel rushed and he was happy for us to take breaks. We didn’t want to take the horses or walking sticks and we felt no pressure from him. It is quite steep at the start and end of the hike up, but that leg takes about two hours so it’s not too bad at all. Our driver Mirko was great too - he explained the history of the volcanos on our way…”
Review of the Pacaya Volcano day tour from Antigua or Guatemala City, with horse options, lava views, hot vents, costs, and practical hiking tips.
“From the moment Davis picked us up, we felt safe and very excited. His English is perfect and he was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the country and the tour. The hike was challenging for us, but not difficult. We are experienced hikers who refused the horses, but I did rent a hiking stick, which I found to be incredibly useful. The tour was worth every penny and I highly recommend it.”
Hike Pacaya Volcano from Antigua with a guide, picnic lunch, lava fields, forest trails, and views of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.
“David was a great host! When we arrived at Pacaya, he met up with Cubanu. Between the two of them, we had an amazing experience. At the highest point of the hike, David prepared a delicious lunch with fresh guacamole and vegetables. As a reward for completing the hardest part of the climb, it was delicious. Simple food done without much fanfare in an amazing location. My kids are still talking about this one days later as one of their favorite activities of our trip to Antigua.”
Hike active Pacaya Volcano, see lava fields, then relax in Kawilal’s thermal pools with lunch and hotel transport from Guatemala City.
“It was a great experience, driver and guide were great. And the hot spring is a bonus. great food and service.”
Review of the Pacaya Volcano hike and Kawilal Hot Springs from Antigua, with practical advice on cost, fitness, transport, guides, and what to expect.
“Everything about the tour was fine. Picked up at the meeting point (although would have been nice to have a confirmation of meeting point as part of / after booking). Tour guide who took us up Pacaya was experienced. There was a big group at the top, which meant we couldn't toast marshmallows. The guide took us an extra way up instead, but this was disappointing not to see the hottest part of the lava. Didn't feel we got that much information about the volcano (maybe there isn't that much to give?). The food at the hotel was pretty generic and boring - pizza / burger / chicken. The spa…”
Ride horses across Pacaya’s lava fields, eat pizza cooked on hot coals, and watch sunset views on a private Antigua volcano tour.
“So. Much. Fun! Dave, aka Alaska, was such a treat! He was so knowledgeable about the amazingness of Guatemala and had such great stories to tell about Nikki (the owner of the animal reserve the tour is done through). What their organization is doing is truly inspiring and warmed my heart to hear how well the animals are preserved and cared for. Their work transcends beyond helping tourists see the beauty of Antigua. They are truly changing the lives of so many animals and it’s inspiring. The tour was a blast! And to eat pizza and s’mores made with the lava coals from the volcano?! Come on! And the pizza…”
Review of the Pacaya Volcano day trip from Guatemala City, with hike details, lava expectations, horse options, guides, price, and practical tips.
“Great views and guide. A morning day trip from the Guatemala City that's easy to do. I would recommend.”
Review of Pacaya Volcano’s shared hike from Guatemala City, with guide quality, steep trails, horse rentals, hot springs, costs, and practical tips.
“It rained the day that we went but it was still a very god experience! Would definitely recommend if visiting Guatemala!”
Volcanoes, ruins, lake villages and market days.
