Pacaya Volcano

The Basics

Hike from the base of Pacaya to the lofty shelf just below the smoking cinder cone. The ascent takes about 1.5 hours, and coming down is usually faster. Visitors must hire a guide to accompany them on the climb.

Most hikers go as part of an organized tour; these generally include round-trip transportation from Antigua or Guatemala City, as well as a guide to accompany them during the volcano hike. Full-day tours typically begin with a morning ascent up the volcano followed by lunch and a relaxing afternoon at nearby hot springs. You also can complete part of the ascent on horseback, disembarking for the final walk across the solidified lava fields beneath the cone.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bring cash to pay your entrance fee to Pacaya National Park.

• Wooden sticks that serve as hiking aids can be bought at the base.

• Wear shoes with good grip, as volcanic scree (loose rock fragments) can be slippery.

• While glowing red lava flow used to be commonplace, it is now a rare sight on Pacaya.

How to Get There

Pacaya is about 15 miles (25 kilometers) southeast of Antigua. Driving from Antigua takes about 60–75 minutes. Getting there by public transportation requires transfers, so if you don’t have access to a car, it’s best to go as part of an organized tour.

When to Get There

Pacaya is best hiked during the dry season, from November to April. Start your hike in the early morning or later in the afternoon to avoid trekking during the hottest part of the day. During the rainy season, time your hike for morning when skies are typically clearer.

Ascending Pacaya

The lower part of the trail leads past coffee plantations and through forests, with trees on either side providing welcoming shade. The further up you go, the more barren the landscape becomes, with large parts of the upper slopes carpeted in loose rock fragments ejected during previous eruptions. While these lava fragments have cooled and solidified, small gaps still emit enough heat to cook food or roast a marshmallow.

Ways to explore

Given that a guide is required, most travelers hike from the base of Pacaya to the lofty shelf just below the smoking cinder cone as part of an organized tour; these generally include round-trip transportation from Antigua or Guatemala City, as well as a guide to lead the hike. Full-day tours typically begin with a morning ascent up the volcano followed by lunch and a relaxing afternoon at nearby hot springs. You can also explore the mountain by horseback or all-terrain vehicle (ATV), and even sit down to a picnic with pizza cooked in literal lava ovens.

Accessibility

Pacaya is not accessible to travelers with mobility challenges.

Age limits

Children under 5 will likely need to ride in back carriers.

What to pack

Cash, water bottle

What to wear

Wear a hat, jacket, and closed shoes with a good grip as scree can be slippery underfoot and agonizing in your sandals.

Not allowed

Smoking, drinking

Amenities

Eateries, restroom, museum

Address 

The main park entrance for Pacaya is in San Francisco de Sales, about a 23-mile (37-kilometer) drive southeast of Antigua.

Driving

Driving from Antigua takes a little over an hour. Take Ruta Palin south to Palin, then turn left onto CA-9 and turn right just before the hospital. Follow the road past San Vicente Pacaya to San Francisco de Sales: The route is not straightforward.

Public transportation

Getting to Pacaya by public transportation requires transfers, so if you don’t have access to a car, it’s best to go as part of an organized tour.

Best times to visit

Start your hike in the early morning or later in the afternoon to avoid trekking during the hottest part of the day. During the rainy season, time your hike for morning when skies are typically clearer.

Best days to visit

Weather, not the day of the week, is the best determinant for climbing Pacaya. Look for a dry, clear day.

Best months to visit

Pacaya is best hiked during the dry season, from November to April.