Pacaya Volcano Guatemala
Hike an active volcano for breathtaking views, unique lava-cooked pizza, and marshmallow roasting over geothermal vents.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Pacaya Volcano Guatemala
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike an active volcano for breathtaking views, unique lava-cooked pizza, and marshmallow roasting over geothermal vents.
"A fantastic hike with unbeatable views and unforgettable experiences like lava pizza!"
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The terrain is rocky and can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike.
😷 Bring a face mask
The volcano can get dusty, especially on dry days. A mask will make the hike much more pleasant.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Volcano Summit Views
Pacaya Volcano Summit
Panoramic vistas of surrounding valleys and other volcanoes, especially breathtaking at sunset.
Lava Rock Pizza
Near the volcano's vents
Enjoy a unique pizza cooked directly on the volcano's warm lava rocks. A truly unforgettable culinary adventure!
Roasting Marshmallows
Volcano's geothermal vents
Experience the thrill of roasting marshmallows over the volcano's natural heat. Fun for all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Pack Smart for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The terrain is rocky and can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike. +1
😷 Bring a face mask
The volcano can get dusty, especially on dry days. A mask will make the hike much more pleasant.
🚶♀️ Rent walking sticks
Local kids offer sticks for rent at the entrance; they're a lifesaver on steep ascents and descents.
🐴 Consider a horseback ride
If hiking is challenging, horses are available for hire to take you closer to the summit.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The terrain is rocky and can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable hike. +1
😷 Bring a face mask
The volcano can get dusty, especially on dry days. A mask will make the hike much more pleasant.
🚶♀️ Rent walking sticks
Local kids offer sticks for rent at the entrance; they're a lifesaver on steep ascents and descents.
🐴 Consider a horseback ride
If hiking is challenging, horses are available for hire to take you closer to the summit.
🍕 Book pizza in advance
To guarantee a lava-cooked pizza, arrange it with your guide beforehand.
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially for morning hikes, as the altitude and exertion can be dehydrating.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pacaya Volcano offers a spectacular and unique hiking experience, with many visitors raving about the stunning summit views and the unforgettable opportunity to cook pizza on lava rocks. While some mention the dust and occasional smell of horse manure, the overall consensus is that it's a highly recommended adventure suitable for most fitness levels, especially with the availability of horses and walking sticks.
"A fantastic hike. The views are unbeatable as you look into the Water and Fire Volcanoes (the fire volcano erupta every 15 minutes or so). When you slget to the top (and it is a steep climb) you are treated by the caldera (which you cannot climb to) and another stretch of hike to the lookout point.
It will cost you 100 Quetzals per person to enter the park and is about an hour and a half drive from Antigua.
There are plenty of private guides that will rent you a horse and take you all the way to the top on horseback. For the elderly or the unaccustomed to hiking, this is a great and highly recommended option.
If you are lucky enough you can grab a pizza and eat on a lava table while you look into the volcano. Heads up that you need to order this in advance to make sure that David is going to be there and that he'll have enough supplies to make you one. You'll pay about 500 Quetzals but it is well worth the experience."
Ezequiel “Zeke” Barragan
"Spectacular! I paid 150Q in a tour from Antigua, including everything. The hiking is easy, the tour guide stop every 1km and there's horses for 100Q. The sunset is super amazing."
Bruna Isis
"This is a fun, relatively easy hike. It took around 3 hours to do the whole thing. I went on a tour and you can roast marshmallows on the volcano. The views are amazing.
The volcano can get dusty so I recommend bringing a cloth face covering. If acatenago is too hard, this hike is a nice compromise."
Erik Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors take a guided tour from Antigua, which typically includes round-trip transportation. The drive is about 1.5 hours. Some tours also offer ATV options for a more adventurous journey. +1
While possible, it's less common. Hiring a private taxi or shuttle is an option, but tours often provide a more seamless experience with guides who know the trails and safety protocols.
The journey from Antigua to Pacaya Volcano typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours each way, depending on traffic and the specific tour operator.
Yes, you can arrange private transport or take a local bus to the town of San Vicente Pacaya and then hire a moto-taxi or walk to the park entrance. However, tours are generally more convenient.
Some tour operators offer packages that might combine Pacaya with other nearby attractions, or you can arrange separate transport for other day trips.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 100 Quetzals per person. Tour prices vary but often include this fee.
It's highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and ensure availability for special experiences like pizza.
Pacaya Volcano is generally accessible during daylight hours. Most tours operate in the morning or afternoon.
The hike is considered relatively easy and suitable for most ages, but it's always best to check with your tour operator if you have concerns about very young children or elderly individuals.
It's advisable to carry cash (Quetzals) for the entrance fee and any on-site purchases, as card facilities may not always be available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike itself typically takes about 3-4 hours round trip, depending on your pace and stops. Including travel time from Antigua, expect a half-day to full-day excursion.
It's considered a moderate hike with some steep sections. Many find it manageable, especially with walking sticks or the option of horseback riding. +2
Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes, breathable clothing, and bring a light jacket as temperatures can change. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended.
Yes, you can roast marshmallows over the volcano's geothermal vents! It's a popular and fun activity. +1
Yes, local guides are available at the entrance, and many tours include a knowledgeable guide as part of the package.
🍽️ 🍕 Food & Dining
Yes, a unique experience is eating pizza cooked on the volcano's hot rocks. It's recommended to book this in advance with your tour operator. +1
The pizza experience can be pricey, around 200-500 Quetzals ($30-$65 USD), but many find it worth the unique experience.
Generally, there are no formal restaurants. The main food experience is the pre-arranged lava rock pizza or snacks you bring yourself.
It's a good idea to pack snacks and plenty of water, as options on the volcano are limited to the special pizza experience.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic views, the lava rock pizza preparation is unique, and the geothermal vents provide dramatic backdrops. Sunset shots are particularly popular. +2
Always follow your guide's instructions and maintain a safe distance from active vents. The heat can be intense.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for sunset shots. Protect your gear from dust.
Drone regulations can vary, and it's best to check with local authorities or your tour operator. Often, flying drones near active volcanoes is restricted for safety reasons.
Morning light can be soft, while afternoon light can be harsher. Sunset offers dramatic colors, but be mindful of fading light for your descent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pacaya Volcano Experience: More Than Just a Hike
Beyond the physical exertion, the culinary aspect of Pacaya is a major draw. The famous lava rock pizza, cooked directly on the volcano's warm surface, is an unforgettable experience.
The views from the summit are consistently praised, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding valleys and other volcanoes, particularly spectacular during sunset.
Navigating Pacaya: Tours, Horses, and Local Support
Recognizing that not everyone is an avid hiker, horseback riding is a popular alternative. For a fee, you can ride a horse part or all of the way up, making the ascent much easier for those less accustomed to strenuous activity or high altitudes.
These local services, from guides to horse handlers and stick vendors, are an integral part of the Pacaya experience, offering economic opportunities and enhancing the visitor's journey. Engaging with these local providers can enrich your understanding and appreciation of the community surrounding the volcano.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit