About this experience
Pacaya, one of Guatemala’s youngest volcanoes, offers hikers a unique glance into the geologic center of the earth on this 8-hour small-group tour. A relatively easy climb of 1.5 hours brings you to the fertile shelf just below the cinder cone called “la Meseta.” From here you get an awesome view of recent lava flows. You will explore these lava fields, and as the smoking crater looms above, the environment quickly changes to resemble that of an extraterrestrial setting. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch while gazing at the views before you make your way back down. Tour includes private transport, all entry fees, all guide fees, a fresh lunch, and a 1st aid trained bilingual guide.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age for travelers is 6 years old
What is included
- Professional guide
- National Park fees
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Dinner
- Transport by private vehicle
- Local driver/guide
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Hike Guatemala's most accessible active vocano, Volcán de Pacaya. Set in its own National Park, Pacaya is a storybook volcano with a continuous plume of smoke drifting from its summit and a massive dried lava field forming the valley at the base of its caldera.
Our group meets at Old Town Outfitters Shop in Antigua at 08:00hrs where drinking water, bathroom facilities and retail outdoor equipment are available for our clients.
Our drive to the trailhead is just over 1-hour in private transport from Antigua to the Park Office. As our group moves up the myriad of trails on the mountain, Guatemala’s impressive vistas open up before us. As we reach the base of the caldera, our guide will direct the group through the rugged dried lava fields. Our group will stop for a freshly prepared picnic to enjoy along with views of nearby volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Our hike down brings across the remaining dried lava fields before we begin our descent through Pacaya’s lush and lesser known forests and farmland. After arriving back at the trailhead, our group returns to Antigua by private transport to arrive in town at ~16:00hrs.
Meeting and pickup information
- Please go to 7a Calle Poniente 23, Antigua Guatemala you will see our Old Town Outfitters shop.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- OLD TOWN OUTFITTERS
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age for travelers is 6 years old
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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