Pacaya Volcano

Volcán de Pacaya

An active compound volcano you can reach on a half-day hike to black lava fields, toasting marshmallows over ground vents; suitable for those with moderate fitness.

Pacaya stands at about 2,552 metres and has been active since 1965, with a major lava flow in 2021. Because it is far easier than Acatenango, it is Antigua's most popular half-day trip. From the entrance at the village of San Francisco de Sales, the walk to the viewpoint takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and climbs roughly 500 metres; horses are available for part of the way. Near the top are vast, recently cooled black basalt lava fields, where guides let visitors toast marshmallows over the heat vents in the ground. On a clear day you can see Volcán de Agua, Volcán de Fuego and Acatenango. Visitors generally cannot go up to the main crater, and the route may be adjusted by the protected-area authorities depending on volcanic activity. There are morning tours (departing around 06:00) and afternoon sunset tours (departing around 14:00); the drive from Antigua takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. A national park entrance fee is payable (for foreigners, several dozen to around a hundred quetzales, depending on the site). Wear sturdy shoes, as the lava rubble is sharp, and bring a headlamp on sunset tours for the descent.

Pacaya Volcano

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