Hiking Guide: Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala (Lava Flow)

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Hiking an active volcano in Guatemala was at the top of my bucket list when I moved to this wild country. Little did I know I would be treated to a mind-blowing lava flow! 

Pacaya is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, last erupting on August 13, 2021. 

Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are 37 different volcanoes scattered across this country. It’s possible to summit many of them, even without training!

While you might not have quite the adrenaline-pumping experience that I did, witnessing a volcano erupting before our eyes, this is still one of the best hikes in Guatemala. 

In the spirit of adventure, we sacrificed a good night’s sleep on a day trip from Antigua to witness one of the most extreme geological events in the world. 

And it was nothing short of EPIC.

***PLEASE NOTE: LAVA FLOW WAS FROM THE 2021 ERUPTION. WHILE YOU CAN STILL BOOK HIKING TOURS OF PACAYA FROM ANTIGUA, THERE WON’T BE THIS SAME LAVA FLOW. INQUIRE WITH LOCAL PROVIDERS FOR LOCAL UPDATES.***

Here’s my guide to the Pacaya Volcano hike near Antigua, Guatemala! 

Hiking Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala

The photos featured in this guide are from the 2021 eruption, so please note that your experience will be different.

How to Hike Pacaya Volcano

Unlike other hikes around Guatemala, a certified guide must accompany you on your trek up Pacaya Volcano. Two authorized trails lead to the summit, although most follow the shorter La Corona Trail. 

You can hire local guides at the Pacaya National Park entrance for Q200 (7 AM—5 PM) or arrange transport and guides through a tour company in Antigua.

You can choose to hike Pacaya in the early morning or at sunset. Departures from Antigua are typically from 6-7:30 AM and at 2 PM. Click here to reserve, as spots fill up fast.

Alternatively, you can camp overnight at Pacaya base camp to enjoy a night under the stars and the views at sunrise. If you don’t get the chance to do an overnight, 2-day trek to Acatenango, then the overnight on Pacaya will be a great alternative.

You’ll also have the option to complete the hike on horseback if it seems too challenging for you to complete on foot.

Most people do a day trip to Pacaya Volcano, seeing as it’s so close to Antigua. 

Alternatively, you can book a Pacaya Volcano tour from Guatemala City if you’re based there.

From our experience, the 2 AM sunrise hike is the most epic, although this may only be an option during an eruption. The views are even better if there’s a lava flow happening, as you’ll see the vivid orange and red of the lava pop against the dark night sky!

We’ve also heard that the sunset hike, which departs at 2 PM, provides epic views of Volcán Pacaya and the surrounding volcanoes, Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego.

When planning your hike up Pacaya Volcano, consider whether you want to go early for sunrise, sunset, or camp overnight. You’ll also want to consider whether you want to arrange your own transport from Antigua (a 90-minute drive) and hire a guide at the national park entrance or simply book the entire experience with a tour.

Either way, it takes around 40 minutes to climb Pacaya via La Corona Trail.

The Best Pacaya Volcano Tours

Want to get a head start on planning your trip to Guatemala? You can book your Pacaya Volcano tour online ahead of time. 

These are some of the best Pacaya Volcano tours, including the one I went on!

Pacaya Volcano + Kawilal Hot Springs Tour

• From $65 per person
• Pick up and drop off in Antigua, included
• Start time at 7:30 am
• Lunch included
• Book here!

This trip is an irresistible combination of an adventurous morning and a rejuvenating soak to round it out. Spend nine hours hiking to the tip-top of Pacaya Volcano with a knowledgeable guide before heading to relax your aching muscles in the Kawilal Hot Springs. Hosted by Gray Line, this option includes lunch and pick-up and drop-off in Antigua. Keep in mind that while they do provide pick-up/drop-off, it’s at their office in central Antigua.

From Guatemala City: Pacaya Volcano Day Tour

• From $95 per person
• Pick up and drop off in Guatemala City (or Antigua), included
• Start time at 7:00 am
• All entrance fees, including the national park, included
• Book here!

If you’re hoping to book a tour to Pacaya from Guatemala City, this is the tour for you! This 6-hour trip includes a local guide, water, and all of your entrance fees, including to the national park. Follow your guide up the slopes of the volcano to reach the summit. You may want to pack some snacks, as there is no meal provided on this tour.

From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Trek

• From $24 per person
• Pick up and drop off in Antigua, included
• Start times at 6 am and 2 pm
• Marshmallows included
• Book here!

This 7-hour trek that takes off from Antigua was the tour we chose to hike Pacaya. It’s by far the least expensive option and provides marshmallows to roast in celebration once you reach the top! This option also picks up and drops off at 16 different locations in Antigua, which makes it extra convenient.

In Person

We booked our tour in person with a tour agency in Antigua. You might get better rates this way, but both options are good! It’s also possible to book with tour agencies in Guatemala City if that’s where you’re based.

Most tours provide transportation, guides, gear, and a snack regardless of who you go with. If you’re negotiating in person, double-check with the tour operators to see what’s included.

What is it Like to Hike Pacaya Volcano?

COST TO HIKE PACAYA VOLCANO

Although prices may vary, and you’ll read various reviews online, our Pacaya sunrise hike cost Q200 per person. This included transportation back and forth from Antigua, certified guides, snacks, and gear (2x trekking poles and 1x headlamp per couple).

This didn’t include the Q100 national park entrance fee, which we paid in cash to the park office after descending Pacaya.

✨ Click here to book this Pacaya Volcano hike tour from Antigua ✨

Other online tours via GetYourGuide and Viator cost anywhere from 200Q to 900Q, or about $24 to $115 per person, depending on additional stops.

THE HIKE

As for the hike itself, expect the unexpected! If you choose to hike in the dark, either at sunrise or sunset, you can’t see much of where you’re going. Don’t worry, as you’ll get to see it all on your way back down.

As for the time and duration of the Pacaya Volcano hike, we took the La Corona Trail, which took approximately 40 minutes. 

There is an alternative trail you can do, which I read takes 2 hours.

What was unexpected was seeing Volcán Fuego erupt in a wondrous light show from afar. We heard the boom several moments later, but what a sight! We could see the lava exploding from the top of the volcano and running down the sides. It was simply mesmerizing.

🌋 Check current available tour times for hiking Pacaya here. Tours no longer offer the 2 AM trek because there is no lava flow to witness. That said, you can depart at 6 AM or 2 PM.

Most of the hike is uphill, but your tour guide gives the group a break (a rest for some and time to catch up for others) about once every 15-20 minutes. You’ll likely have two before you arrive at the slopes of Volcán Pacaya.

About halfway up, we began to see lava slowly flowing down the side of the mountain. We didn’t realize at the time that we were heading into the thick of it!

It truly felt like we were hobbits on our way to Mordor — especially as we got closer and began to feel the heat of the lava blow around us, mixed with the chill of the wind. It was simply WILD!

We rounded Cerro Chino, unknowingly so at the time since everything was still pitch-black. Suddenly, the fine black soil of the trail turned into crunchy, hardened lava rocks—which I believe is called igneous rock! 

What we saw next was truly jaw-dropping! During the entire final section of the hike, we kept blurting out phrases like, “This is insane!” “Incredible!” and “OMG, MORDOR!”

We arrived at around 4:30 AM at the base of Volcán Pacaya, where an enormous slow-moving river of molten lava flowed just feet away. Truly, you could feel the heat seep into your shoes. We later found out that the soles of Paul’s shoes actually melted!

ROASTING MARSHMALLOWS

Sunrise lit up the scene even more vividly, illuminating the sky and the clouds in purple hues.

One of the attractions of hiking Pacaya is roasting marshmallows over the lava. There were even people making coffee, and another guy reported making pizza!

That said, if you aren’t sure that your Pacaya volcano tour provides marshmallows and sticks, make sure to pick some up at the La Bodegona supermarket in Antigua (the marshmallows are in the candy section).

HIKING BACK DOWN

Shortly after sunrise, our group started the descent back down the volcano.

We began crossing the field full of igneous rock to meet the trail when Paul stopped and told me that one of the rocks had actually melted into the sole of his shoe. Somehow, he hadn’t noticed until that moment — probably because of our excitement witnessing the lava flow.

The hike back down takes only 30 minutes and goes fairly quickly. What’s special about the way back is that you get to see the landscape that was hidden in darkness on your way up. Enjoy magnificent views of the three volcanoes marking the skyline: Volcán Agua, Volcán Acatenango, and Volcán Fuego

Once back at the trailhead, you’ll need to pay the Q100 entrance fee if you haven’t already. You’ll also have time for a bathroom break before hopping into the shuttle van and making your way back to Antigua (or Guatemala City).

The road back was longer than when we came due to traffic—another reason that the Pacaya sunrise hike is probably your best option to avoid both road and foot traffic on the trail.

Note: We were extremely fortunate to see lava as we did, and it’s all thanks to the 2021 Pacaya Volcano eruption. You may not have the same lava experience as we did. Some people go and are disappointed due to cloudy weather at the top. That’s why, before you set out for a sunrise hike, check the weather for Pacaya here (not your average weather report).

What to Wear to Hike Volcán Pacaya

Our tour company provided little guidance about what to expect and wear to Pacaya. I jotted down an ideal packing list for hiking Pacaya that you can use for your trip.

• Proper hiking boots or shoes
  • This is a must because the fine volcanic soil is hard to hike up and down on, and the igneous rocks are fairly hot next to the lava. Avoid sandals!
• Trekking poles
  • Possibly provided if you book with a tour company – also rentable at the park entrance.
• Headlamps (usually provided by the tour for sunrise hikes)
• Windbreaker/jacket
  • It can be cold at the top unless you’re there during an eruption when the lava is close.
• Comfortable hiking pants, shirt/tank top, or long-sleeve
• Reusable water bottle
• Marshmallows and sticks!
• Camera
• Tripod (don’t forget this if you are doing the sunrise trek! I did and regretted it)
• Snack
• Travel daypack
• Bag to put/pick up trash (please Leave No Trace)
• Keep in mind that drone use is no longer allowed on Pacaya!

Despite having clear weather, the wind was really chilly. We were glad to have worn long pants and our jackets. Make sure to consider changes in weather as you ascend/descend and pack accordingly!

Also, don’t forget to bring sunscreen if you are departing for Pacaya at 6 AM or 2 PM since you’ll be in the sun later in the day. You won’t need it if you leave at 2 AM and do the sunrise hike.

FAQ’s About Hiking the Pacaya Volcano Hike

Where is Pacaya Volcano located? 

Pacaya lies just 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Guatemala City and 21 miles (35 km) southwest of Antigua.

How long does it take to climb Pacaya? 

It takes around 40 minutes to climb Pacaya – 30 if you are a quick hiker – and only 30-35 minutes to trek back down. Trekking poles and proper hiking shoes are recommended!

Can you hike Pacaya Volcano? 

Yes! While you can’t hike when an eruption is at its peak, you can hike Pacaya Volcano when there are lava flows.

How do you get to Pacaya? 

From Antigua, take the Ruta Palín. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive to Pacaya from either Antigua or Guatemala City, depending on traffic. There’s a parking lot (parqueo) at the national park entrance.

What is the elevation of Pacaya? 

Pacaya sits at 2552 m or 8,373 ft in elevation. The elevation gain is about 450 m, or 1,500 ft. Read more Pacaya Volcano facts here.

What type of volcano is Pacaya? 

Pacaya is a complex (or compound) volcano. Its first eruption is estimated to have occurred around 23,000 years ago.

Is Pacaya still active? 

Yes! It has been continuously active for decades, with frequent lava fountains and lava flows.

Best time to hike Volcán Pacaya? 

The dry winter months, from November to April, are the best time to hike Pacaya Volcano. We went in mid-May, during the rainy season, but got lucky and had a clear morning. 

If it’s safe, consider following reports of high volcanic activity—this will increase your chances of seeing lava flows.

Final Thoughts

OK, so we’ve trekked to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal, and now we’ve trekked on the active Pacaya Volcano and witnessed real LAVA! This experience rivals some of our favorite adventures around the world.

If you get the opportunity to hike Pacaya at sunrise while traveling in Guatemala, do it!!!

If you spend the day exploring Pacaya and the nearby towns, you can also check out volcano-heated hot springs (more like thermal pools) in nearby resorts such as Santa Teresita Hotel y Spa and Kawilal Hotel in Amatitlán.

If you have any questions about our sunrise hike to Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala, feel free to reach out and write a comment below. Happy trekking!Share this Pacaya Volcano Hiking Guide to Pinterest!

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