Are you hoping to complete the Pacaya Volcano hike from Antigua? We cover all of the details in this 2024 planning guide!
Pacaya Volcano is a live, active volcano located only one hour outside of Antigua!
I completed the Pacaya Volcano hike in 2024. I booked it easily through my hostel and even signed up for a same-day trip.
There are tons of day tour providers that pick you right up in Antigua and walk with you from the base all the way to the top of this active volcano.
Being part of a group tour from Antigua means you’ll share this incredible experience with fellow explorers, making new friends along the way.
Ready to make your trip to Guatemala truly memorable?
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, the Pacaya Volcano awaits to unfold its wonders to you. Don’t miss out on this highlight of Guatemalan natural beauty and excitement.
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Steps to Completing the Pacaya Volcano Hike
Select a Tour Operator
There are tons of tour operators selling both private and public trips that pick up and drop off at your Antigua accommodation.
Prices frequently depend on the number of people who are joining your group.
If you are signing up for a small tour group of under ten people with a guide who speaks your native language and provides education and facts throughout the hike, you will probably be looking at a more expensive hike.
I paid $15 for the hike and booked through my hostel upon arrival. I joined a tour van of 20 people.
It was not an intimate experience, but I researched all options in advance and this cheaper option made the most sense for my budget.
I learned from others that it would be cheapest to book upon arrival through my hostel.
Pacaya always seems to be running two tours daily, so I don’t think you would run into any trouble to wait for booking.
However, if you prefer to book in advance, contact your hostel ahead of time or choose from a top-rated tour on Viator.
A few tour operators also offer the option of camping at Pacaya Volcano.
Camping is an experience most frequently associated with hiking Acatenango Volcano. This hike is more aggressive, however, some visitors still want the volcano hiking experience on a notably easier volcano.
Pacaya tours including camping will of course be more expensive.
Purchase your tickets to Volcan Pacaya National Park
Most tour providers do not include the entrance cost to Volcan Pacaya National Park with guided ticket prices. The cost is 100Q, close to $12 USD.
Upon walking through the national park entrance with your group, you will wait in line to purchase tickets at the ticket office. There are also two bathrooms located here. There is no cost to use the bathrooms prior to your hike.
Tip: There are no other bathrooms located along the trail. Go here!
Guatemala Planning: Read Next!
Rent Trekking Poles
Next, rent your trekking poles (if you choose).
Renting trekking poles is common at the base of Pacaya Volcano. Locals rent trekking poles for between 10-20Q per trekking pole.. $1 or $2 USD. This is a small price for your balance while navigating the volcanic gravel uphill.
Me personally, I have flat feet and weak ankles, so trekking poles are always a no-brainer for me while hiking, especially at this cost. But it’s your call!
Simply return your trekking poles to the local sellers at the bottom fo the volcano after you complete your hike.
Hike to the Summit
I’m going to be really real with you about hiking to the summit- don’t plan for views. My entire visit was cloudy without views, and I have heard from many other travelers that they had similar experiences.
So we are going to walk through what a cloudy hike to the top of this live volcano would be like.. no views, and all.
Hiking to the top of Pacaya Volcano on a cloudy day transforms the adventure into a mysterious trek through the clouds.
The landscape is shrouded in a thick, soft mist, enveloping everything in a quiet hush that amplifies the sound of your footsteps on the volcanic gravel.
Visibility is limited, giving the ascent an ethereal quality as silhouettes of fellow hikers appear and disappear into the mist.
The usual panoramic views may be obscured, but the clouds and fog create a moody environment where the sense of isolation from the world below intensifies the experience.
It feels like you’re entering an alien landscape.
Without the distraction of distant views, the focus shifts to the smaller beauties like the natural flowers and plants thriving on a live volcano. (Talk about stopping to smell the roses!)
Hiking Pacaya on a cloudy day might deny you the views, but it creates a mystical experience.
Roast marshmallows (or buy pizza)
The summit wasn’t really the grand finale for me… it was roasting marshmallows!
Roasting marshmallows on an active volcano is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some travelers find it anti-climactic, but the price for this experience alone was worth every penny.
(I’m also kind of into quirky, Atlas Obscura-type experiences).
Guatemala Transportation
Hike Down
Congratulations! You hiked the active Pacaya Volcano.
It takes about half the time to hike down the volcano that it did to hike up, but be mindful of the slippery (gravelly) volcanic ground.
FAQ
Q1 What is the best time of year to hike Pacaya Volcano?
A: The best time to hike Pacaya Volcano is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April.
Q: How long does the hike take?
A: The hike takes approximately 4-5 hours round trip, depending on your pace and the weather conditions.
Q: How physically demanding is the hike to the summit of Pacaya?
A: The hike is considered moderate to strenuous, with some steep and rocky sections.
It’s important to be in good physical condition and wear appropriate footwear for the hike. Additionally, altitude can also play a factor in the level of difficulty for some hikers. Check the Alltrails rating for most up-to-date reviews here.
Q: Are guides mandatory for hiking Pacaya Volcano, and how can one be arranged?
A: Guides are mandatory for hiking Pacaya Volcano, as it is an active volcano and can be dangerous without proper knowledge and guidance.
Q: Is it possible to camp overnight on or near Pacaya Volcano?
Yes, if you book a hike that includes an overnight camping option. I recommend booking this type of tour in advance because it is not as common.
What to Pack
I recommend packing the following essentials for hiking Pacaya Volcano:
🧥Rain jacket– Our hike was entirely dry until we made it to the summit. The top of Pacaya Volcano was very misty and I was glad I had a rain jacket with a hood!
👕Base Layers– Higher altitudes can naturally bring unpredictable temperatures, especially the higher you get up the volcano.
I recommend packing base layers because they are not bulky and take up little space in your suitcase or backpack.
🌊Water Bottle– Drinking bottled water in Guatemala is recommended. Grab a bottle from a nearby shop, or fill a collapsible water bottle with filtered water.
🥾Hiking Shoes– I recommend hiking boots, for better ankle support! But again, I have weak ankles so this is a must for me.
No matter what, make sure you have supportive shoes that have good traction on the bottom, to minimize the risk of slipping.
Conclusion
Conquering Pacaya Volcano is an exhilarating adventure that offers breathtaking landscapes and an up-close experience with an active volcano.
The use of a guide is mandatory for safety reasons, but arranging one is straightforward and enhances the experience by providing valuable insights about this natural marvel.
Though the hike can be challenging, the proper preparation – including packing essentials like a rain jacket, base layers, a water bottle, and sturdy hiking shoes – can make the trek more comfortable and enjoyable.
For those seeking a unique overnight experience, camping options are available but require advance booking.
