A Pacaya Volcano hike is a must when in Guatemala.
Known for its Mayan archeological sites, unique cultures, and many markets, Guatemala is also a country of many natural wonders. Thick jungle, isolated natural pools, the breathtaking Lake Atitlan, and many active volcanoes (there are 37 in Guatemala) dot the landscape of this country in Central America.
If, like me, you are used to the calm beaches of Sardinia, seeing volcanoes throwing smoke at regular intervals will leave you speechless. It is only natural you will want to see them up close. The good news is that you can, and you should! The Pacaya Volcano hike is actually one of the best things to do in Guatemala, in my opinion.
I had a chance to hike Volcano Pacaya during one of my many trips to Guatemala, and I am about to share everything you need to know before you embark on the same experience. Continue reading!
Before you embark on your hike, double-check whether it is actually permitted. Local authorities regularly change the rules for how close you can get to the volcano and the crater, depending on the volcanic activity.
Image Credit: Jose de Jesus Churion/Istockphoto.
What You Must Know Before Your Pacaya Volcano Hike
Some background information on Volcano Pacaya
Volcano Pacaya is located just over an hour’s drive from Antigua. The volcano measures 8,373 feet (2552 meters). Its first eruption was recorded around 23,000 years ago. This is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. The last big eruption of the Pacaya volcano was in 2010.
Until 2016, it was actually possible to see lava from up close during the hike—different tour companies took different routes. Although the volcano is very active and has regular eruptions, the majority of the activity consists of spewing ashes and—occasionally—lava. Don’t go there expecting to see massive lava flows, as those are rare, and you may be disappointed!
Image Credit: Martina Santamaria (Pimp My Trip).
Interesting facts about Pacaya Volcano
Before you go on your hike, or maybe to help you decide whether this is worth your time, let’s discuss some fascinating facts about Pacaya Volcano.
Pacaya Volcano has erupted more than 23 times since 1565, but because of its remote location, we don’t know much information prior to that. There is very little data from local sources going back that far.
At 23,000 years old, Pacaya Volcano is actually considered quite young. For comparison, Mt. Unzen volcano in Japan is believed to have formed over 2.5 million years ago.
Despite the constant activity, Volcan de Pacaya is actually significantly less dangerous than its neighbor, El Fuego. El Fuego had a major eruption in 2018 that killed 200 people around the slopes of the volcano. Pacaya is considerably less dangerous.
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Technical details
Volcano Pacaya is an out-and-back hike of just over 5 km (3.1 miles), with around 1,500 feet (457 meters) elevation gain and moderate difficulty. The terrain is soft earth and sand, to begin with—not ideal if you have knee and back problems. After a short while, the terrain becomes more rocky as you will be walking on lava flows.
The entire hike takes a little over 4 hours. I didn’t find the hike to be particularly long or difficult, but I guess that is all relative – I have met people who complained about how difficult it was, so I guess it really depends on your level of fitness and how accustomed you are to hiking. All in all, it is better to never underestimate the level of difficulty of a hike.
Horses can be rented to climb the volcano, as well as walking sticks.
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Best time for the Pacaya Volcano hike
Though the volcano can be accessed year-round, the best time to hike is November—that’s when I went.
This is just the start of the dry season in Guatemala (which lasts until April), which means that the landscape is nice and green from the recent rain, whereas the sky will be incredibly clear and there are no chances of rain.
One important tip for traveling anywhere in Guatemala is to keep an eye on the weather. The rain and cloud forecast can be unpredictable, but you should try to avoid hiking during a particularly rainy day as this will make it harder to enjoy the views.
Image Credit: myadventuresacrosstheworld.
The sights along the hike
Nowadays, it is no longer possible to climb close to the crater. Hikes to Volcano Pacaya go up to a certain point and then down, following a trail where the terrain is made of solidified lava.
The landscape is incredible: the vegetation is very thick, almost lush, to begin with. Going up, the terrain becomes sandy, and the vegetation becomes more sparse, and eventually, closer to the crater, it is completely bare.
At some point, the hike passes by a bunch of fumaroles. That’s when guides hand over marshmallows and a stick to melt the marshmallows on the fumaroles.
The view of the volcano hiking up is incredible. On a clear day, when the volcano is not surrounded by clouds, it is possible to see it fuming. Once at the highest point, the view of the surroundings (and of other volcanoes) is simply spectacular, especially at sunset.
Image Credit: Martina Santamaria.
Guided Volcano Pacaya Hikes
You can’t hike Volcano Pacaya independently (in any case, I never recommend hiking solo). Guides can be hired directly at the visitors’ center at the park’s entrance.
However, if you add up the costs of transportation from Antigua to the entrance fee to the national park, and the mandatory guide (which will cost around $27 USD per person), joining a guided group hike that departs from Antigua may end up being cheaper.
Tours can be booked online, but watch out because while some include the entrance fee to the park, others don’t. The same goes for the tours advertised by the many tour companies around Antigua: it’s important to get a clear understanding of what to expect, not only in terms of what’s included but also in terms of how the hike is structured.
All hikes are pretty much the same: they last anything between 4 to 6 hours, including the 2 hours driving to San Francisco de Sales, the welcome center.
If you’re looking for a guided hike, I recommend From Guatemala City or Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Day Tour. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a professional guide, all entrance fees and taxes, and a bottle of water (you might want to bring your own, though, too).
I also recommend this popular tour, From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Trek. The tour departs and returns only to Antigua. It includes transportation, a professional guide, marshmallows to roast at the top, and water, but it does not include the entrance fee.
If you want more adventure, I recommend this Pacaya Volcano Tour and Hot Springs with Lunch. The tour includes transportation, a guide, the entrance to Santa Teresita Hot Springs, and lunch. It does not include the entrance fee to the volcano.
Sunset hike tours typically leave Antigua at 2:00 p.m. You can also go on two days of hiking expeditions to Pacaya volcano, where you will camp near the top and (after a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call) see the sunrise.
Image Credit: Martina Santamaria.
Gearing Up for the Hike
Here are some recommendations for what you need to wear and carry for your hike.
- Wear a good pair of hiking boots, as the terrain is quite sandy and slippery.
- Carry a wind jacket: once at the top, it gets incredibly windy, and as the sun goes down, the temperatures drop as well.
- If going on a sunset hike, carry a torch or a headlamp because the descent will be almost completely in the dark.
- Pack a small daypack with plenty of water for the duration of the hike.
- Bring small change for tips and other purchases.
- Depending on whether your tour or guide offers lunch or food, you might want to bring a small snack, like apples or other fruit, to have on the way back.
Image Credit: nodramallama/Istockphoto.
Where to stay when hiking Pacaya volcano
Though it is possible to visit the volcano from Guatemala City, the best starting point for a hike is Antigua Guatemala – not so much in terms of distance (which is more or less the same), but quite simply because Antigua is a lovely city, pleasant to visit, packed with things to do and interesting attractions and with food and accommodation options for any taste, need, and budget.
These are the best places to stay in Antigua:
- Casa Elena – quite simply, the best hotel in Antigua. It’s in a quiet neighborhood but still walkable to all major attractions. The accommodation itself is very stylish and quintessential, which is perfect for your Antigua travels.
- Barbara’s Boutique Hostel – a wonderful hostel, but with incredible attention to detail. It’s an adults-only hostel located conveniently just outside the town center.
- Yellow House – perfect for backpackers and budget travelers. The hostel itself is simple but cozy and affordable for Antigua.
- San Rafael – located right by Santa Catalina Arch, one of Antigua’s landmarks.
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Is the volcano Pacaya hike difficult?
Wondering about the Pacaya Volcano hike difficulty? The Pacaya volcano hike is not too difficult. It’s rated as moderate on the traditional U.S. national parks rankings.
The hike is relatively short, but it’s basically straight up and then straight down on the return. That steepness, combined with the high elevation of this area, can make it more challenging for some.
Image Credit: Jose de Jesus Churion/Istockphoto.
Where is Pacaya Volcano?
Pacaya Volcano is 36.5 km (22.5 miles) from Antigua and 48.5 km (30 miles) from Guatemala City. By bus, it takes about an hour or so to get there from Antigua.
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Can you do the Pacaya Volcano hike on your own?
No, you need a designated guide to hike Pacaya Volcano. You can hire a guide at the entrance, but it would be much more convenient to go with a tour group between transportation costs and other expenses.
Image Credit: Jose de Jesus Churion/Istockphoto.
What is the elevation of Pacaya volcano?
Pacaya Volcano reaches 2,552 meters (8,372 ft) above sea level. The Pacaya Volcano hike elevation is about 450 meters (1,475 feet).
Image Credit: ByronOrtizA/Istockphoto.
How much is the Pacaya volcano entrance fee?
Currently, the Pacaya volcano entrance fee is about Q100 ($12.81 USD). Some guided tours include the entrance fee in the cost, and some don’t. If your tour doesn’t include the cost, you will pay the entrance fee at the main office/shack at the beginning of the trail.
Image Credit: Jose de Jesus Churion/Istockphoto.
How long does it take to hike Pacaya volcano?
The Pacaya Volcano hike distance is 5 km (3.1 miles). The Pacaya volcano hike took me about four hours round-trip. This includes some time spent at the “top” of the volcano, where we roasted marshmallows, took photos, and explored a little bit.
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Is hiking Pacaya Volcano dangerous?
Hiking Pacaya Volcano is not crazy dangerous, but it’s very important to remember that it’s an active volcano with a constant threat of eruption.
There’s been much fewer deaths and low risk compared to the neighboring El Fuego, but you want to avoid going during particularly active and aggressive eruptions. Additionally, I recommend going with a guided tour because they’ll double-check that conditions are safe before departure.
Image Credit: Mindaugas Dulinskas/Istockphoto.
Conclusions On The Pacaya Volcano Hike
Pacaya Volcano is one of the most exciting hikes near Antigua, Guatemala. And it’s the perfect balance of challenging, doable, and beautiful.
From start to finish, you’re treated to incredible views overlooking the surrounding area, and hiking a volcano is a unique experience in general.
The entire experience is better if you go on a guided tour. You don’t have to worry about transportation or getting lost (although it isn’t that hard to stay on the trail), and they’ll probably give you some marshmallows to roast over the burning lava rocks!
There’s no question Pacaya volcano should be on your Guatemala itinerary if you’re planning to visit Antigua (and you probably are if you’re in Guatemala)!
Related: 8 Must-See Mayan Ruins In Guatemala
Related: 29 Best Things To Do In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
This article originally appeared on Myadventuresacrosstheworld.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
Image Credit: Mindaugas Dulinskas/Istockphoto.
