Pacaya Volcano Hike

The 8,373-foot (2,552-m) Pacaya Volcano looms large over Lake Amatitlán. About an hour’s drive from Antigua, this volcano makes for a convenient day trip while visiting the area. Pacaya is active and tends to spew ash and lava on a fairly consistent basis. Some days the activity is limited to quiet steam emissions, while other days see full-blown explosions.

Tour participants can ascend the volcano in one of two ways – by foot or on horseback. On foot, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the summit. As you climb you’ll pass through cornfields, forests, and old lava flows. You’ll enjoy views of the volcano’s main vent, which might be spewing ash and lava, and get looks of the Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes. There’s also one spot with panoramic views of Guatemala City.

This tour takes about 7 hours.