Pacaya volcano at a glance
Pacaya sits inside the Parque Nacional Volcán Pacaya y Laguna de Calderas, south of Antigua and Guatemala City. The park belongs to the communities of Amatitlán and San Vicente Pacaya. Most visitors start from the village of San Francisco de Sales and walk up through forest and then across bare, dark ground.
The hike is a short, steady climb, not an overnight expedition. That makes Pacaya the usual first volcano for travelers staying in Antigua, and a good contrast to the much longer Acatenango trek. This is an independent guide. It is not run by the park or by any tour operator.
Lava fields: what you actually see
The trail crosses old lava fields on the slopes. These are solidified flows from past eruptions. They are rough, black and sometimes loose underfoot, so closed shoes with a good sole matter more than anything else you pack.
Do not expect to see flowing lava. The latest CONRED bulletin on Pacaya, from 1 September 2026, described gas release at the Mackenney crater, with steam and gases drifting to the southwest. That is a snapshot of one day. Activity changes, and no tour can promise lava, glow or explosions.
The main crater is closed to visitors, according to the local guide information. Routes lead to the old lava deposits and to Cerro Chino instead.
Our picks: Pacaya tours
Two six-hour trips from Antigua, both with hotel pickup. Entry and food are extra.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Pacaya volcano tour from Antigua
Six hours with hotel transfer, a bus ride, a bilingual guide and marshmallows. Entry and food are not included.
Check availability →Pacaya volcano trek from Antigua
Hotel transfer, the ride to San Vicente and back, a local guide and marshmallows. Entry and food are extra.
Check availability →Pacaya volcano tours from Antigua
Half-day hikes with transport from Antigua, with live prices and availability.
Pacaya volcano tour from Antigua: time and route
Tourism information gives these rough figures. Your own day depends on traffic, group speed and the weather.
The drive
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Antigua to the start in San Francisco de Sales. If you come from Guatemala City, the park information describes the route along the CA-9 Sur with a turnoff at kilometer 37. The one hour drive mentioned there refers to Guatemala City, not to Antigua.
The walk
The climb takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours up, then you walk back the same way. Stops for photos and rests come on top.
The day
A full trip from Antigua usually lasts 5 to 7 hours. Park hours are 7:00 am to 6:00 pm every day, so start early enough to be back down before the park closes.
Road disruptions
A full blockade at the kilometer 37 turnoff toward San Vicente Pacaya was reported on 9 September 2026. It was a single event, but it shows why you should leave time in your schedule and ask your operator about road conditions.
Prices in 2026
Rates published for 2026 by a local guide information site. They are not a decision of the municipalities, so confirm them when you book.
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance, foreign adult | Q100 | Published 2026 rate |
| Entrance, Guatemalan visitor | Q30 | – |
| Entrance, Guatemalan student up to middle school | Q10 | With student ID |
| Entrance, child under 7 | Free | – |
| Day guide | Q300 per group | Group of 1 to 10 people |
A tour from Antigua normally bundles transport, a guide and sometimes the entrance. Compare what each offer includes before you compare prices.
Rules and what to bring
Camping on the volcano needs a permit from the park management, requested at least 24 hours ahead, according to the guide information. Without that permit, plan this as a day trip.
The ground is rough and the weather turns quickly at altitude. Bring closed shoes, a rain jacket, a warm layer, water, sun protection and a small amount of cash for entrance and tips. Gloves help on the sharp rock. Stay with your guide, stay on the marked routes and follow his or her instructions if the wind brings gas your way.
Volcano trips are best done with a licensed guide or police escort, which is also the advice of the German Foreign Office. Our page on safety in Antigua covers the wider picture.
Plan the rest of your volcano days
Pacaya pairs well with these pages.
Pacaya volcano: frequently asked questions
Can you see lava on Pacaya?
Do not count on it. The trail crosses old lava fields from past eruptions. A CONRED report of 1 September 2026 described gas release at the Mackenney crater, not flowing lava. Conditions change, so ask your operator before you go.
How long does a Pacaya tour from Antigua take?
Plan 5 to 7 hours for the whole trip. The drive is about 1.5 to 2 hours each way and the climb itself takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
How much does it cost to climb Pacaya in 2026?
A guide information site lists Q100 for foreign adults, Q30 for Guatemalan visitors and free entry for children under 7. A day guide costs Q300 per group of up to 10 people. Tours from Antigua add transport and are priced separately.
Is Pacaya open at night?
The park lists hours from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Camping requires a permit from the park management at least 24 hours in advance.
Do you need a guide on Pacaya?
The German Foreign Office advises doing volcano trips only with police or licensed guides. Most visitors go with a guide from the village or on an organized tour from Antigua.
Is Pacaya or Acatenango better for a first volcano?
Pacaya is shorter and fits into a half day. Acatenango is an overnight trek to 3,976 m (13,045 ft) in cold conditions and needs more preparation. Many visitors do Pacaya first.