Antigua ATV outfitter · Antigua and San Vicente Pacaya
You drive your own quad from San Vicente Pacaya along forest trails and through villages at the foot of the volcano, with views of Calderas Lagoon, then onto volcanic sand and lava inside a private plantation. It's for people who want the ride more than the classic park trail.
Read this first: the ATV tour does not enter the Pacaya National Park. The listing says it in capitals. You won't walk the main trail from San Francisco de Sales to the lava fields below the cone. Instead you ride from San Vicente Pacaya on off-road trails to villages at the base of the volcano, past views of Calderas Lagoon and of Agua, Fuego and Acatenango.
The lava comes later. The route crosses volcanic sand and lava fields inside a private plantation, and you get the chance to hike up an old, petrified lava flow "as high as you are able to go". Snacks are included: water, Gatorade, chocolate, chips, cookies and a sandwich. Lunch is not.
Practical rules matter here. There are no hotel pickups: you start at the office at 6a Avenida Norte 60B in Antigua. Every driver needs a valid driving licence, and you can't book a passenger seat without also booking a driver. Teenagers with a licence can drive their own quad if booked as adults. With 303 reviews at 4.9, it's the best-rated Pacaya trip on this site, but if your goal is the volcano itself, take the classic hike.
6a Avenida Norte 60B. There's no hotel pickup, so walk or take a tuk-tuk.
Ground transport to the ATV base, then a briefing and helmets.
Ride forest trails and village roads at the foot of the volcano, with a stop above Calderas Lagoon.
Drive on volcanic sand inside a private plantation and climb an old lava flow on foot.
Return to the office about 8 hours after you set out.
★★★★★Outstanding tour! The tour guide (Leo) was excellent. Spoke perfect English and was quite entertaining. The ATVs were well maintained and the route that was planned was the perfect mix paved road, gravel road and complete off road!
★★★★★Driving the ATVs is actually easier than we expected and there is very little walking. The group travels together so depending on how fast everything is done depends on how long the excursion will be. We highly recommend this unique experience. Bring a swim suit and sunscreen!
★★★★★Amazing ATV excursion to Pacaya! The ATVs were nice and without mechanical issues. The guides were very professional and knowledgeable of the area. We especially appreciated the dozens of 'action shots' the guides got of the group on our ATVs. Will definitely be looking up this outfit again when we return!
Read next:
No. The listing says plainly that it does not go to the San Vicente Pacaya National Park. It uses village trails and the lava fields of a private plantation.
Yes, every driver needs a valid licence. Passengers ride behind a booked driver; you can't book a passenger rate on its own.
No. The tour starts at the operator's office at 6a Avenida Norte 60B in Antigua.
Old lava flows and volcanic sand, yes. Flowing lava, no: Pacaya's last flows ended in 2021. See can you see lava at Pacaya.
Ready to book
Drive a quad on village trails and private lava fields around Pacaya. Outside the national park.
Sunset Horseback Ride & Lava-Cooked DinnerNo hiking: your own horse and cowboy guide, s'mores on the lava and pizza baked by a lava chef at sunset.★ 4.8 · 6 hours · from $335
Pacaya Volcano Hike from AntiguaThe classic: shared shuttle from Antigua at 06:00 or 14:00, 1.5 hours up to the lava field. Park fee extra, in cash.★ 4.5 · 6 hours · from $35
Pacaya Morning Hike with LunchPrivate transport from Antigua, all park fees paid and a fresh lunch at la Meseta below the cone. Ages 6 and up.★ 4.9 · 8 hours · from $138