Local Antigua operator · Antigua
A shared air-conditioned van takes you from your Antigua hotel to Pacaya, where you climb for about two hours over volcanic rock to roast marshmallows in the heat vents. It's the lowest price to the volcano, and the right pick if you only need a ride and a guide.
This is the bare-bones Pacaya trip. The listing names exactly one thing as included: an air-conditioned vehicle. It picks you up at your hotel in Antigua (give the hotel name when you book), takes you to the volcano, and drops you at Central Park afterwards. A private option exists at a higher price if you'd rather not share the van.
On the mountain it's the same climb as every other tour: about two hours uphill to the lava fields below the active cone, time to scramble over the rock and roast marshmallows, then down. The operator is direct about the limits. You can't walk to the summit, Pacaya is active, and you visit at your own risk. The listing mentions you may see ash or lava, but don't count on lava: the last flows stopped in 2021.
Budget for the rest yourself: Q100 in cash for the park, water and snacks, and Q150 to Q300 if you want a horse from the handlers at the trailhead (the operator says it has no link to them). The listing gives the trip as 7 hours, longer than the "half-day" name suggests. If you want the guide's English spelled out and two fixed times, the Voyageur Tours hike costs a little more.
The van collects you from the address you gave at booking.
Air-conditioned, shared with other travellers. Pay the Q100 fee in cash at the entrance.
Uphill through forest and onto open volcanic sand and rock. Horses are for hire at the start.
Clamber over the rock below the cone and roast marshmallows in the steam.
Descend the same trail, then the van drops you at Central Park in Antigua.
★★★★★We hiked during the afternoon tour and it was absolutely amazing!! The guides are so friendly as well! But the views were absolutely stunning! I highly suggest hiking during the afternoon, as you will be able to see the sunset and it is AMAZING!
★★★★★Great tour! The views were beautiful. Everything was organized
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The listing names only the air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup in Antigua and drop-off at Central Park. Park fee, drinks and snacks are extra.
Q100 per person in cash for the national park, plus money for water, snacks and a horse if you want one. Our price guide adds it all up.
The drive takes about 1.5 hours each way and the hike about 3.5 hours with the stop on top. The listing gives 7 hours, so plan an afternoon of rest rather than a second tour.
No. The operator says you cannot walk up to the summit for safety reasons. The trail ends on the lava fields below the cone.
Ready to book
The cheapest seat to the volcano: a shared air-conditioned van from Antigua and a two-hour climb to the lava field.
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
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