Local Guatemala City operator · Guatemala City
A van collects you from your hotel in Guatemala City and reaches the foot of Pacaya in about 1.5 hours, where a guide certified by the tourism board leads the climb to the lava fields. Pick it for the short transfer and the option of having the park fee already paid.
Staying in the capital, near the airport, or flying out tomorrow? This is the easy answer. The listing promises hotel pickup and 1.5 hours to the volcano, about the same as from Antigua. Your guide is certified by the Guatemalan Tourism Board (INGUAT), and you share the trip with other travellers.
Read the options before you click. The listing starts at $73 and sells three options. The basic option leaves out the park entrance, so you pay Q100 in quetzales at the gate; the operator stresses that cards, dollars and euros are refused. The premium option includes the fee. A private option for your own group showed $160 per person on the date we checked. Pick a date on the listing to see the price of each. All three run the same hike: up through the forest, out onto the lava fields below the cone, and down in about an hour.
The listing says "reaching the summit". Don't read that literally: no Pacaya tour goes to the crater, and you won't see flowing lava. Weather rarely stops it, but if it does, you get a new date or a full refund. If the shared group doesn't fill, the operator may offer a private tour or another option instead.
Your van collects you in Guatemala City.
On the basic option, have Q100 in cash ready for the entrance.
A gradual trail through forest, then open volcanic ground. A horse costs Q150 one way if you want one.
Steam, warm rock and views over the valley before you turn back.
The descent takes about an hour, then the drive back to your door.
★★★★★Guide went at a comfortable pace, was very patient and explained everything well. He didn't rush me when the elevation got to me and I needed to catch my breath [...] and all the history and info on the area and the volcano was priceless! Matyox!
★★★★★Great guide. Great half day tour. Recommend for solo and group. Best to go in the morning to see sun rise or sun set. Nice little hut at top that sells lava built mementos. I got earrings made of lava rocks for my daughter.
★★★★★A lovely trip despite the windy and rainy weather. Would definitely recommend trying to schedule for when it is not during the rainy season. Still a lovely climb and amazing walk over the old lava flows. Appreciated that there is the option to ride up on horseback (for an additional cost) if you don't feel like hiking the 2.5 km uphill.
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About 1.5 hours by road, according to the listing. Antigua is about the same. See Antigua or Guatemala City for which base suits you.
On the premium and private options, yes. On the basic option you pay Q100 in quetzales cash at the entrance.
The tour runs in most weather, so dress for it. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you choose between another date and a full refund.
Yes, from local handlers at the trailhead. The listing quotes Q150 one way, paid in cash.
Ready to book
Hotel pickup in Guatemala City and a certified guide; choose the premium option and the park fee is already paid.
Pacaya Day Trip from Guatemala CityHotel pickup in Guatemala City with the park entrance, water and a bilingual guide in the price.★ 4.6 · 6 hours · from $117
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 Hike from Puerto QuetzalCruise port pickup at 07:00, box lunch and park fee included. A full climb for fit passengers.★ 3.9 · 6 hours · from $120