Everything You Need to Know to Hike Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala

Imagine standing on a ridge of black volcanic rock, warm steam rising from cracks in the earth, a marshmallow slowly toasting over a fumarole while the sky glows pink behind an active volcano. Welcome to Pacaya.

Just a short drive from both Antigua and Guatemala City, Volcán Pacaya offers one of the most accessible and unforgettable volcanic hiking experiences in Central America. This active volcano is perfect for adventurous travelers and families alike—offering the thrill of volcanic landscapes without the grueling climb required by taller peaks like Acatenango or Fuego.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan a safe, rewarding, and fun trip to hike Pacaya Volcano : from how to get there and what to pack, to hiking with kids, eating volcanic pizza (is it a scam?!), and making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Whether you’re planning your first volcano hike or are traveling through Guatemala with young children, this post will help you hike smart, stay safe, and create memories that just might involve lava-roasted snacks.

What I Wish I’d Known Before Hiking Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya was one of those adventures that left our family wide-eyed and covered in volcanic dust—in the best way. But like most experiences when traveling with kids, there were a few surprises (a few disappointments) along the way that we wish we’d been prepared for. Here’s what we learned, and what we’d want your family to know before lacing up your hiking boots:

1. You Won’t Hike the Actual Volcano

This surprised us! You don’t summit the top of Pacaya Volcano—instead, you hike up a hillside that brings you to the base of the volcano. From there, you get sweeping views of the volcano (and sometimes distant lava flow or smoke), but you’re not climbing to the top of the actual volcano. It’s still incredible—but good to set expectations ahead of time.

2. The Lava Photos Are from 2021

A lot of the dramatic lava flow photos you see online are from Pacaya’s 2021 eruption, which was the last major eruption. Since then, the volcano has calmed down significantly.

3. Marshmallows & Pizza Are Fun—but Not Always “Lava-Cooked”

Yes, there are geothermal vents on the volcano that sometimes get hot enough to toast marshmallows or warm up a volcanic pizza. But depending on weather and volcanic activity, they might just be warm, not blazing.

When we visited, the vents gave us more of a warmed marshmallow than a real toasted one, and the pizza was baked in hot coals, not right on the lava. Still a cool experience, just go in with these expectations so you won’t be disappointed like I was.

4. The Trail Is Trickier Than We Expected

Parts of the trail are dusty, gravelly, and made up of volcanic ash and loose rock. I fell once on the descent—it’s easy to slip on the fine gravel. Good hiking shoes (not just tennis shoes like we had) with grip are a must, and hiking poles or a walking stick can be helpful, especially with kids or grandparents in your group.

5. The Weather Can Change Fast

At higher elevations, it can go from sunny and hot to windy and cool in minutes. Layers are your friend. Pack a lightweight jacket, sun protection, and rain gear, especially if you’re hiking in the rainy season (May to October).

About Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya Volcano (Volcán de Pacaya) is one of Guatemala’s most active—and most accessible—volcanoes. Its dramatic landscape of blackened lava fields, geothermal steam vents, and panoramic views has made it a favorite for travelers, photographers, and adventurers.

Quick Facts:

• Elevation: 2,552 meters (8,373 feet) above sea level
• Location: Escuintla Department, central Guatemala
• Status: Active (frequent mild eruptions and lava flows)
• Last Major Eruption: March 2021
• Distance from Antigua: ~1.5 hours by car
• Distance from Guatemala City: ~1–1.5 hours by car
• Entrance Fee: 100Q (~13 USD) for adults & children 7 years and up

Where Is Pacaya Volcano?

Located in the Pacaya National Park, the volcano sits about 30 km south of Guatemala City and 50 km from Antigua. Its close proximity to both cities makes it an easy day trip, especially for travelers short on time but looking for a memorable outdoor experience.

Keep in mind that the road is windy from Antigua and if you or members of your family get carsick easily, you’ll want to bring some ginger, anti-nausea, and barf bags. Unfortunately, I always carry these with me and I’m glad I did, we used 3 on the trip to Pacaya.

Cultural Significance

Pacaya isn’t just a geological marvel—it holds deep cultural and spiritual importance for local communities. Indigenous Maya traditions view volcanoes as sacred places, representing both the power of nature and the resilience of the people. Pacaya is often associated with cycles of renewal and destruction, and many locals believe that offerings and respect for the volcano help maintain its balance.

When hiking here, you’re not just walking on cooled lava; you’re stepping into a living, breathing symbol of Guatemala’s identity.

Is It Safe to Hike Pacaya?

Yes—with proper planning, Pacaya is generally considered safe to hike, even while it’s mildly active. That said, it’s an active volcano for a reason, so staying updated and choosing the right guides is key to having a safe and enjoyable experience.

Volcanic Activity Updates

Pacaya has frequent but mostly small-scale eruptions. Lava flows and gas emissions are common and often visible near the summit or outer flanks.

Where to check real-time conditions:

• INSIVUMEH (Guatemala’s Volcanology Institute)
• CONRED (Guatemala’s disaster response agency)
• Ask your guide or tour company for the latest safety updates—they’re usually in contact with park rangers.

If you’re planning a DIY visit, you can also call or visit the Pacaya National Park Center to ask about closures or trail adjustments due to volcanic activity.

Safety Tips

• Hire a local guide: Not only is it safer, but guides know how to navigate lava fields, stay up-to-date on activity, and add context to your experience. Many of them are local residents and have deep history and knowledge of the volcano.
• Stick to the marked trails: Lava fields may look solid but can hide pockets of hot gas or unstable rock.
• Don’t go too close to lava flows: They may seem slow-moving, but the heat can be intense and sudden changes are possible.
• Pack for changing conditions: Rain, wind, and sun can all happen in the same hike.
• Use a headlamp or flashlight if you’re doing a sunset hike.

How Difficult Is the Pacaya Volcano Hike?

The Pacaya Volcano hike is generally rated moderately difficult, but there is the option of riding a horse to the top, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers—including kids, casual travelers, and those who may not be at peak fitness.

However, don’t let the relatively short distance fool you—parts of the trail can be challenging and steep, especially if you’re not used to hiking on loose or uneven terrain.

Trail Conditions to Expect

The trail to the viewpoint and lava fields is about 3.5 to 4 miles (6–7 km) round trip depending on the route you take, with a total elevation gain of roughly 1,500 feet (450 meters). It typically takes 1–2 hours up and about 1 hour down, depending on your pace and the weather.

For us (1 adult, 1 toddler and 1 six year old riding on a horse) it took us 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach the top.

Here’s what you’ll walk on:

• Volcanic Ash and Dirt Paths: These sections are soft and sometimes slippery, especially during or after rain.
• Loose Gravel and Rocky Slopes: Be especially cautious here. These areas can feel unstable underfoot—I personally slipped and fell on one of the steeper, gravelly sections. A walking stick or trekking poles can make a big difference.
• Solidified Lava Rock Fields: Once you reach the more active areas, the landscape shifts to jagged, uneven rock. These sections are stunning, but footing can be tricky. Closed-toe shoes with solid tread are a must.

Overall Difficulty Rating:

• For adults with moderate fitness: ✅ Doable with breaks
• For kids (ages 5+): ✅ Manageable with support—many families do it
• For toddlers: 🚫 Not recommended to walk—consider a carrier or horseback ride. I did mix of carrying my toddler in my favorite carrier and he also rode for a bit on a horse.
• People with mobility challenges: 🟡 Possible with assistance or on horseback

Horseback Option

If you’re unsure about hiking the whole way, horses are available for rent at the trailhead, usually with a local handler. This is a great option for young kids, tired adults, or anyone unsure about the climb.

Cost: Around Q200–Q300 (~$25–$40 USD) depending on the length of the ride and your negotiating skills.

Note that a horse and handler may follow you up the first part of the trail to see if you change your mind and would like a horse. You may be asked if you want a “taxi” throughout the hike up.

DIY vs. Guided Tour: What’s the Best Way to Hike Pacaya?

When planning your Pacaya Volcano adventure, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to join a guided tour or visit independently (DIY). Each option comes with pros and cons depending on your travel style, budget, and comfort level navigating logistics in Guatemala.

Option 1: Guided Tour

Joining a tour is the most popular and hassle-free way to hike Pacaya—especially if you’re short on time, unfamiliar with the area, or don’t feel comfortable planning the trip yourself.

Pros:

• Transportation included from Antigua or Guatemala City.
• Guide provided—they offer insights on geology, history, safety, and know the latest volcanic activity updates. Guides are often English speaking too.
• Stress-free logistics: No need to figure out park entrance fees, trailheads, or directions
• Some tours include extras like marshmallows, walking sticks, snacks, or even pizza sunset picnics.

Cons:

• Less flexibility in timing and pace. Some tour reviews say that they felt rushed throughout the tour.
• Depending on your group size, it may be more expensive (average: $25–$60 USD per person)
• Large group sizes can feel crowded on the trail. The guided groups we saw were between 20-30 people.

Best For:

• First-time visitors
• Families with older kids
• Anyone who prefers simplicity over adventure planning
• Anyone who doesn’t mind large groups

Option 2: DIY (Do-It-Yourself)

If you love adventure and flexibility, doing the hike independently can be a fun and budget-friendly way to experience Pacaya. It’s totally doable—but requires a bit more planning.

Personally, we chose to do the DIY route because with a toddler, I did not want to feel rushed and knew that we’d be making frequent stops for snacks and rest.

Pros:

• More freedom with timing—hike at your own pace and linger at the top. Most guided tours have set departure times. With a DIY tour, I could plan the departure time around my toddler’s nap schedule.
• Budget-friendly, especially if you already have transportation
• Opportunity to hire a guide directly at the park (supporting local economy directly)

Cons:

• You’ll need to arrange your own transportation
  • Most people take a private shuttle, rental car, taxi or Uber. A private car can cost around 500Q (~$66) from Antigua.
• You still must hire a local guide at the park entrance (required by law)—approximately Q200–Q300.
• Requires some Spanish proficiency and comfort navigating off-the-beaten-path areas.

Best For:

• Independent travelers or backpackers
• Budget-conscious hikers
• Those who want a private or quieter trail experience
• Families with young children who want flexibility with timing and pace

Final Recommendation Guided vs DIY

If you’re visiting Guatemala for a short time or traveling with older kids, a guided tour is well worth the convenience. But if you’re confident navigating on your own and want to avoid a big group, the DIY option with a locally hired guide offers a more personal, flexible experience.

What to Pack for the Pacaya Volcano Hike

When you’re hiking an active volcano, especially with kids in tow, preparation is important. The trail ranges from shaded forest to gritty volcanic gravel to wide-open, sunny trail.

Here’s our family-tested packing list, tailored for comfort, safety, and fun:

Essentials for Everyone

• Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
• Lightweight daypack for snacks, water, and layers
• Reusable water bottles (at least 1–2L per adult)
• Sunscreen + hats (there’s zero shade on parts of the hike)
• Sunglasses – volcanic ash is no joke if the wind picks up
• Rain jackets or ponchos – especially in rainy season
• Warm layer (light fleece or hoodie for the summit clouds)
• Cash for entrance fees, horse rides, and guide tips

Kid-Specific Items

• Carrier (structured or wrap, depending on age, see my favorite carrier and the one I used on the Pacaya hike
• Snacks – nothing motivates kids like m&m trail mix
• Wipes & diapers
• Mini first aid kit – lava rock is sharp!

Optional But Awesome

• Headlamps or flashlights if you’re doing a sunset hike
• Hiking poles – especially helpful for kids or downhill stumbles
• Marshmallows + roasting stick (some tours provide these, but bring extra if you want a family campfire feel, we brought ingredients to make full s’mores!)

Weather by Season

Note: Weather can change fast, especially at higher elevation. It may be sunny in Antigua and misty on Pacaya. On our hike, it went from sunny and hot to cold and misty very quickly. Layers are great to have!

Marshmallows & Volcanic Pizza & Shopping

Let’s be honest—when we first heard you could roast marshmallows on a volcano and eat lava-cooked pizza, our kids (okay, and the adults too) were all in. It was the real motivation for the hike and it sounds like something straight out of a science-fiction adventure.

But here’s what we wish we’d known ahead of time: this part of the hike is still fun, but it might not live up to the hype. It honestly felt a bit scammy as pictures and descriptions show something quite different than the reality.

Our guide let us know that the geothermal vents haven’t been very hot lately. In fact, they haven’t been hot enough to truly roast marshmallows for quite a while. We ended up with warm, slightly warm marshmallows—not the golden, toasty kind you might be imagining. And the pizza? It was definitely baked using hot coals, not direct volcanic heat. Tasty? Yes. A little overpriced for what you get? Also yes.

We’re not saying skip it—especially if you’ve got marshmallow-loving kids—but go in with open eyes and flexible expectations. The volcano’s temperature can’t be controlled, and the experience can vary depending on the day.

If you treat it as a quirky bonus rather than the main event, it’s still a fun memory to make (and your kids will probably talk about “eating pizza on a volcano” for months). Just don’t be surprised if the lava part of the “lava pizza” is more legend than reality on your visit.

Marshmallow Roasting

Your guide will take you to natural heat vents near the lava field. On the day we went, they were not hot, rather warm with a bit of steam.

• Some tours bring marshmallows; others don’t. Bring your own just in case.
• The ground here is black, cracked, and steaming. Basically a real-life Earth science lesson.

Volcanic Pizza with Mario David García

Tucked near the base of Pacaya is Pizza Pacaya, run by a former tour guide who built an oven using lava rock—and now cooks pizzas on geothermal heat (or coals on the day we visited)

• You can arrange a stop in advance through some local tour operators or your local guide.
• It was fun to see the pizza being cooked amongst lava rock and they even set up a little table and seating area for you on lava rock.
• The setting is beautiful with a view of the volcano.

Right next to the pizza spot there is a small lava souvenir shop. The friendly owner speaks English and was incredibly warm with our kids—teaching them a few words in Mayan and showing us how the handmade jewelry, magnets, and trinkets were created using real lava rock. If you’re looking for a souvenir that actually connects to your adventure, this is the place.

Environmental & Cultural Respect

As a family exploring the incredible Pacaya Volcano, it’s important to remember that we’re guests in a living landscape—one that’s both environmentally fragile and deeply meaningful to local communities.

Practice “Leave No Trace” — Because We All Share This Planet

We love teaching our kids that adventures are more fun when we keep nature clean and safe for those who come after us. On Pacaya, this means:

• Stay on marked trails to protect fragile volcanic soil and new plant growth.
• Pack out everything you bring in, especially wrappers, sticks from roasting marshmallows, and any trash.
• Use reusable water bottles and snacks to reduce waste.

Support the Local Communities That Call Pacaya Home

Behind every guide, horse handler, and small vendor you meet is a family relying on tourism for their livelihood. We teach our kids the importance of kindness and respect by:

• Hiring local guides and horse riders — it’s required by the park, but also the best way to give back.
• Buying snacks, souvenirs, or treats from local vendors 
• Tipping generously when you can—small acts of gratitude go a long way.

When you take a moment to connect with the people who live here, it turns a hike into a shared story — and that’s the kind of travel memories our family treasures.

Honor the Cultural Significance of Pacaya to the Maya and Local People

Pacaya isn’t just a volcano—it’s a sacred place with stories passed down through generations. The Maya and other local communities hold a deep respect for the land, the earth’s power, and the spirits connected to this fiery giant.

We encourage families to:

• Ask your guide about the volcano’s history and cultural meaning. Many guides share personal stories that bring the hike alive beyond the landscape.
• Approach the volcano with reverence and curiosity. Help your kids understand that this place is special and deserves care and respect.
• Observe local customs and be mindful of others

This is a beautiful opportunity to show children how travel is not just about seeing new places—but about listening, learning, and honoring the people who call them home.

Full Passport Family Cultural Connection Questions: 

At Full Passport Family, we believe travel is more than sightseeing—it’s a chance to connect, spark curiosity, and grow together. These questions help families move beyond logistics to meaningful conversations that build empathy and raise curious, compassionate global citizens. Use them throughout your trip to the ruins to reflect, learn, and engage as a family.

How do you think the people who live near Pacaya use the volcano in their everyday life? How might people here use the volcano in their daily life—like for cooking, farming, or even making souvenirs?

What sounds do you hear on the trail? How are they different from sounds at home? Close your eyes for a minute. What do you hear—birds, wind, rocks crunching, voices? How are those sounds different from what you hear at home?”

Why do you think it’s important to take care of places like this? Why do you think it’s important to take care of places like this volcano trail? What are some ways we can help protect this land while we’re here?

Why do you think the Maya people consider Pacaya a sacred place? Did you know Pacaya is considered sacred by many Maya people? Why do you think that is? What makes a place feel sacred or special to you?”

How do you think the volcanic eruptions have changed the lives of families nearby? Pacaya erupted in 2021. What do you think happened to families who lived nearby? How might their lives have changed after the eruption?

What can we learn from the people who guide us and live here? What did your guide or someone local teach you today—about the volcano, the language, or life here? What can we learn by listening to people who live in a place like this?

Conclusion: Why Hiking Pacaya Volcano is a Must-Do Family Adventure

Hiking Pacaya Volcano is more than just a walk up a mountain — it’s a chance to experience the raw power of nature, connect deeply with Guatemalan culture, and create unforgettable memories with your family.

Whether you’re roasting (or in our case, just barely warming!) marshmallows over volcanic heat, or learning from local guides who call this landscape home, every step on Pacaya is a story your family will carry long after the hike.

Yes, the trail can be challenging — rocky patches, volcanic ash, and the ever-changing weather keep you on your toes. But with a bit of preparation, a curious spirit, and open hearts, this adventure becomes a powerful way to teach kids about resilience, respect for nature, and the beauty of cultural connection.