pacaya volcano

The hike was good specially me and my 22 month old son did the hike it on the horse back wch was quite adventurous. The volcano looked nothing like a volcano in the pics, but it could be because of the season but we dint c any lava.. There were a bit of smoke. They took us on another mountain and we viewed it from there. Small place where u can feel the heat of the mountain.

What I liked about this trip is that the guides I met were educated on conservation and cared about their forest. In many places of Guatemala people trash a lot, not as much in Pacaya. It's also a great opportunity to see what and active volcano is like, and see the eruption history. The marsh-mellows were also pretty good, if you go, you'll know what I'm talking about. The souvenir place at the top helps out with local communities, so you might consider purchasing something there.

It was az amazing trip, climbing up this volcano, our guide was extremely nice as well. It is a must do while in Antigua.

This is a really awesome thing to do, the hike is pretty easy as well if you have a basic level of fitness. You don't have to worry about altitude aswell. We left Antigua at 2pm arrived at 315pm and were at the volcano around 430pm, the track is covered in volcanic ash so it's soft under foot which is actually quite pleasant to walk in rather than solid rock. The hike can be done in trainers but walking shoes or boots would be better. On the way here are a number of great lookouts and in the mini crater at the top you can roast marshmallows. Take a jacket and some money (100-200Q) as there is a unique shop at the end of the hike called then "lava store selling jewellery and brackets made from wood and volcanic ash. There is an additional fee of 50q that is not normally included in your tour price, and you may wish to tip your guide also.

You actually get to hike a live volcano with the added attraction of lying down on the hot rocks if you get cold. It's very interesting and the view is great. Well worth it.

Easy two hour basic hike up a volcano. Bring an orange or a granola bar as well as a windbreaker or rain jacket. Combine with a spa day for a great way to spend a day around Antigua

we did the pacaya tour in the afternoon and were glad we decided so since you get to see a nice sundown from (almost) the top of an active volcano. it offers a great view of the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango but mind: since its last eruption, there is no red lava anymore although you see it advertised - but you can still grill marshmallows up there

Highly recommended. The hike may be a little difficult for people who don't regularly work out, but it is still bearable. There are horses for rent at the foot of the volcano, so if you aren't sure about making it to the top, you can rent a horse. Bring enough water and food. I didn't have breakfast that morning, and unfortunately there wasn't any place for supplies at the volcano.

A nice hike, but the summit is closed (for the foreseeable future). Don't expect see lava or look down a carter. It is a good experience if you've never been to a volcano. It's like another world. Walking in a blackish grey desert. You also get to roast marshmallows in some very hot oven spots.

Although it does make a nice backdrop in the three days we were there it never erupted, spewed lava or even smoke so frankly it looked like just another mountain.

A must do while in Antigua. We roasted marshmallows at the top of the volcano, and it was so breathtaking to see an active volcano. The hike is medium, not easy, but not too hard. I would recommend staying hydrated and popping in some advil before. The views alone are worth it! Don't miss out!

Unique experience hiking up a volcano. If you're lucky you can see lava, either way, it's worth the hike. Not too difficult either.

A definite must do if you're into hiking. Definitely bring at least 2 bottles of water with you and a some small snacks.

This past week, I was in charge of taking 20 travelers, mostly high school students, to explore the country of Guatemala. Of course, a journey to the top of the Pacaya Volcano had to be on our itinerary. I booked our entire experience through JandA Services (502-4557-5545), which is run by Jennifer and Alex Vergara. They speak excellent English, and were able to help me with all of the details. I wanted to reserve horses for all of my travelers, and they were able to get be a discounted price of 75 Q, instead of the regular 100 or 150 Q. Also, they were able to get us a great rate on round-trip transport from our hostel in Antigua. And, yes, we did take marshmallows to roast. I highly recommend the Pacaya Volcano, and I also recommend booking the tour through JandA Services.

If you are fit and do some hiking, this is for you. I am 52 and work out regularly at the gym and do some hiking in Colorado. It was easier than doing a 14er. That would be Acatenango for more challenge. It was an hour and a half up some very black, dusty, sandy, pebbly paths. I would strongly suggest closed-toed shoes and a wind breaker as it is windy and chilly at the top. Two bottles of water and a knapsack with your lunch. They don't tell you to bring lunch, but do buy a sandwich the night before the tour as it left Antigua at 6am and returns at 2pm. It is 45 minutes down. An option is to rent a horse for $20 to carry you up. The marshmallow roasting was the bomb even though it was from a little hole in the ground. Didn't see lava but felt the heat. It was cloudy at the top and we had lunch with a view of the valley below. You will return very dusty and dirty from the black lava and I was glad I wore pants. Not jeans. Too constrictive. We had a fun guide, Jose, and we tipped him at the end.