Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya has been erupting more or less continuously since 1965 and stands close enough to Antigua and Guatemala City to be climbed on an afternoon trip, which makes it one of the most visited volcanoes in Central America. The walk up from the village takes an hour or two through pine forest onto black lava fields, and depending on what the volcano is doing there may be steaming ground, fresh flows or, at times, visible lava; guides carry marshmallows to toast on hot vents, which has become the standard photograph. Views take in Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Activity varies and the accessible area changes with each eruption.

The landscape

• Black lava fields - the flows from recent eruptions.
• Steaming vents - hot ground where guides toast marshmallows.
• Views to Fuego and Acatenango - the volcano line to the west.
• An active volcano at close range - conditions changing with each eruption.

When to go

November to April in the dry season; sunset trips are popular. Half a day. Guides are compulsory. What is accessible depends on current activity, which changes.

Practical notes

Access changes with eruptions and the summit is often closed; what you can reach is decided on the day. The path is steep, loose and dusty. Horses are offered persistently. Weather closes in and views are frequently absent.

Nearby

Antigua is north-west; Guatemala City lies north.

Key facts