Ascent of Volcano Pacaya

Optional Side Trip

Guatemala and its Volcanoes

The country is a real paradise for nature lovers and adventurous souls: together with its abundant nature it has also the highest concentration of volcanoes, 32 recognized as such by The National Geographic Institute of Guatemala. The majority of them are extinct, some are still active, such as Volcanoes Pacaya and Fuego (Fire), near Antigua. Together with Volcanoes Agua (Water) and Acatenango, they are part of Guatemala's Pacific Ring of Fire. Look at the Smithsonian Institute's site for their location on the map: Global Volcanism Program

Volcano PACAYA:

At 2.552m (8,370 Ft) above sea-level the PACAYA is the easiest volcano to climb and the most spectacular one, because of its incandescent bursts of lava and its unique panaromic views. PACAYA has been active for over 25 years and is now part of a natural protected area of 2.065Ha (5,102 Acre), counting numerous indigenous plants and trees and over 100 species of birds This is a perfect outing to reconnect with Nature's wilderness and it is quite an emotional experience. Look out for the beautiful wild orchids next to your hiking trail. See the Guatemala Orchid Society to admire some of Guatemala's orchids.

Optional Excursion to the VOLCANO PACAYA by hiking or by horse back

The excursion itself leaves from Antigua, where you'll be picked up at your hotel, at your choice: either at 06:00 am. or at 1:00 pm. The whole excursion lasts approximately 6 hrs. At the end of this side-trip, you'll be brought back to either at your hotel in Antigua or to the Parque Central (Central Plaza).

Practical Details about Hiking on the PACAYA Volcano

A chartered micro-bus will drive through the PACAYA NATIONAL PARK and bring you at the foot of the Volcano where there is a visitor's center. There you can purchase refreshments and order a horse if you feel your physical condition is not the best. The actual ascent - on a relatively steep and tree-covered sinuous path - takes over 2 hrs. (with short pauses in between) to an arid plateau at approximately 600 m from the top. This last pure volcanic and strenuous stretch has to be done by foot; it takes approximately another hour. If you don't feel that fit, you can relax and admire the amazing panoramas. If you are more adventurous, you can climb close to the crater and watch the incandescent rocks.

The Pacaya Volcano and Safety Concerns

The Volcano's activity is being monitored daily by 6 radio stations and by Guatemala's Meteorological and Sismic Institute (Insivumeh). Emergency plans are managed by the National Coordinator for the Reduction of Disasters (Conred), with the support of local authorities and mountain guides of the surrounding villages. Mountain rangers will accompany you in your climb on the Volcano and the National Police is patrolling the trail to give security to the hikers.

Things you need to wear and bring with you:

• Comfortable hiking boots (covering above your ankle), gym shoes nor sandals won`t do!
• Light and warm sport clothing: at the beginning of your ascent you`ll feel warm, but with the height it gets cold and windy up there!
• Water and light snacks: this is vital
• Sun cream, sun glasses and a hat (you should be able to tie it under your neck)
• Your camera and/or binoculars
• A light backpack with your things in it
• During the rainy season : a rainproof jacket

COST of the Volcano PACAYA excursion = $15

which includes:

• Taxes and V.A.T.
• Transfers from the hotel to the foot of the volcano and back to Antigua
• Fee for local mountain guide
• Security patrol during the climb on the Volcano (provided by the National Pacaya Park)
• Entrance fee to the National Pacaya Park

Additional $12 - If you want to do the actual climbing and descent by horse

Bookings & reservations for this optional excursion will be taken during your Wellness Week.