Antigua: Hike Active Pacaya Volcano & Roast Marshmallows!

Pickup at the meeting point was smooth, and the drive to the trailhead was easy. We could hike at our own pace, and at every viewpoint our guide explained what we were seeing, which made the experience even more interesting. Roasting marshmallows on the warm volcanic rocks was a fun highlight. The descent was dusty but quick, and the ride back to Antigua was fast. Overall, a well-organized, enjoyable tour — highly recommended!

Beautiful hike and Daniel our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. The views were absolutely amazing. A bit of a strenuous hike. The altitude got me a little and I took up an offer to go horseback part of the way. May have got lost in translation at the beginning of the hike on my part, but I did not realize I would have to pay extra for the horse as they were following right behind us with the tour guide. I thought it was just part of what we already paid for. Luckily I had enough local currency with me to pay for it. It was Q300. Driver was good, seemed friendly but didnt really talk at all so no information was provided about any of the areas we drove through. Overall great and unique experience!

We had a wonderful experience hiking Pacaya volcano with Daniel. He was very patient with us, letting us take breaks as we needed during the hike up. At the top, we chose to just sit and soak in the atmosphere for a while. All through, he was quite accommodative. Overall, me and my friend had a lovely experience. Thank you!

Amazing day! We rode horses to the top and enjoyed the views, the pizza and roasting marshmallows. Our guide Daniel was amazing.

Amazing experience Our guide Daniel was very professional and made sure we had the best experience I highly recommend this tour If you don’t exercise often I recommend you to request horse service Daniel made sure we had everything needed

This tour was fantastic! If you can, I would highly recommend requesting Alfonso as your guide. He was very knowledgeable and accommodating.

Our guide Alfonso was very knowledgeable about the history of the volcano and surrounding towns. He was patient as we did our climb and made our experience very enjoyable! I would recommend hiking books as there is quite a bit of sandy terrain and rocky once you get to the top. Hike is difficult but very doable

Smooth trip. Guide was on time and took the time we needed on the trail. He was also good with our kids and showed pictures along the way. Thank you Alonso for a great day on the Volcano!

Daniel was amazing! He made us feel comfortable the entire time. It was nice to never feel rushed and being able to enjoy the experience. He is also a top tier photographer! His photos of us turned out amazing.

We did Picaya in October 2025, and I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Antigua. Our guide Alfonso did a great job all day. He picked us up at our hotel at exactly at the planned time of 7am. From there it was about a 1 to 1.5 hour drive to Picaya. Very pleasant, and Alfonso chimed in along the way with bits of history and information. Upon arrival to Picaya we used the bathroom (free), and paid our entrance fee (50 quetzales per person) and started our few mile hike up the Volcano. The trail at times can be a bit rocky. I would recommend hiking boots or trail runners. The hike is a solid moderate for people in average fitness shape. If you are not in the best shape it can be a challenge but you can still do it! There are plenty of breaks and you can also take a horse if needed. There are plenty for hire along the start of the trail. Also plenty of stands along the way to buy water/snacks. The hike offers amazing views that just get better and better as you go up. We actually saw Feugo eruption cloud in the distance. At the top you can actually see all the way to Guatamala City. Once you wrap around to Picaya near the top there is also a great little gift shop. No pressure to buy just very unique. At the top top, We got to “roast” marshmallows in a vent. Really surreal experience to get to hike through basalt lava flows and see the beautiful green vegetation contrast and the purple and orange wild flowers. Very stunning. Alfonso also showed us photos he took of previous eruptions taken from the same spot we were standing. Really cool. Overall just a beautiful, surreal hike. Dont sleep on the downhill part, its rocky and you get tired, watch your footing. Approximate timing: 7am - pickup 8:30 - arrive Picaya 10-11 - reach top of hike 1230 - back to van 2pm - back at hotel. Weather wise we got lucky. Mostly warm with mix of sun/clouds. Great breezes to cool us along the way. We started with packable jackets but quickly took them off. Only a quick light rain shower right when we reached the van. Would recommend Picaya to anyone visiting Antigua and everything went really smoothly with mb guatameya tours. If you are lucky you will get Alfonso for a guide!