Ascend Active Pacaya Volcano: Unforgettable Trek!

First let me say that the review is not five stars but that does not mean that it was not all that bad. David, the guide the signed to take me up the volcano was a very kind and helpful man. I told him at the beginning that I wanted to practice and improve my Spanish and he took time to help me with every single sentence. I've never had anyone help me that much I was very appreciative. He took the time to point out many things along the path, provide me history and interesting details throughout the trip. He took his time or went fast depending on how I felt. I would highly recommend asking for David. I did initially get frustrated after booking this trip because unlike the dozens of other Viator bookings I have made over the years, this booking agency sent no follow-up text messages emails or instructions. I reached out the day before asking for contact details because I wanted to know how to dress, return details, etc. Only by calling Viator tech support 30 minutes before pick up was I able to get them to get me in touch with the tour operator. In the end everything worked out but I think this tour operator Guar2do needs to improve on communication. I subtracted one star for this. Finally, part of my reason for getting this three stars instead of five is because I was looking for a very active and adventurous day. I know it cannot be helped but Guatemala has some of the worst traffic I have ever experienced. I ended up spending hours in a car to go only a short distance. And the volcano climb and activity was not as exciting as I had hoped for such an effort. I'm in good physical fitness and I found it quite simple to walk up a relatively short very Worn Path to a volcano that had relatively little going on. There was an area at the top where you can see some steam that comes from deep underground and they tell you you can cook marshmallows. I found this to be somewhat interesting but more of a cute thing for kids. Emotionless just get wet. Overall I did enjoy the trip, but I would recommend it to anyone else doing this adventure that you piggyback on something else like a tour of some sites in Guatemala City or through Antigua to make the long day of travel more worthwhile.

It is pretty steep so hiking boots, poles, and layers are recommend. Bring your own snacks. We had a good time.

It was amazing! I really enjoyed the time and the view we had at the hole hiking experience. It doesn't get very cold, so a lite jacket with a short pance is totally fine :)

Amazing experience, a must-do. David was a great guide and from a village nearby. He was very knowledgeable on the history of the volcano. The hike is steep and a challenge for any first-timers but is so worth the trip. The horses are a great option for the way up. Breathtaking views, nothing like it.

Great guide. Great half day tour. Recommend for solo and group. Best to go in the morning to see sun rise or sun set. Nice little hut at top that sells lava built mementos. I got earrings made of lava rocks for my daughter.

David was an amazing guide. The hike was incredible and scenery was beautiful. David pointed out and described a lot of things on the hike.

Great little hike! We had a nice guide too. Small group. We got rained out at the top but makes it to the pizza station for some $35 pizza :)

The climb up the steep path is brutal. You find this out quickly and you’ll wonder why there are people with horses following. Soon you’ll be riding a horse if you’re not up for it…. $35-50US add on. It’s funny when you think about it but I bought the ride. Even my son who is in good shape rode the last ten minutes. Our Guide, Walter was excellent…. Please tip him. The pictures on Tripadvisor of molten lava etc are misleading. There is an old lava flow that you can walk on and roast marshmallows at the numerous vents. A bit pricey but unique experience.

This experience was amazing. I learned that the volcano erupted in 2021 and witnessed the results of such. The guide was knowledgeable and lived in the village nearby. There are options to ride horses up to and fro the base of the volcano. I would recommend this excuse for sure.

Experience was great but I paid extra for hot springs and it was NOT hot springs. They took me to a spa that had hot and cold therapy pools.. kind of disappointed