Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Antigua

As two 70 year old hikers not used to mountain terrain we found the hike up Pacaya to be medium difficulty. There were plenty of opportunities to set your own pace. Our guide was great. Horses were available, if needed. Hiking to volcano peak is not allowed, but views from to highest point allowed were amazing.

Hike was great! We had the best guide who had the perfect balance of education, reading the crowd, and allowing us to mingle with each other!! We had such clear views that day and got to roast marshmallows over an active crater! Our transportation was not great, however. Our driver got into an accident (his fault) and we had to wait around for police and emergency vehicles to come assess the other party (who was injured). Eventually we got a text from the company asking if we were ok but not being phased by anything after that initial text. For example, I mentioned my partner may have twisted his ankle upon the impact of the accident and they pretty much said "thanks for letting us know" - then they sent an alternate vehicle to get us back to Antigua but it had no seatbelts and no windows and multiple people on my trip had to call/text the company and confirm this driver was for us, as there was very poor communication! He refused to drop us at our hotel (which the other couple had gotten) and told us we had to pay more in order to go there. We obviously said no and walked back from the other spot. I informed the travel company and again, they just said "thanks for letting us know" - the hike itself was wonderful! The transportation, communication, and organization of other aspects, not so much!

We had Yalr as our guide and he was very nice and accommodating. It was just my husband and I and my only complaint was the guide was walking very fast in the beginning and I had a hard time keeping up. Maybe they do that on purpose so you feel the need to ride a horse up. Either way, I’m grateful for that option!

One of our favorite excursions. Hiking up to the viewpoint at the base (?) of Volcan Pacaya with beautiful landscapes, and a stop on the way there from our hotel pickup to see Volcan Fuego belching smoke. At various viewpoints we could see all 3 other volcanoes and the different lava flows from recent pacaya eruptions. On the way home we drove by Volcan Agua for more great views and driving through neighboring towns. Our guides were terrific and knowledgeable and the private tour for the two of us made it all the more special. They were also patient with our hiking pace as we climbed.

We really enjoyed the trip. The local guide knew a lot about volcanism and plants. The hike was strict but pleasant. Unfortunately, the view of the other volcanoes was not so good because of the many clouds.

Excellent tour. Quite strenuous and steep climb, but worth the effort. Pacaya volcano and the views are terrific. Luis Pedro Larios is an excellent guide, perfectly bilingual and well informed. Don't be bashful about hiring a horse if it's too strenuous.

Do this trip! Seeing lava flows, warming marshmallows over steam vents, fun hiking. Great guides too. The transport pickup from Antigua worked well.

Luis, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed this trip, We learned a lot about Guatemalan landscapes. He was very patient with us and kept safe at all time. Thank you Luis for a great experience and trip!

Our guide didn’t speak much English, which was disappointing, considering that we paid for that. Feels like we missed out on a lot of information.

We were scammed into paying more for a tour that cost less than $30 a person. Do not recommend this hike as it is the same as all the other tours you will get for way less. Their customer service did nothing to resolve this issue.