Halvdagstur till Pacaya-vulkanen

This rating is based on two separate experiences within the tour. Our experience with the overall communication and driver was different from our experience with our hiking guide. On the day of the hike, we were told via Whatsapp that other people would be joining us. When we responded querying why, as this was a private tour, we were told that it was just a question and that they would not have the other people join us, instead they would be taken on a separate tour. My spouse and I chalked it up to a potential language communication error (as they texted it as a statement rather than a question) and continued to look forward to the tour. When it was time for pick-up, we waited for the driver by the lobby of our hotel. After communicating via WhatsApp, we found out that the driver was waiting for us outside our hotel gate. When we immediately went to meet the driver there, he seemed rather annoyed with us. His demeanour made it seem like we were inconveniencing him, and it made us feel uncomfortable. Overall, he was a good driver and got us there and back safely. Limber, our hiking guide, was absolutely wonderful. He met us on arrival at the hiking base and walked us through what we would be doing. We opted for one horse initially and then took a second horse when needed. The horses and horse guides were also great. Limber gave some great insight into the volcano and answered all of our questions with ease. He really turned the trip around for us and made it a wonderful and positive experience.

This was a bit underwhelming, especially for the price and the amount of time it took together the from Antigua. The trip photos and description imply you will see active lave flow rivers and roast mash mellows on those. That’s why my son wanted to go. In reality there were no active lava flows that we could go to. Our guide told us none since 2021. We did get to have pizza that was cooked in a pizza oven made on top of old lava bed and out of lava rocks. We roasted marshmallows in that too. The heat source was wood with lace rocks on top. Essentially a grill. The fog rolled in so we didn’t have much of a view. I know you can’t control Mother Nature but the implication of going to see active lava flows should be adjusted if it is known there are none. Our guide was nice and informative. Nothing bad to say about him. I just wish the explanation of the trip was a bit more accurate for the conditions. It was a hour and 40 minute shuttle ride to and from Antigua so factor that in. If you’ve never seen old lava flows you may enjoy it. We were looking for active lava flows.

This is not an easy climb. I thought we were in good shape, but only 1 of the 4 of us made it to the top without hailing a taxi (horses available for an extra fee). If you have issues with altitudes, you may want to consider signing up for the horseback riding tour from the onset. It is definitely cold and windy at the top. Bring layers, water, and snacks.

If you’re trying to climb Pacaya, use this tour! Efficient and private pick up from your hotel- our driver was there on time. When you get to the park (about 80 minutes from Antigua) the driver will let you off and you will meet your tour guide. We had Kevin- who was fantastic. You pay per person for the park entrance fee when you get there (note it is cash only!). The driver waits for you until you’re done your hike in the parking lot. Very easy and efficient!

Great private tour! We had a driver to and from Pacaya, and a hiking guide who spoke great English. He was very professional and helpful. We learned a lot about the volcano and the area. Quite a workout but very enjoyable.

Our guide Danny was amazing!! I recommend taking this tour. The people who make all of the money off these people that drive and hike you up there are terrible and should be ashamed of what they do for a living.

The quality of the service very good very happy the guide is knowledgeable. Beautiful sceneries and safe

The hike was not too hard to complete but the altitude change did make it harder than normal. Our tour guide was friendly, helpful, and shy. He was very patient when my friend and I needed to take breaks to adjest to altidue changes. Overall, the hike went well. One major complaint is about the men offering horseback riding "in case we get tired". At the beginning of the hike, as we were going up the cobblestone pathway, the 3 men (and 3 horses) trailed very closely behind us. As we were getting tired, they were taunting us by shouting "Uber", "taxi", and "ambulance". Our tour guide said they were following for emergencies but once we told the men that we felt uncomfortable with the horses being directly on our heels, we asked them to stop. They went away. Be aware of this and nip it in the bud.

We were staying outside of Antigua and our driver, Rene, met us at the agreed upon location, right on time. The car was clean and Rene was so nice. Our tour guide, Limba, was awesome. We stopped along the way for Limba to show us plants, berries, baby birds, beetles, and more. The views of Volcanoe Pacaya were amazing!! Truly an incredible place to experience. We also got to roast marshmallows on the heat from the old lava. The Lava Shop had beautiful handmade souvenirs that were more than reasonably priced. And to top it all off, after I left my phone in Rene's car - he met us in Antigua to return my phone. Wonderful tour and even more wonderful people.

The tour was amazing. We got picked up at 6am by a friendly driver Antonio and drove the the Pacaya (1 hour+). There we met our tour guide Kevin who speaks both Spanish ans English and started hiking. We took the path through the forest, it was a moderate hike. Kevin answered all of questions and talked about the surroundings. Overall, we hiked at our pace and the experience Itself was amazing.