A short guide about Pacaya Volcano
The most climbed volcano in Guatemala is the highly active Pacaya Volcano, standing at 2552m.
Constantly in eruption since 1965, the activity ranges from minor gaseous emissions - to explosions powerful enough to hurl bombs up to 12km and necessitate the evacuation of numerous villages.
To reach the Volcano in the Pacaya Volcano National Park, head south to Escuintla from Guatemala City, to the town of San Vicente Pacaya. Admission is payable and the park is patrolled by guardabosques (rangers), but the trail is well maintained with rest stops, trash bins and primitive restrooms. There are two trails leading up to the Pacaya Volcano, the gentler trail is used by most tour groups from Antigua.
It's a good hike to the base of the Pacaya cone, which brings you to the rim of the old Cerro Chino crater where the view is already magnificent, the volcanic cones of Acatenango, Fuego and Agua are visible from here. The final steep ascent is difficult, a constant process of two steps up and one step back as you slide in the ash and loose volcanic rock, the descent is the fun part where you nearly ski down the slope.
The view from top is well worth it, but as Pacaya is an active volcano - there are two immediate hazards to concern yourself with - avoid breathing in the sulfur clouds of smoke and watch where you sit. The small active vents emit very hot air that will quite possibly burn you if you aren't careful.
Tourabout’s partners have holiday packages to the beautiful colonial town of Antigua, the former Guatemalan capital. This delightful town with its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings is the cultural centre of the country, and the opportunity to climb the active Pacaya Volcano nearby is a very popular excursion.