A relatively easier option re hiking to get close to hot water vapor coming out of the ground. Definitely No View of the lava. The approx 60 min hike is steep and mostly on soft powder lava dust, hence it is a harder walk. Of course you are climbing in altitude, which will also feel harder. Along the way you have nice views of mountains and the other two volcanoes. As the sun sets, you'll have wonderful colors all around. At the stop up top, there are a couple of guys who will bake you a pizza using thermal energy from the ground - cheesy, but cool. (We had a very poor experience using Old Town Outfitters Adventure Guatemala for Pacaya hike. Please consider not using them.)

We started this hike @ 8:20 am and finished about 2 1/2 hours later. We stopped fairly frequently on the way up and it took about 90 minutes. We were told that the average is 80 minutes. It’s probably considered a moderate hike in terms of difficulty. It’s not extremely steep but it rarely levels off. The soil is somewhat sandy but not too much of a hindrance. We ended the upward hike at a pit where you roast marshmallows. The pizza guy was farther out across the lava beds. The views were great and you can hike on the lava if you want. Most of it looks pretty sharp though. You do not see molten lava. We hired a local guide name Jimmy who was very good. They also have 100 horses available if you prefer to ride than hike. We were told the horse ride takes 30 minutes to the top. We used hiking poles which were helpful. Also, we had the trail to ourselves at 8:30. On our descent, the trail was crowded with both hikers and horse riders. I recommend arriving early if possible. We were really glad we took the hike and highly recommend it.

The hike is not very difficult, I would consider it as a family hike. The view are great and we were able to see how the volcano in front erupted. There is a place were you can go further up and then go down jumping in the ashes. It was a lot of fun. In the entrance of the part there are many guides, we booked with Kevin (thanks @Javier L for the recommendation). In general you don't need a guide but I think it is mandatory (not sure), however, Kevin took us out of the main path to a couple of places and showed us pictures of the actual lava and took us to the same locations which was great. So I do recommend going with him (+502 53276570)

We went on an afternoon hike up the volcano and it was incredible. The hike wasn't easy, but it wasn't impossible. It took about 3 hours round trip and was really fun and gorgeous views. We roasted marshmallows on hot lava rocks. There was steam coming up from below, really amazing.

We went with an organized tour bus out of Antigua, which took drove us there then handed us off to a local guide for the hike, which is pretty standard. You can book a tour for a wide range of prices, but I don't see much difference, so I'm not sure what makes it worth paying 2-3x as much for some of them. The hike isn't too difficult if you are in shape at all. Enjoyable with some nice views. Due to eruptions a year or two ago, you can't go to the summit, but you go to a nice viewing area where you can see the steam coming out of the top and vents on the side. Then hike down to the edge of the lava field where the guides roast marshmallows over hot spots that they've found. We had some really great views of the other volcanos around Antigua (Fuego, Agua,...) as wellas the whole valley on the hike back down. We did the morning hike, because we thought there was a better chance of good visibility. They also offered evening hikes where you might get to see Fuego's glowing lava.

This volcano hike is relatively easy, but where is lacks in dramatic views of an active volcano that Acatanengo provides, it allows hikers to get close to recent lava flows with some steam vents and volcanic rocks all around. The hike itself is fun and the views of Agua is awesome. Definitely worth the hike and a great opportunity to share some stories and laugh with fellow hikers!

This is a 1/2 day so I suggest doing this hike and then having lunch reservations somewhere in town. The hike itself is strenuous if you’re not a hiker (like myself). I struggled, but took breaks when needed. There’s an option to ride a house up for 150Q, but I chose not to. Our guides were great and knowledgeable. I would bring a small backpack with water, a snack and a hat. I did think we would get to roast the marshmallows ourselves, but that’s okay.

Our tour started late afternoon so we had to have a fast pace up the trail. It is not a stroll up a hill; the gradient goes up fairly consistently with a couple of rest areas. I found it challenging and I hike often. Renting a walking stick from the local kids was the best 10q I spent on my vacation. Once we got to the lava field it was amazing to experience in person. The hike back down in the dusk, with guides who had flashlights, was also really cool. I highly recommend this tour.

Pacaya volcano tour offers incredible views and provides options for both walking and horse riding. The tour takes approximately 3 hours in each direction, so it's important to plan accordingly. Starting the tour in the morning is a great idea because it allows you to enjoy the cooler temperatures and avoid the midday heat. The views during the Pacaya volcano tour are truly breathtaking. As you ascend, you'll be able to see the surrounding landscapes, lush vegetation, and perhaps even catch glimpses of other volcanoes in the distance. Once you reach the area available for tourist to go, you'll be rewarded with an amazing panoramic view of the volcanic landscape and, if you're lucky, you might witness volcanic activity such as steam emissions from a far volcanos . Considering the time it takes to complete the tour, it's recommended to start in the morning so that you have ample time to enjoy the experience and make your way back to Antigua. By returning around midday, you'll have plenty of time to relax and indulge in a spa day at Casa Santo Domingo. Casa Santo Domingo is known for its luxurious facilities and excellent spa services, making it a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after your hike.