Active Volcán Pacaya is the most frequently climbed volcano in Guatemala. A popular half-day excursion from Antigua, Volcán Pacaya is
easily accessible and commonly puts on a good show for volcano enthusiasts. The 50 Km drive from Antigua takes about 1.5 hours.
The hike up starts at the hamlet, San Francisco
de Sales, at about 1800 meters, where the
visitors centre is located.
Pacaya has four peaks called: Cerro Chiquito, Cerro de Agua, Cerro Chino and Pico Mackenney. The active crater is at the top of Pico Mackenney.
The trail is well maintained, with rest stops, trash receptacles and restrooms (primitive), and is patrolled by guardabosques (rangers). You can also buy refreshments, which will be highly appreciated on your return.
Pacaya is always spewing ashes, water vapor and lapilli (small stones) up into the sky, and it seems at least once a year it pours out lava. Eruptive activity ranges from minor gaseous emissions and quiet steam eruptions, to explosions powerful enough to hurl objects up to 12 kilometers skyward and at times has necessitated the evacuation of nearby villages.
Pacaya's official height is 2550 meters, but it is only a symbolic number, because its continuous eruptions keep adding new material over the existing summit and then on occasions, blowing them away, only to begin again. A consequence of this nonstop activity is that the shape of the active cone never remains the same, giving the visitor a unique show every time.
The climb generally takes a couple of hours. It is non-technical, but tiring as you'll most likely feel the elevation. The weather is generally better in the morning than in the afternoon when clouds and rain are more likely. However, if the volcano is in a phase of eruption or active flows, nighttime views can be incredible.
With luck, you will find a “boca” (mouth).
That is the local name for secondary lava channels, from which lava comes out so smoothly you can actually stand within a few meters with very minimal risk.
During 2006, a slight increase in Pacaya's volcanic activity allowed for the creation of several lava rivers that slowly flowed down its slope. Word about this phenomenon spread and local tourism increased significantly.
The easiest and most secure way to visit Pacaya is to go with a licensed tour operator, of which there are numerous in Antigua.
If you come down the volcano with a need for more action, you can take the road to Laguna de Calderas (3 km more), where you can swim, rent a canoe or take a canopy tour through the forest.
Pacaya is always spewing ashes, water vapor and lapilli (small stones) up into the sky, and it seems at least once a year it pours out lava. Eruptive activity ranges from minor gaseous emissions and quiet steam eruptions, to explosions powerful enough to hurl objects up to 12 kilometers skyward and at times has necessitated the evacuation of nearby villages.
With luck, you will find a “boca” (mouth). 
