Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano
Description
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Pacaya Volcano! This experience includes a hike through volcanic trails surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and incredible views. Reaching the highest point can take approximately 35 to 90 minutes depending on your pace and physical condition. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy a unique setting with petrified lava fields and stunning close-up views of the volcano. After the hike, reward yourself with delicious artisanal pizza cooked using volcanic heat while watching the fascinating preparation process by our talented chef. This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a fun and memorable experience in Guatemala. Please note that the hike can be physically demanding and is not recommended for seniors or travelers with mobility issues.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We are going to start this incredible experience by picking you up in the lobby of your hotel. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes.
Discover a one-of-a-kind adventure on Pacaya Volcano! Begin with a scenic hike through volcanic trails as you make your way up one of Guatemala’s most iconic volcanoes. Along the route, you’ll walk across ancient petrified lava fields and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Pacaya and the surrounding landscapes. After the hike, relax in a unique volcanic setting while indulging in artisanal pizza cooked beneath volcanic rocks when the volcano is active. If volcanic heat is not available, the pizza will be freshly prepared using charcoal, ensuring the same delicious experience. Watch as our skilled chef crafts your pizza from scratch, turning fresh ingredients into a culinary masterpiece right in the heart of this extraordinary environment. This unforgettable experience combines adventure, stunning natural beauty, and incredible local flavors, creating the perfect way to experience the magic of Guatemala’s volcanic landscapes!
After a day full of adventure, our professional bus pilot will take you back to your hotel in the city. Thanks for traveling with us!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up all travelers at the motor lobby of their hotel or accommodation in Guatemala City
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Pizza size is based on group size: personal pizza for 1-2 passengers, medium pizza for 3-4, and large pizza for groups of 5. For groups larger than 5, the pizza size will be adjusted accordingly as per descripted in this note
- As a natural heat source, the temperature does not remain constant. Therefore, the chef may choose to use charcoal to ensure proper pizza cooking.
- If you would like to rent a horse to help you climb the volcano, you may do so for an additional cost that must be paid directly to the horse owners. The usual cost ranges from Q250 to Q300 per way.
- Please note that if you ask the guide or any staff member to take photos with your phone, you do so at your own risk. While they are happy to assist, photography is not part of their responsibilities, and we cannot be held liable for any accidental damage involving personal devices. Thank you for your understanding.
Reviews(42)
There was some communication before the tour, however, the tour operator DID NOT tell me about the third-party horse service, where there was a fee to which I would have bought money for the horse and dressed appropriately to ride a horse. When you read the other reviews, riding a horse is highly recommended, regardless if your body is strong enough or not, you won’t regret it! Since I was unable to rent a horse, the tour was not as enjoyable as it should’ve been. After walking 2/3 of the volcano trail, I was having difficulty finishing it. The tourist patrol officers stopped their vehicle and took me up to where the pizza was. The three officers and I shared the pizza and they took me down the volcano at the end. After I returned from the tour, I got in contact with the local tour operator, explained what happened on the tour, asked why he didn’t tell me about the horses ahead of time so I could be prepared to ride and pay for it, and I wanted a 50% refund. He told me that he couldn’t tell me about the horses because Tripadvisor wouldn’t allow him to mention it because they they felt it would be animal cruelty to the horses. After multiple discussions, he would not refund the money. Once I return to the USA, I got in contact with Tripadvisor/Viator explaining what happened on the tour. Tripadvisor got in contact with the local tour operator regarding the booking and was unsuccessful in obtaining a refund. The local tour operator knew he was in the wrong about the horses, because when I got back to the USA, he put on his site on Tripadvisor about renting the horses from a third-party. I paid US$330 for a solo person on the tour. If there was more than just me going, the fee would be US$175 per person, therefore the trip company would not lose any money by refunding me 50% of it. When all said and done, Tripadvisor/Viator refunded me 10% of what I paid for the tour. I still feel that Tripadvisor should have refunded me to 50% of the cost of the trip. Sadly, I had to report and evaluate the experience as not positive. I hope this information will help you when you decide on this trip. Renting a horse is a MUST on this tour, regardless, if your body is strong enough or not.
David was an amazing tour guide! He provided great information about the volcano and the surrounding villages. He was funny and constantly checking in with us to make sure we were okay and having a good time. 10/10 recommend!!!!
Hi Ashley, Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience on the volcano tour. David will be delighted to read your kind words! His passion for sharing information about the volcano, the surrounding communities, and Guatemala’s natural beauty is something that truly makes each tour special. We’re especially happy to hear that his sense of humor and constant attention to your comfort helped make the experience even more enjoyable. We believe that great adventures are about more than just the destination—they’re about feeling welcomed, safe, and having fun along the way. Thank you for the 10/10 recommendation! It means the world to us, and we hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures in Guatemala soon.
This was a fantastic experience! The pizza tasted very good and felt satisfying after a hard trek. Fausto was a sweet and accommodating tour guide.
Hi Paige, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic experience. There’s definitely something extra rewarding about enjoying a delicious pizza after a hike on the volcano, and we’re so glad you enjoyed it! Combining the adventure of the trek with the unique setting and the meal is what makes this experience so special. Fausto will be delighted to hear your kind words. His friendly and accommodating nature helps create memorable experiences for our travelers, and we’re happy he made your day even better. Thank you again for sharing your experience—we hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures in Guatemala!
Amazing experience. We took the can am tour to the volcano. Guide was nice, the owner david was very friendly and helpful and even gave us a present before we left, am amazing coffee from volcanic land in Guatemala. It wasn't cheap but was worth it. The pizza was delicious and eating it on a volcanic rock in front of the peak was beautiful.
Hi, thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re truly happy to hear you had such a great volcanic experience. It sounds like a very special adventure—from riding the Can-Am up the volcano to enjoying that delicious pizza with such an incredible view. Sitting on volcanic rock with the peak in front of you really is something unforgettable! We’re also glad to hear that both your guide and David made you feel so well taken care of. Those personal touches—like the volcanic coffee gift—are what make the experience even more meaningful. We understand your note about the price, and it means a lot to hear that you still found it worth it. That’s exactly what we aim for: creating unique, memorable experiences that stay with you long after the trip. Thank you again for sharing your experience—we’d love to have you back for more adventures in Guatemala!
Pacaya Volcano was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Hiking an active volcano and eating pizza cooked on volcanic heat is something you just don’t get to say every day. That said, the experience would have been much better if it hadn’t been so dangerously windy. The wind made the hike more intense than expected and honestly took away from the enjoyment a bit. For $330, I truly believe the horse should be included in the price. It felt like an additional expense that should have already been covered at that rate. I personally don’t feel the overall experience matched the cost. The pizza was decent, but no drink was included, which was a little surprising for that price point. Now let me say this clearly: my guide was the best part of the entire experience. He helped me up and down the mountain, constantly checked to make sure I was okay, and took as many photos as I wanted without hesitation. His professionalism and support made a huge difference. Would I do it again? Probably not for that price. But am I glad I did it? Yes. You only live once.
Hi jonae, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and honest review—we truly appreciate it. We’re really glad to hear that you found the experience to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Hiking an active volcano is definitely something special, and moments like that tend to stay with you forever. At the same time, we completely understand your concerns. Weather conditions on the volcano can change very quickly, and strong winds are something we unfortunately cannot control. Safety is always our top priority, and while these conditions can make the hike more challenging, they are part of the unpredictable nature of visiting an active volcano. Regarding the pricing and inclusions, we truly value your feedback. Services like the horse are offered as an optional add-on. Your comments are very helpful as we continue to evaluate and improve the overall experience we offer. That said, it means a lot to us that your guide made such a positive impact. We’re incredibly proud of our team, and hearing that he supported you, ensured your safety, and helped create great memories really makes a difference. We appreciate your honesty—both the positives and the areas where we can improve. And we’re glad that, overall, it’s an experience you’re happy you had.
There was no prior communication however they were great on pick-up location and time. Driver was super friendly, same as our tour guide! He brought marshmallows for us on top of the pizza. It’s expensive but also was amazing.
Hi Becca, Thank you so much for your honest and kind review! We’re really happy to hear that you had an amazing experience overall 😊 We truly appreciate your feedback regarding the prior communication—it’s something we’re always working to improve. That said, we’re glad everything went smoothly with the pickup and that our team was there right on time to get your adventure started without any issues. It’s wonderful to hear that both your driver and guide made such a positive impression! And those extra marshmallows on top of the pizza sound like a fun little bonus—moments like that definitely make the experience even more memorable. We understand your comment about the price, and we genuinely strive to offer a unique and high-quality experience that makes it worthwhile. Hearing that you still found it amazing means a lot to us. Thanks again for sharing your experience—we’d love to have you join us again for another unforgettable adventure!
First thing for you to know, there are no longer any vents on Pacaya (at least that the guide knew of) hot enough to cook pizza or roast marshmallows. They have all been cooling down since the 2021 eruption. So don't do this hike just for the Pizza / marshmallow cooking. The pizza was fine and cooked over coals in a volcano rock oven. But the maker of the pizza is stationed up there and I am sure they would be happy to make anyone a pizza who wants one, you don't need to book it as part of your tour. The hike is quite easy, mostly walking on a dirt/gravel road. My guide said it usually takes 60 - 90 minutes. We made it up in 35 minutes, though we moved fast and took some shortcuts. My guide was good, but the whole volcano experience only took 90 minutes (probably less). I spent far more time in traffic getting to/from Pacaya than on Pacaya. The hike is still worth doing, there are some nice views and you can see Fuego erupting smoke every so often. Just have appropriate expectations, find a cheaper tour, and pay for your pizza yourself.
Hello, thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful feedback—we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We’d love to clarify one important point for future travelers: we do include a disclaimer in our tour information explaining that volcanic conditions can vary. If the natural heat from the volcano is not strong enough on a given day, the chef may use coals to prepare the pizza. This ensures that the experience can still take place while maintaining safety and consistency. That said, the experience remains something truly special and unique. Whether the pizza is finished with volcanic heat or supported by coals, enjoying it on the slopes of an active volcano—surrounded by those incredible, otherworldly views—is something you simply can’t replicate elsewhere. As you mentioned, volcanic activity has changed since the 2021 eruption. Nature is constantly evolving, and unfortunately, it’s something we don’t have any control over. Some days the heat is stronger, other days it’s lower—but that unpredictability is also part of what makes visiting a live volcano such a fascinating experience. We’re very happy to hear that you still enjoyed the views and your guide, and we truly value your perspective as it helps us continue improving and setting the right expectations for our travelers.
Walter was our guide and he was super knowledgeable and friendly! Made great conversation and honestly made the whole experience awesome! I also got to ride a horse half way up to the volcano, definitely made the experience worth it! 😊
Thank you so much for your great review, Amber! We’re thrilled to hear that Walter made your Pacaya Volcano experience so enjoyable with his knowledge, friendliness, and great conversation. Riding the horse halfway up is definitely a fun and memorable part of the adventure, and we’re glad it added even more value to your day 😊 We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon for another amazing experience in Guatemala!
The hike was incredible and tje scenery was breathaking. Our guide was very attentive at all time, taking the time to explain every part of the tour and answer our questions. His knowledge and friendliness made the experiencie even enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Thank you so much, Alfredo! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an incredible time at Pacaya Volcano. It’s wonderful that your guide’s knowledge, attentiveness, and friendliness made the hike even more enjoyable. The scenery at Pacaya is truly breathtaking, and we’re so glad you could experience it in such a memorable way. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’d love to welcome you back for another adventure in Guatemala!
There was no communication before the tour (I always get info into TA chat), despite the tour started precisely at and as it had to! Good organization! We had a great time together with Walter! We did not just walked in the nature, but exchanged knowledge of our countries and compared them. It was a highlight for me to ride a young horse on the way to the volcano. Do similarly (regardless if your body is strong enough or not), you won't regret it, if you like animals too. At least to ride for some minutes. I did it all the way and it was so special to ride here, at a volcanic terrain. I have to mention, everyone we met, including the boy who owns the horse, the souvenier shop owner and the pizza cook, all were very respectful and kind people! The way back was much easier, with a few scenic spots. There is truly a lot of photo opportunity, at least 5-10. Big mountains, clouds, volcanic rocks, horses... About the pizza - I think it really made a difference how and where it was made. It was perfectly made and still smokey a bit... Very tasty, for sure in the top3, however I'm Italian cousine lover... Yes, I chose this tour because of the nature, volcanos, pizza and horses (and dogs). All-in! Note: it is a great choice for those who have limited time and also for individual travelers. All is very well accommodated to the schedule and all. And still, the only participant may neither feel any rush. We can spend enough time at the 'pizza place', which is truly the weird but coolest highlight of the tour.
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic and thoughtful review, Mark! We’re delighted to hear that your Pacaya adventure with Walter turned into such a memorable experience, from the horse ride on volcanic terrain to the kindness of the local people you met along the way. It’s wonderful that you appreciated the photo opportunities and, of course, the famous volcanic pizza – we agree, it’s an unforgettable highlight! Your recommendation for individual travelers and those short on time is spot on, as this tour really captures nature, culture, and unique flavors all in one. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Walter and the rest of the team. We hope to welcome you back soon for more one-of-a-kind Guatemalan adventures!
