GUNUNG · Guatemala

Volcán Pacaya

Volcán de Pacaya

Information

Elevation: 2.552 m
Country: Guatemala (GT)
Location / Range: Pacaya Volcano National Park, near Antigua/Guatemala City
Mountain type: Active complex stratovolcano
Volcanic?: Yes — volcano
Coordinates: 14.3808, -90.6011
Difficulty: Moderate (half-day hike; guide required)
Best Season: November–April (dry season)
Permits & Rules: A registered local guide is required and the Volcán de Pacaya National Park entrance fee must be paid; horses and walking sticks are available to rent at the San Francisco de Sales trailhead.
Hazards: An active volcano with variable activity (gas, hot rocks, occasionally lava); sharp and loose volcanic rock, dust, and weather that quickly turns foggy. Always follow the directions of guides and park authorities.

Description

Volcán Pacaya (2,552 m) is one of Guatemala's most active yet most accessible volcanoes, in Pacaya Volcano National Park within easy reach of Antigua and Guatemala City. Unlike its neighbors Acatenango and Fuego, which demand overnight climbs, Pacaya is popular as a half-day hike: the trail from the village of San Francisco de Sales climbs roughly 1.5–2 hours through forest and ridgeline to lava fields at the base of the cone. The volcano's activity varies—lava flows are sometimes visible, and even when quiet the lava rock stays hot enough that roasting marshmallows in its crevices has become a signature tourist tradition. A local guide is required and horses are available for those who need them.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

Jalur standar dari San Francisco de Sales (pintu masuk Taman Nasional Pacaya)

Sedang

~1,5–2 jam naik (pulang-pergi sekitar 4–5 km)

Jalur utama dimulai dari pusat penyambutan di San Francisco de Sales, menanjak melewati hutan dan punggungan menuju ladang lava di kaki kerucut Pacaya. Pemandu lokal wajib dan ada biaya masuk taman; kuda dapat disewa untuk membantu naik. Aktivitas gunung bervariasi—kadang lava terlihat, kerap hanya batuan lava panas untuk memanggang marshmallow.

Source

Pendakian harian dipandu dari Antigua (via San Francisco de Sales)

Sedang

~4–6 jam total termasuk transportasi; ~2 jam menuju ladang lava

Tur harian dipandu berangkat dari Antigua menuju trailhead San Francisco de Sales; pemandu bersertifikat wajib, ada biaya masuk taman, serta kuda dan tongkat jalan tersedia. Musim terbaik adalah musim kering (November–April).

Source

Climbing Experiences

Volcán Pacaya (2,552 m) in Guatemala is hiked as a half-day climb from the village of San Francisco de Sales—about 1.5–2 hours up through forest and ridgeline to lava fields at the base of the cone, with a mandatory local guide and park entry fee. Experience videos highlight the relatively easy trail compared with Acatenango/Fuego, the steaming crater views, and the tradition of roasting marshmallows on hot lava rock.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.