Back

Climb a Guatemalan volcano

gua01-climb-an-active-volcano-free-inguat

Make the steep but short ascent of Pacaya volcano to drink in beautiful views across the surrounding highlands.

This guided hike up the slopes of the active volcano of Pacaya (2,552m) brings you almost within touching distance of its smoking cone. It’s a strenuous ascent but takes only 2 or 3 hours, and the views from the top are well worth the effort. On a clear day, it’s even possible to see all the way to El Salvador.

As the pine forests of the volcano’s foothills fall away, the trail crosses ash and scree to reach the summit. There may be lava flows and the chance to see burning red embers scorching away under the dark solidified magma covering the surface of the volcano.

Activity Rating: moderate

Holidays Climb a Guatemalan volcano

From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.

Tents set up on a grassy hill on a trek

Private Journeys

Guatemala

Active Guatemala: Trekking in style

10 days from £2,625pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

0 1 2 3 4 5