Be careful when agencies mark you as a quiet circuit and read the reviews carefully before and don't overestimate yourself. It climbs hard from the start, large stones in the sand, no steps, you have to climb, it's slippery. So much the better for those for whom it is easy and who are good sportsmen but for others courage and perseverance we arrive at the top obviously magnificent different views and the volcano is superb in front of us. The descent is just as difficult as it slides on the sand and lava dust. You can ride on horseback. Despite these inconveniences, a nice walk. Good luck.

The description of the hike to the volcano is very accurate. It's is a steep hike and was challenging even to our very active family. There was an additional fee to get into the park once we arrived. They offer you a horse ride to the top for additional fee, if needed. Once we got to the top our guide wanted to move on quickly. I would have liked to stay longer. Our guide was polite but was on his phone most of the time and didn't really explain too much about the area. A different guide may have made for a better experience. The volcano was incredible! We did get to see the top but we learned that not every tour does.

This inactive volcano is located about an hour's drive from Antigua. It constitutes a classic excursion of this city. The hike is easy although it is a bit uphill. Beautiful view of the chain of volcanoes. Pacaya itself is not rare. If you've already seen volcanoes, don't bother taking the excursion.

If you are a fan of hiking and long walks in nature, then you will love this place. The route is quite simple, there are no significant requirements for experience and physical training, the only caveat is that it was hot and it was not easy to climb for more than an hour. Be sure to take water with you. The final route took about 3 hours. Those who want to save energy can take a horse, it will take you to the very top (I don’t know the price, I didn’t take it). There were no beautiful views during the hike; the most interesting thing was the lookout at the end of the climb. The beauty of the mountains of the west coast of the USA or the volcanoes of Kamchatka cannot be compared, of course, but you can visit.. At the top there is a place where you can fry marshmallows as the lava comes to the surface. A sort of attraction for tourists :) Entrance to the park costs $15 per person, but climbing without a guide is prohibited, so you need another $15 for a local guide... Although there are no dangerous places on the route, and a guide is absolutely not needed! This is not Kamchatka, where it is really dangerous to climb without a guide. But these are the extortions from tourists in Guatemala:(

From Antigua generally a climb to the volcano should not be missed. The one most accessible to almost everyone is the 2500 m high Pacaya. You go up with the guide halfway up the hill at a cost of around 40 euros. Those who can't make it are the mules. Nice view although the clouds often arrive around lunch time. In January it was neither hot nor cold, excellent weather. Maybe we Italians, who also have active volcanoes, expect that in the final caldera (you don't reach the summit) after about 2/3 hours of walking there will be lava or beautiful fumaroles and instead only heat that releases from 2 small holes where the guide will offer you skewers with sweets skewered and warmed up ... a little ... in the heat. In short, I expected more even if the view of the valley and the other Acatenango volcano (active) is very beautiful.

I made this trip with fellow travelers on a tour group. All of us were older (at 71 I was near the average) and we chose a climb that didn’t go all the way up. One sign indicated there was another 2.3 KM to go. You do have to be in decent shape by the views are amazing (especially smoking volcanoes in the distance. The drive up to the base camp is interesting, too; you may see women wading clothes in communal troughs since they don’t have facilities at home. It was too early for the pizza place (an early morning start means slightly cooler temperatures) but I did get to sample marshmallows roasted over volcanic heat!

This is a medium level hike due to inclination, loose soil and rocks. Horses are available to better enjoy the experience. Best to go early as fog and rain may block the view to the volcanos from the top. Bring water and marshmallows! Local access 100Q rain poncho 50Q walking stick 5Q horse 200Q round trip 300Q. 1U$=7.5Q

Wow what an experience and adventure! Make sure you work out the week before if you don't go to the gym regularly lol! My daughter and I went up by horseback. My daughter was so proud of me and I was proud of me too! lolol I recommend the trek up the volcano but just wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty and dress comfortably. I had Superman the horse who liked to trot when I only wanted him to walk. lolol

Walks are guided by locals, walking sticks are available for hire for $USD 3 and horses $USD 30-40. As soon as you arrive you are jostled and they follow you all the way up which is a bit annoying because the track is narrow. 60+ in the group was too many. I would try to get some distance from the jostling. We did the climb in an hour including photo stops with average fitness. Basic toilet at summit, good toilets and start and end of climb. Wear decent boots, the descent on the loose fragmented volcanic rock debris is tricky.

The hike is hard not moderate as it is a steep climb for about 3 km. Also the guides rush you along and encourage you to take a horse if you fall behind. It is challenging for those who need to take breaks. A private group would be better if you are not totally fit as you and stop and go. Else you land up taking a horse at least one way. The overall view is good not spectacular. It is a poor substitute to seeing an actual volcano. The hot steaming areas are kind of cool but if you have been to Hawaii or Yellowstone this will not impress you.