Duy T.
November 6, 2026
A calm, steady ride up Pacaya at about the hikers’ pace: the easy way to the lava fields if you’d rather not walk or worry about keeping up.
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The Pacaya Horseback Ride from Antigua is a 6-hour trip where a horse, led by a local handler, carries you up the active volcano to lava fields above 2,100 m. Your horse walks at about the hikers’ pace, sometimes a little faster. At the top you roast marshmallows over the volcanic heat vents. Riders up to 90 kg.
To ensure you enjoy your Pacaya Volcano Horseback Ride Tour , we recommend coming prepared with the following:
Being well-prepared ensures you’ll have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience exploring one of Guatemala’s most iconic active volcanoes.
This is a calm horseback ride, not a race. The horse climbs Pacaya at about the same pace as the travelers who walk, or a little faster, and riders and hikers stay together as one group. It is the best option if you worry about keeping up with the group or simply prefer not to hike. Maximum rider weight: 200 lb (90 kg). Riders above that weight may be charged an extra fee by the local horse owners during the tour, so please let us know before you book.
Pacaya Volcano is one of the most convenient and exciting Guatemalan volcanic attractions – and this Pacaya Volcano horseback riding tour makes the experience truly rewarding. Instead of strenuous hikes and enjoy an adventure horseback ride at Pacaya Volcano, guided ride led by experienced local cowboys who ensure comfort and safety as you travel through dramatic volcanic landscapes.
During this Volcano Horseback Ride Guatemala, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of three spectacular volcanoes – Agua, Acatenango, and the ever-active Fuego.
But this isn’t just a ride – it’s a complete Pacaya Volcano adventure horseback experience. At a stunning lava rock viewpoint, you’ll have the unique chance to roast marshmallows with the natural heat of the hot rocks of Pacaya Volcano.
Whether you choose the refreshing morning light or magical afternoon sunset, this Pacaya horseback riding tour from Antigua offers an unforgettable Pacaya Volcano Horseback Tour that combine local culture, scenery, and adventure in one extraordinary experience.
Our Pacaya Volcano horseback ride tour from Antigua is more than just a ride – it’s a mix of local culture, scenery, volcano activity, and adventure. Whether you choose the morning light tour at 6:00 a.m. or the Pacaya Volcano Sunset Horseback Riding Tour at 02:00 p.m., you will experience sweeping volcanic views and unforgettable experiences on Guatemala’s most iconic volcano.
Experience the excitement of a Pacaya Volcano horseback ride tour from Antigua, combining adventure, nature, volcano activity, and breathtaking scenery.
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Pacaya Volcano Tour & Hot Springs from Antigua6:00 to 6:30 AM
Pick up from your hotel in Antigua Guatemala (the hotel must be located within the city center of Antigua, otherwise the meeting point is Tanque de la Unión).
06:30 AM
Departure from Antigua Guatemala.
07:30 AM
Arrival at Pacaya Volcano and entrance fee (Q100 or $15 in cash per foreigner).
07:45 AM
Begin your horseback ride and ascent.
09:15 AM
Reach the top, enjoy free time, and roast marshmallows over volcanic heat vents
09:40 AM
The Descent of the volcano begins.
10:40 AM
End of the ride.
10:45 AM
Return to Antigua Guatemala.
11:45 AM
Arrival in Antigua Guatemala and the hotel (if applicable).
2:00 to 2:30
Tour participants are picked up.
2:30 to 3:45
Tour participants are transported from Antigua to Pacaya.
3:45 to 5:00
Climb the Pacaya volcano
5:00 to 5:30
Free time to take photographs, explore the area and roast marshmallows
5:30 to 6:30
Descent of the volcano
6:30 to 7:45
Tour participants are transported from Pacaya to Antigua
7:45 to 8:00
Arrival in Antigua Guatemala
The tour includes round-trip transfers from Antigua, certified local guides, a horseback ride up to the volcano, roasted marshmallows, and breathtaking views of Pacaya, Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes (if the sky is clear enough).
The tour does not include the entry fee into Pacaya Volcano (Q100 for foreign tourists, Q30 for locals) or personal expenses, tips, and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
The tour takes around 6 hours, including pickup from the hotel, the horseback trip, summit adventure, and back to Antigua
Visitors should bring comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, a light jacket, and a camera to capture stunning views.
The weather on Pacaya Volcano is generally warm and tropical due to its location in Guatemala. However, due to the volcano’s altitude, the climate can vary within the same day. If you want to hike Pacaya Volcano with less chance of experiencing rain, we recommend taking this Pacaya Tour during the months from November to April, when we have more sunny days with spectacular views. If you’re an all-terrain adventurer and the rain doesn’t dampen your spirits, you’ll also enjoy this hike to Pacaya during the rainy season, which usually starts in May and lasts until October. During the winter, it typically rains more heavily in the afternoon.
Yes. The maximum rider weight is 200 lb (90 kg). If you weigh more, the local horse owners may charge an additional fee during the tour. Please let us know your weight before you book.
No. It is a calm ride with no racing: the horse climbs at about the same pace as the hikers, or a little faster, and riders and walkers stay together as one group.
Yes! The Pacaya Volcano horseback ride tour is appropriate for riders of all skill levels. Experienced cowboy guides ensure your safety throughout the journey.
Yes! You can choose the 02:00 PM scheduled for a Pacaya Volcano Sunset Horseback Riding Tour , which includes the same experience with the added magic of sunset and viewing of the stars at the volcano if the weather permits.
Hiking boots are recommended as the terrain on Pacaya Volcano can be rocky and uneven, and in some areas, it might be loose with volcanic ash and small pebbles. However, if you don’t have ones, you could wear resistant and comfortable sports shoes. Wear long pants, a hat, a cap or similar. Also, the sun can be intense, especially during the dry season, so apply sunscreen to all exposed skin areas. If you are hiking during the rainy season or there is a chance of rain, bring a rain jacket or raincoat to keep yourself dry.
Yes, children of all ages are welcome on the Pacaya Volcano horseback ride. From 4 years old they can ride their own horse; children from 1 to 3 years old ride together with an adult. Each horse is usually led by a local handler, so kids enjoy the ride while adults or older children walk alongside.
The hike to Pacaya Volcano typically covers a round-trip distance of about 3 to 4 miles (approximately 5 to 6.5 kilometers). The trail starts at the base of the volcano, and the ascent usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the pace and the number of breaks you take. The descent generally takes less time.
No special fitness level is required. You can stay on the horse for the entire route and only need to dismount when it’s time to roast marshmallows, take photos, and explore.
Yes, there is a pizza store at Pacaya Volcano. We also promote an experience in which you can cook your own pizza, see more here: https://pacayatours.com/product/make-eat-pizza-at-pacaya-volcano-private-tour/ . However, these group tours don’t go to the pizza store, if you still want to go to the pizza store, you will need to hire another local guide (at additional cost), by hiring a local guide you’ll have the flexibility to separate from the group and go to the pizza store, get some pizza and return on time to join the group to return to Antigua. Please initiate a chat for further assistance.
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