Volcán Pacaya

(Tours are available for US$6 upwards and are sold in most tour companies in Antigua. The popular and best time for organized trips is to leave Antigua at 1300 and return at 2100. Departures also 0600 returning 1300. There is also a US$3.50 fee to be paid at the entrance to the Volcán Pacaya National Park in San Francisco de Sales (toilets available). It is strongly recommended that you do not climb all the way to the crater.)

At 2552 m, the still-active Volcán Pacaya can’t be missed and is the most exciting volcano to climb. Pacaya has erupted about 20 times since 1565, but since the mid-1960s it has been continuously active, meaning it can reward climbers with some spectacular lava flows. From where the shuttle bus leaves you, it’s about 1½-2 hours hiking to the base of the crater – making Pacaya by far the quickest and easiest climb of the volcanoes near Antigua. Try to avoid going on a mid-morning departure, which usually results in an arrival at the summit just as it is covered in cloud. Take torch/flashlight, refreshments and water and – it may sound obvious – wear boots or trainers, not sandals. If you bring marshmallows to toast on the lava, make sure you have a long stick – lava is (rather unsurprisingly) very hot! Security officers go with the trips and police escorts ensure everyone leaves the area after dark. Check the situation in advance for camping (well below the crater lip). Sunrise comes with awesome views over the desolate black lava field to the distant Pacific (airborne dust permitting) and the peaks of Fuego, Acatenango and Agua.