| Duration: | 5 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Cruise Ship-shore Excursion |
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to walk up the side of an active volcano! Pacaya volcano is one of over 30 volcanoes located in Guatemala. Situated about 19 miles from Guatemala City and right next to Antigua City, this is an unique small group experience!
Your fun and exciting adventure day excursion from Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala will start right outside the cruise terminal where your federally certified, English speaking guide will meet you, get you checked in and then escort you to your air conditioned transportation. The drive to the Pacaya volcano is through the lush Guatemalan countryside and small villages. Your Guatemala cruise excursion guide will give you information about your day, the history and background of the Pacaya volcano,Guatemala country and culture. The transportation will be either a van or bus depending on the size of your group.
Although this is a climb up the side of a volcano, it is an activity that even children may do. Proper clothing and footwear is necessary. Please wear walking/hiking shoes, sturdy sneakers, etc. - no sandals or flip flops allowed. Skirts and dresses are also not appropriate. The peak is at 8,370 feet and temperatures can be chilly - 59 to 69F is common.
You will not want to forget your camera for this! The views are spectacular on the way but even better when you are walking up the paths. The hike up will take approximately 1.5 hours where you will pass through a humid tree lined forest, then smaller shrubs and lava rock landscape. Note that the trail does not go all the way to the top for safety reasons. Depending on the guest and weather conditions, it might be possible to go to the edge of the crater.
The group will take a rest at the top to enjoy the view. Depending on the weather, you will have spectacular views of the 3 neighboring volcanoes, - Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, also commonly called the 3 Sisters Volcanoes. You might also be treated to views of the Calderas Lagoon below. The walk down is much quicker - estimated about 1 hour. This is a fairly active day so please keep that in mind when booking.
There may or may not be visible molten lava depending on the conditions. But there are "hot spots" and roasting marshmallows over them has become a tradition. Rather you bring your own or get one from your Pacaya Volcano Cruise Excursion guide...enjoy!
Guests will also enjoy a boxed lunch that includes a sandwich and piece of fruit - varies daily. Bottled water is also provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and backpacks are welcome. Note that weather may be cool so a light jacket might be a good idea. There are no proper trails and shoes can get messy and dirty.
After the volcano hiking part of this Quetzal shore excursion, you will be taken back to your cruise ship terminal.
Where we meet
For this Quetzal Guatemala Pacaya Scenic Drive and Volcano Hike Excursion, you will meet right outside the Puerto Quetzal cruise ship pier. All the necessary information will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.
What is included?
