Hiking Pacaya Volcano with Kids: A Complete Family Guide
Antigua, Guatemala, is a city that blends colonial history with seriously breathtaking natural beauty. For our family of four, it was also the gateway to one of the most unique adventures we’ve ever taken—hiking Pacaya Volcano. Known for its manageable trails with kids and stunning landscapes, Pacaya turned out to be the perfect introduction to overnight hiking for our 5-year-old and 2-year-old.
A Little History of Pacaya
Pacaya is one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes, with a history stretching back over 23,000 years. Its most significant eruption as recent as 2010, which has now shaped the rock formations that visitors see today. These landscapes are a favorite among travelers and provide an interactive element for kids, with volcanic vents warm enough to roast marshmallows. While lava isn’t actively flowing at the moment, Pacaya’s landscape remains a dramatic reminder of the Earth’s power.
The Journey Begins: Why We Chose Pacaya
From the start, Pacaya stood out to us as an ideal hiking destination for families. It’s not as physically demanding as other Guatemalan volcanoes like Acatenango or Fuego, yet it stills offers all the adventure and beauty you could hope for. The trail is well-maintained and accessible, even for young children, and the cooled lava fields provide a fascinating hands-on experience.
We also liked the idea of an intimate experience. Unlike other popular volcano hikes, which can have groups of 30+ people, the smaller size of Pacaya tours appealed to us. It was a chance to bond as a family, with fewer distractions or the constant flow of people.
Ox Expeditions
Choosing OX Expeditions: A Stress-Free Experience
When it came to choosing a tour company, OX Expeditions really was a good fit for us. We found them searching the internet. We wanted a company that offered overnight hike on Pacaya and were also able to accommodate children and they did not disappoint. The team was friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. Since this was our kids’ first overnight hike, we visited their office in Antigua ahead of time to confirm the details and ensure we were fully prepared.
They even gave us a 50% discount for our 2-year-old (a thoughtful touch, since she mostly rode on my husband’s shoulders) while our 5-year-old paid full price. Booking was straightforward: a $29 deposit per person secured our spots, and the remaining balance was paid in cash (either USD or Guatemalan Quetzales is accepted) before the hike. If you choose to pay by card, note that there’s a 10% fee, so it’s worth stopping at an ATM beforehand to save on extra charges.
Packing Our Stuff
Packing and Preparation: What We Learned
The morning of the hike started at OX Expeditions’ Antigua office, where we reviewed and packed our gear. They provided nearly everything we needed—tents, sleeping bags, rain ponchos (this is a must during rainy season), headlamps, beanies, and gloves. However, you will need to pack and carry your supplies on the hike, so plan carefully what you’re bringing and how you plan to pack it all.
We rented one of their backpacks as well and brought our personal Osprey Kyte backpack to fit:
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A 4-person tent
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Three sleeping bags (we skipped a fourth to save space in our pack)
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Our personal snacks because, kids
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Community food provided by OX Expeditions
Packing for four people, including two small children, was a bit challenging, but we made it work and didn’t have to skimp on anything. But, if carrying everything sounds overwhelming, you can hire a porter (a horse) for around Q150 for the ascent, and slightly less for the descent as you will have used some food and water. We did end up carrying our gear ourselves, splitting the load between my husband and me, which turned out to be manageable. We would have loved to have brought our child carrier backpack but since we needed to carry our 2 year old, but that didn’t work out as planned. She however, was carried on my husbands shoulders without any issues. Do what works best for you always. Just know its doable.
Pro Tip: Double-check your gear before leaving! We missed a tear in one of the backpack straps but luckily caught it in time to swap it out.
Hiking Up Pacaya Volcano
The Hike: First Steps on the Trail
The drive to the trailhead was about 1.5 hours from Antigua it was scenic for sure. You’ll go through some small towns along the way and the landscape did not disappoint. We winded our way up the mountain for a bit before arriving at the destination. Please be aware that if you get car seat do not sit in the back of the van like I did. I started to feel queasy as we winded our way up the mountain and was all the way in the back, so poor choice on my part. Upon arrival, our guide led us to the entry gate where you pay 100 Quetzales per person over 12 years of age and grab your local guide before heading out to the trail. This is also the place where you can hire a horse to take you or your stuff up the mountain.
The trail begins with a steep incline it’s challenging but manageable thanks to stone steps placed along the way. Our 5-year-old was determined and powered through the climb, which was crazy awesome. The path did eventually level out, giving us a chance to enjoy the views and catch our breath.
Scenic Highlights Along the Way
As we hiked, there was so many sights along the way. Some standout moments included:
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Guatemala City Overlook: From the trail, we could see the capital city in the distance, which was really impressive from the side of the volcano.
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Energy Factory: Our guide pointed out a geothermal plant near Pacaya, which harnesses volcanic heat to power nearby communities. Super intuitive.
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Volcano Views: On clear days, Acatenango and Fuego stand in the distance. This creates the best photo ops.
The guides were fantastic at keeping the kids engaged. They shared fun facts about the volcanic rocks, like basalt and pumice, and pointed out plants thriving in this challenging environment too. Our 5-year-old loved exploring along the hike. She found so many different flowers, bugs, caterpillars and the hike was well paced so that she could take her time too and didn’t feel rushed to run up the mountain to base camp.
Setting Up Base Camp
Base Camp: A Night in the Clouds
Arriving at base camp was really awesome. Its settled off to the side of the trail and fenced in. There are permanent overhangs and tables for eating at and taking cover from the weather. The camp itself when we arrive was nestled in the clouds, it was peaceful and felt out of this world. The guides set up our tent and prepared the campsite, giving us the chance to catch our breath and just relax.
Family-Friendly Amenities
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Marshmallow Roasting: The guides made a fire and we all roasted marshmallows, which was a hit with the kids.
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Cozy Tents: While the sleeping bags kept us warm, the lack of pillows made it harder for my husband and me to sleep well. We did however end up rolling up one of the mats we were sleeping on which helped. The kids, however, slept soundly.
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Facilities: There is an outhouse at base camp, so no need to brave the woods, but don’t forget to bring your own toilet paper.
After a really hearty meal, we enjoyed some quiet time by the campfire, hanging by the campfire to stay warm and drinking some red wine made in Guatemala. The weather does cool down significantly at night so be aware and dress accordingly. We honestly slept in our day time clothes and wore our jackets to bed too.
Sunrise in the Clouds
Sunrise Hike: A Moment of Wonder
At 5:15 a.m., we woke up for a short 15-minute hike to the summit viewpoint. The early wake-up call was well worth it. Standing on the cooled lava fields, we watched the sun rise over the surrounding volcanoes and countryside. The colors were breathtaking, and the moment felt surreal—mostly because we were in the clouds still so the sun made everything look so different from what we were used to seeing.
After about 20–30 minutes at the summit, we returned to base camp for breakfast. The meal of avocado toast with tuna was surprisingly delicious and gave us the energy we needed to pack up and begin the descent.
Heading Back Down: A Quick Descent
The descent was much faster, taking only about 45 minutes, with fewer breaks required. It was a breeze compared to the climb. There were plenty of people and groups climbing early that morning, so it was nice to not have to share the trail with everyone going up.
Practical Tips for Families
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Hydration: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person to stay hydrated. We used our Osprey 3.0L Hydration Reservoir for our trek.
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Layer Up: Temperatures drop significantly at the summit, so dress in layers. OX Expeditions provides warm gear, but having extra layers for everyone is always a good idea.
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First Aid: Bring a small kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Exploring Nearby Attractions
After your hike, consider these family-friendly activities near Pacaya:
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Hot Springs: Relax in geothermal hot springs to soothe tired muscles.
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Antigua’s Markets: Explore the vibrant markets and colonial landmarks in Antigua.
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Coffee Tours: Discover Guatemala’s rich coffee culture on an interactive tour.
Final Thoughts: A Family Adventure to Remember
Hiking Pacaya Volcano was everything we hoped for and more. From the manageable trails and stunning views, it was an adventure we’ll always remember. Our 5-year-old’s determination and our 2-year-old’s joyful curiosity made it all the more special.
Whether it’s roasting marshmallows at base camp, watching the sunrise, or exploring the lava fields, Pacaya offers something for every family. If you’re planning your own hike, don’t hesitate—this is an experience you’ll never forget.
More on the Blog:
Navigating transportation in Antigua.
Thinking of going to Lake Atitlán from Antigua with kids, click here.
