Pacaya Volcano, Antigua

Since the Spanish conquest of Guatemala, the Pacaya volcano, an active complex volcano, has erupted at least 23 times. It originally erupted about 23,000 years ago. It ascends to a height of 2,552 meters (8,373 ft). It resumed violently erupting in 1961 after being inactive for more than 70 years and has continued to do so ever since. Most of its activity is Strombolian, but it occasionally has Plinian eruptions as well, which can occasionally cover the area around the neighboring Departments with ash.

Popular tourist destination Pacaya. Even the well-known Guatemala Impact Marathon is held there; it was the first to use a running path across the lava field left by the 2010 eruption, and it helps the neighborhood by encouraging runners to take on the difficult endeavor. It is located close to Antigua and 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Guatemala City. The volcano is located in the Department of Escuintla. On Pacaya's craters, volcano boarding is another activity that is done. Guided walks on the volcano are available as part of organized trips, and you may cook marshmallows over the heat produced by hot spots. Although this is an active volcano, it should be reminded that there are risks associated with hiking here. Horses are an option if you want to ascend with less effort.

Location: Pacaya National Park about an hour south of Antigua.

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5.0