Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools in Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua, Guatemala

Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools

Outty Ranking 62 4.6 · 16 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $138
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Outty Ranking

62/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools worth booking?

Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools is a 6-hour experience in Antigua, Guatemala, from $138 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
62 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (16)
Duration
6 hours
From
$138 per person

Marvel at the picturesque views and sporadic explosions from a safe distance, and indulge in the unique experience of roasting marshmallows in the steam vents. For all our travelers that enjoy of Horseback Riding our local friends at Pacaya offer this service for additional cost. After your trek up Pacaya, take a well-deserved break at Santa Teresita Hot Springs, our drive time will take about 45 minutes and we have included the use of pools + 1 towel per person. Our representative will stay helping you to communicate as you are free to choose from a variety of relaxation packages at this exclusive spa, Santa Teresita also offer a therapeutic thermal circuit and thermal steam sauna from natural thermal springs. Santa Teresita services are available at an additional cost and can be paid directly based on your preferences. Once you're refreshed and rejuvenated, we'll drive back. Please keep in mind that if your location is different fron noted points we can arrange for additional cost.

What you get

    About this experience

    Marvel at the picturesque views and sporadic explosions from a safe distance, and indulge in the unique experience of roasting marshmallows in the steam vents. For all our travelers that enjoy of Horseback Riding our local friends at Pacaya offer this service for additional cost. After your trek up Pacaya, take a well-deserved break at Santa Teresita Hot Springs, our drive time will take about 45 minutes and we have included the use of pools + 1 towel per person. Our representative will stay helping you to communicate as you are free to choose from a variety of relaxation packages at this exclusive spa, Santa Teresita also offer a therapeutic thermal circuit and thermal steam sauna from natural thermal springs. Santa Teresita services are available at an additional cost and can be paid directly based on your preferences. Once you're refreshed and rejuvenated, we'll drive back. Please keep in mind that if your location is different fron noted points we can arrange for additional cost.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Use of Pools at Santa Teresita Hot Springs
    • Bottled water
    • Entrance Fees and Parking Fees to Pacaya
    • Snacks
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Santa Teresita Hot Springs Thermal Circuit or Spa

    What you'll see and do

    1. Pacaya Volcano

      Being in the Ring of Fire, with more than 37 volcanoes, Guatemala has an amazing geography. Three of its impressive volcanoes are currently active. Pacaya is one of the active volcanoes in Guatemala and is safe to climb. The experience of climbing Pacaya will definitely be an unforgettable one.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Santa Teresita Hotel & Spa Termal

      Revitalize and Relax! After your trek up Pacaya, it's time to melt your stresses away at the nearby thermal pools. Fed by natural geothermal waters, provided by the volcanic activity in the area, the thermal pools have natural healing powers. Sore muscles are massaged away by the professional staff, followed by an invigorating thermal circuit. The thermal circuit was designed to reduce stress, soothe aching muscles, increase circulation, and relieve such aliments as tendonitis, arthritis, and insomnia.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Columbus Guatemala Travel S.A.

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools in Antigua, photo 2Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools in Antigua, photo 3Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools in Antigua, photo 4Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools in Antigua, photo 5Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools in Antigua, photo 6Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools in Antigua, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    10 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    7 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Photo opportunities

    5 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    16 verified traveler reviews for Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    14
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    78lucyl · February 2026

    Brilliant!

    We went for this tour with Estafan who was utterly wonderful. He was enthusiastic, informative, fun, keen, reassuring and made the entire trip so lovely. I was nervous about whether I could do it and he reassured me that we could just take it gently no rush. For the entire drive there and back he filled us in on the history of the Mayans, their culture, their dress, their food, the coffee around Antigua, the avocado trees etc. It really was a wonderful trip. Thank you. We did book another trip to the outlying villages and when we arrived it was clear the guide was not going to be on the same level so we cancelled but Columbus were incredibly helpful and tried to do everything they could to make us happy. We felt this was a top notch company!

    Response from the operator: It was a true honor to meet you! Esteban had a wonderful time, and we thank you for the opportunity you gave us. Sharing our greatest passion is what makes us happy, but the best part is having the honor of calling you a friend. We truly hope you're already enjoying your coffee, delighted by your beautiful spirit. Once again, thank you for trusting us and choosing us, keep on exploring, discovering and hope to see you soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    SunDestin517 · February 2025

    Awesome experience, tour guides could’ve done better

    Our tour guide was great. He was very knowledgeable and told us all about Antigua and Guatemala and the volcanoes. But when we started the hike, they went very fast. It is a treacherous hike, I’m in my 50s and couldn’t keep up. There was a guide behind us, but he left. By the time my small group got to the stopping point no one told us what we were doing, we happened to see people eating their box lunches, so we sat and ate ours. We never got our second drink we ordered. So we only had the one bottled water the whole time. I gave three stars because they didn’t gather us and instruct us. We thought we were going to the very top, but that didn’t happen. They also should’ve had guides at the beginning and the end. Maybe if they would’ve given the boxed lunches and drinks at the stopping point and the water off the bus, then everyone would get what they were supposed to. The hike was beautiful though, and I’m glad I went!

    Response from the operator: Hi dear, We value and appreciate your feedback, being in the large group of 50 friends it is really amazing but also brings few challenges. Please accept our apologies and we will definitely make sure this never happens again. We are in love with Guatemala and all we want is to make you fall in love with it too. Our biggest hope is that you come back to the Land of Eternal Spring with open heart. Once again Thank you so much for your trust and communication.

    via Tripadvisor

    jennQ1462QV · February 2025

    Great hike with amazing guides

    The guides are absolutely phenomenal. So friendly and informative, and they pack you a great lunch. The hike is quite rigorous, so keep that in mind, but the views are beautiful.

    Response from the operator: Jenn so beautiful to read your kind words! Phenomenal is our goal for every new friend we meet, it is all we want for your memories to be. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and our biggest hope is to continue discovering as well as creating unforgettable moments to enrigh our human senses

    via Tripadvisor

    Explorer25578463803 · February 2025

    Wow!

    You can tell every single detail was well organized for us to enjoy all the time, a/c was good in the minivan, JJ the tour guide very informative, food was fresh (Guacamole off the charts) all the travelers you can see in their faces they’re happy bc of the views from Pacaya active volcano, thank you Columbus for putting all the pieces together for us to have this wonderful experience!

    Response from the operator: HUUURRAH!!! Our Guacamole is prepared with a lot of love by one of our favorite local moms, it makes us feel very happy to know that you liked it as much as we did. Thank you for blessing us, your trust and preference means everything to us. We appreciate so much the time you have taken to share your experience as your positive impact goes on and on. Our biggest hope is to meet up soon to continue sharing this amazing adventure called life!

    via Tripadvisor

    Anne_E · November 2024

    Wonderful Full Day Tour, Amazing Company!

    Wonderful tour of Pacaya Volcano & thermal spa (water heated by volcano) with knowledgable tour guide & amazing driver! Our group of 8 had a wonderful time exploring the volcano by horse back (highly recommended for 200 pesos round trip). The walk can be steep at times and the horse was a great addition! We roasted marshmallows at the top using a lava oven (optional pizza can be purchased and cooked as well), were provided snacks, and had a guide with us the entire time! The thermal spa experience afterwords was another highlight (no need to include the optional thermal circuit as all pools are included). The food and smoothies at the spa were great along with the massages offered ($42/PP for an hour). Would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Antigua or surrounding areas and especially using this company!

    Response from the operator: Anne you are so awesome! Thank you from the deep of our hearts, we are extremely happy for printing you wonderful memories and I haven't forget about your photos! They are ready and beatiful I will be sharing as soon as possible is just peak season and we are looking for more team members. Hope to see you soon, best wishes of health and love.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Columbus Guatemala Travel S.A., who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.8.

    See everything Columbus Guatemala Travel S.A. runs

    Why this scores 62

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)77
    Review evidence (18% weight)46
    Booking momentum (14% weight)38
    Value for money (12% weight)41
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)42
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Antigua.

    How much does Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools cost?

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    Prices start at $138 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Antigua usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools take?

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    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Antigua is not rushed.

    Is Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 16 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Antigua, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools?

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    Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Antigua can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Antigua and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Antigua within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Antigua?

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    On Outty we rank every Antigua experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Coffee and Gastronomic Bike Tour in Antigua, Antigua ATV Mountain Adventure, Antigua ATV Sunset Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Antigua?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Antigua?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools?

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    Included: Private transportation; Use of Pools at Santa Teresita Hot Springs; Bottled water; Entrance Fees and Parking Fees to Pacaya; and Snacks. Not included: Lunch; and Santa Teresita Hot Springs Thermal Circuit or Spa. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Antigua. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Antigua. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Pacaya Volcano & Thermal Pools?

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    Across 16 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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