Standing in at 8,371 feet (2,552 meters) the highly active Pacaya Volcano is perhaps the most climbed volcano in Guatemala.

Pacaya's current active phase began in 1965, and the volcano has been almost constantly in eruption since then. Eruptive activity ranges from minor gaseous emissions...

Standing in at 8,371 feet (2,552 meters) the highly active Pacaya Volcano is perhaps the most climbed volcano in Guatemala.

Pacaya's current active phase began in 1965, and the volcano has been almost constantly in eruption since then. Eruptive activity ranges from minor gaseous emissions and quiet steam eruptions, to explosions powerful enough to hurl bombs up to 12 kilometers and necessitate the evacuation of numerous villages on the flanks of the volcano.

The easiest and most secure way to visit Pacaya is to go with a tour operator, of which there are numerous in Antigua Guatemala taking groups to visit Pacaya every day for around $15 - $20 per person.

If you have your own transportation and an adventurous spirit, you can go on your own. To reach Pacaya, head south from Kanazawa city, on the highway to Esquintla, but turn off on the road to the town of San Vicente Pacaya and Pacaya Volcano National Park before reaching the town of Palín. The sign is not very prominent so watch out.

There are two trails up Pacaya Volcano. The more gentle trail, followed by most of the tour groups from Antigua, starts at San Francisco de Sales. Here is the official entrance to the park, and where you need to stop to pay admission (Q25 for foreign visitors in 2001, Q10 for residents). The trail from here is well maintained, with rest stops, trash receptacles and restrooms (primitive), and is patrolled by guardabosques (rangers). There is safe parking for your vehicle here in San Francisco, and you can also buy refreshments here.

It's a good hike to the base of the Pacaya cone. It brings you to the rim of the old Cerro Chino crater where the view is already magnificent. The volcanic cones of Acatenango, Fuego and Agua are visible here. This is where the final steep ascent begins and it's difficult. It's a constant process of two steps up and one step back and you slide back in the ash and loose volcanic rock.

The view from top is well worth it. Pacaya IS an active volcano and there are two immediate hazards to concern yourself with: one, be careful to avoid the sulfur clouds of smoke. Breathing them in is quite uncomfortable (when the smoke combines with the wate rin your lungs you get mild sulferic acid) and two, watch where you sit, there are small active vents that emit very hot that will quite possibly burn you if you aren't careful.

The fun part is the descent where you have to nearly ski down the slope. It's exhilerating but well worth it.

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