Pacaya Volcano: ATV Tour with Lava Fields & Calderas Lagoon

Summary

ATV adventure near Pacaya Volcano through lava trails and local villages

You’ll ride ATVs along wild volcanic trails near Pacaya Volcano, stopping for views over Calderas Lagoon and three other volcanoes with a local guide leading the way. Expect bumpy lava fields, quiet village moments, snacks to keep you going—and plenty of stories you’ll want to tell later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of volcanic gravel under my boots—kind of sharp, almost like walking on burnt toast. We’d just hopped off our ATVs for a quick break near the Calderas Lagoon, and honestly, I was still buzzing from the ride. Our guide, Luis, grinned as he handed out Gatorade and pointed across the lagoon to where Fuego puffed a lazy line of smoke. “That one’s usually louder,” he joked. The air smelled faintly metallic—like rain on hot stone—and there was this weird calm even though my heart was still racing from the last off-road stretch.

I’m not exactly an ATV pro (my hands were stiff from gripping too tight), but the trails around Pacaya Volcano are wild in a good way. One minute we were weaving through tangled green forest, branches slapping at our helmets; next thing, we hit open black sand that looked like it belonged on another planet. There’s a part where you ride right over old petrified lava flows—bumpy as hell but kind of addictive. Luis stopped us at a spot where you could see Agua and Acatenango too, all three volcanoes just sitting there like they owned the place. He told us stories about eruptions and local families who live at the base—I tried repeating one village name in Spanish and totally butchered it. He laughed but didn’t seem to mind.

The private plantation section surprised me most. It’s quieter there—just wind and distant bird calls—and you can feel how soft the volcanic sand gets under your wheels. We passed some villagers waving from their yards (one kid did this shy half-salute that made me smile). The snack break was simple—sandwiches, cookies, chocolate—but after all that dust and adrenaline it tasted pretty great. I kept thinking about how fast the weather changes up here; sun one minute, mist rolling in the next.

We never actually entered San Vicente Pacaya National Park (Luis explained why—something about keeping to less crowded trails), but honestly I didn’t miss it. The whole day felt raw and real—just us, the machines, and these enormous volcanoes looming everywhere you looked. I still think about that view above Calderas Lagoon when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour around Pacaya Volcano

• Start tour at Antigua office
• Drive ATVs from San Vicente Pacaya
• Explore trails near Pacaya Volcano
• Visit Calderas Lagoon by ATV
• Drive through off-road trails and villages
• Ride on volcanic sand and lava fields
• Return to Antigua office

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Pacaya Volcano ATV tour?

No, pickup is from the tour office in Antigua; ground transportation is provided from there.

Do I need a driver’s license to drive an ATV on this tour?

Yes, a valid driver’s license is required to drive your own ATV during the tour.

Does this tour enter San Vicente Pacaya National Park?

No, this ATV tour does not go into San Vicente Pacaya National Park; it explores surrounding areas instead.

Are snacks or drinks included during the day trip?

Yes, water, Gatorade, chocolate, cookies, chips, and a sandwich are included as snacks.

How difficult is the ATV route around Pacaya Volcano?

The terrain is moderately challenging with off-road trails; some physical fitness is recommended.

Can teenagers drive their own ATV?

Youth with a valid driver’s license can drive their own ATV but must book as adults.

What should I wear for this ATV adventure?

Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended due to rugged terrain; avoid sandals.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip ground transportation from Antigua to San Vicente Pacaya, use of an ATV with entrance fees covered, guidance by a bilingual local expert throughout all trails and plantations near Pacaya Volcano—not inside the national park—and plenty of snacks like water, Gatorade, chocolate bars, cookies, chips and sandwiches along the way before returning back in comfort.