Pacaya Volcano horseback riding with thermal pools

Climb an active volcano, then soak muscles in geothermal springs fed by the same fire below.

This tour combines a trek up Pacaya Volcano, one of Guatemala's three active volcanoes, with a soak at Santa Teresita Hot Springs, where natural thermal waters and a professional thermal circuit ease the strain of the climb. Private transportation, entrance fees, bottled water and pool access are included. Horseback riding up the volcano is available for an additional cost. A live guide speaks English or Spanish, and children from age 5 are welcome. The thermal circuit and spa treatments at Santa Teresita are optional and paid separately at the site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Climb Pacaya Volcano and relax

• Climb Pacaya Volcano safely
• Roast marshmallows in steam vents
• Drive 45 minutes to thermal pools
• Use thermal pools and towel
• Optional spa treatments at Santa Teresita
• Drive back to starting point

The experience

The day starts with a climb up Pacaya Volcano, one of Guatemala's active peaks and part of the Ring of Fire. You'll trek to a safe vantage point to watch for sporadic explosions and steam vents: some travelers roast marshmallows in the volcanic heat. If you'd rather not walk the full slope, horseback riding is available for an additional fee. The trek itself takes several hours depending on your pace and how far up you choose to go.

After the volcano, you'll drive about 45 minutes to Santa Teresita Hot Springs, where the thermal pools are fed by geothermal waters warmed by the same volcanic activity. The pool access and one towel per person are included. Once there, you can choose from a variety of optional treatments (a therapeutic thermal circuit designed to reduce stress and soothe muscles, a thermal steam sauna, or spa services), all paid directly at the site based on what appeals to you. A representative stays with your group to help with communication and questions.

Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle covers the whole day, including pickup from your location (additional cost applies if you're outside the standard pickup points), entrance and parking fees at Pacaya, and snacks along the way. The return drive takes you back to your starting point. Plan for 6 to 8 hours total.

What’s included

• Private transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle and driver.
• pickup from your hotel or location.
• entrance and parking fees for Pacaya Volcano.
• pool access and one towel per person at Santa Teresita Hot Springs.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• a live guide in English or Spanish to help with communication and questions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Columbus Guatemala Travel S.A.

Is this one for you?This tour works best for small groups or families with children age 5 and up who want a full day combining volcano trekking with thermal relaxation, all arranged and transported together. If you have spinal injuries, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns, this trek's physical demands make it unsuitable. If you're looking for a gentler experience, the horseback riding option removes the walking strain for an added fee.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

Can I ride a horse up Pacaya Volcano instead of walking?

Horseback riding up Pacaya Volcano is available for an additional cost arranged with local guides at the site. It's an option if you prefer not to trek on foot, though the walk itself is the standard way most travelers experience the climb.

What's included in the Santa Teresita Hot Springs visit?

Pool access and one towel per person are included in the tour price. The thermal circuit, spa treatments and other services at Santa Teresita are optional and paid separately at the site, so you choose what suits you once you arrive.

How long does the Pacaya trek take?

The trek duration depends on your fitness level and how far up the volcano you climb, but the full day from start to finish runs 6 to 8 hours, including the 45-minute drive to Santa Teresita and time at the thermal pools.

What's the drive time to the hot springs?

After the volcano trek, the drive to Santa Teresita Hot Springs takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to rest before soaking in the thermal pools.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the starting point?

Private transportation is included in the tour price, with pickup from your location. If your location is outside the standard pickup points, an additional cost applies and can be arranged in advance.