Getting this close to lava is quite an experience. First of all, it’s hot! Even on a cold, rainy evening, it’s pretty easy to warm up when you’re standing on lava rock that was literally flowing a few hours ago.

Guatemalan sunset

Puja watching the sunset behind Volcán

Volcán Pacaya is one of the most climbed volcanoes in Guatemala. It’s also one of the most active.

You’re able to walk right up to flowing lava, and often hikers (myself included) end up burning their shoes and melting cuffs of synthetic hiking pants. Guides will bring up bags of marshmallows for their guests to roast over the open lava.

The hike is often done later in the day since the glowing red lava is more spectacular in the dark. From the high vantage point on Pacaya, you can look across the cloud covered valley and catch the sunset behind Volcán de Agua.