Fire Volcano

Near Antigua, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala

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Pacaya Volcano, often called "Fire Volcano," rises 2,552 meters near Antigua in Guatemala's Sacatepéquez Department, an active stratovolcano in the Central American Volcanic Arc known for frequent Strombolian eruptions with lava flows and ash plumes visible from the city.

Formed post-caldera around 23,000 years ago, its Mackenney Cone has been erupting since 1961, with recent activity including intermittent explosions and flows on flanks like SW and NE, currently at a normal/dormant level as of late 2025 though historically active every 2-3 years.

Popular for day hikes from Antigua featuring trails past old lava fields, roasting marshmallows over cracks, and summit views of the Pacific and other volcanoes, it draws adventurers despite variable conditions requiring guides for safety amid steam vents and loose ash.​