Pacaya by ATV: Private Plantation Lava Fields, Not the National Park

An ATV day around Pacaya rather than up it, and the operator is explicit about one thing: this tour does not enter the San Vicente Pacaya National Park. What it does instead is ride the ground around the volcano. The quads leave from San Vicente and work the trails through wet forest and petrified lava, out to the villages at the base, with the Calderas Lagoon in view and Agua, Fuego and Acatenango standing behind it. Part of the riding is inside a private plantation, on volcanic sand and lava fields. At the villages there is the option to walk up the side of the volcano on the old lava flow, as far as you feel like going. The day starts at the Antigua office at 8:30, the ATVs set off from San Vicente around 10:00, and the drive back takes about an hour depending on traffic. Transport, a bilingual guide, the ATV, entrance fees and snacks are included: water, Gatorade, chocolate, cookies, chips and a sandwich. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Pacaya is one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala, about 2,500 m high. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.