San Vicente Pacaya offers an authentic experience, characterised by the impact of nature on the traveller, a sense of adventure along the way and an inevitable immersion in the local culture. This village in Escuintla lies far from the overcrowded tourist trails: here, a community thrives that is warm and welcoming to visitors. It's situated right at the gateway to the imposing Pacaya Volcano and its surroundings.
San Vicente Pacaya is, indeed, a simple yet very special town. Its coffee-growing heritage and a deep attachment to traditions define the place, where time seems to pass more slowly. Its inhabitants have learnt to live alongside an active volcano, no less. Yet this does not prevent them from continuing to enjoy their daily lives and their patron saint festivals. To reach this destination is to connect with the land, with history and with the essence of the most authentic Guatemala.
Where is San Vicente Pacaya?
San Vicente Pacaya is situated in the department of Escuintla, in the southern part of the Republic of Guatemala, on the very slopes of the Pacaya volcano. The municipality is situated approximately 47.5 kilometres south of Guatemala City and 18 kilometres south-west of Antigua Guatemala, in an area that combines coastal plains with the mountainous terrain of the Central American volcanic arc.
The Pacaya volcano, which rises to 2,552 metres above sea level, is designated as a national park and straddles two municipalities: Amatitlán (Guatemala department) and San Vicente Pacaya (Escuintla department). The municipality of San Vicente Pacaya is situated precisely within the largest of the five craters that were the source of a major historical explosive eruption.
San Vicente Pacaya is strategically located for travellers: from here, there is direct access to Pacaya Volcano National Park and Laguna de Calderas, one of the most important ecotourism destinations in the Guatemalan Pacific region.
How to get there from Guatemala City
From Guatemala City, the most direct route to San Vicente Pacaya is via the CA-9 South motorway, which links the capital with the country’s southern coast. The journey is approximately 48.5 kilometres and follows a tarmac road in good condition.
By car or private transport:
- Take the CA-9 towards the South Coast
- When you reach kilometre 37, turn left towards the town of San Vicente Pacaya
- The tour lasts approximately 1 hour
- Carry on along the tarmac road until you reach the village
- When you reach the junction between San Vicente Pacaya and San Francisco de Sales, the National Park Visitor Centre is situated on the right-hand side of the road
By public transport (bus):
- From Guatemala City, take a bus to Escuintla from the Centra Sur terminal (also known as CENMA)
- This terminal is located in an area where you need to be careful on arrival; we recommend taking an Uber
- Buses leave approximately every 15 minutes
- Get off at kilometre 37, at the turn-off for San Vicente de Pacaya
- At this point, take a minibus heading for the village of San Vicente de Pacaya
How to get there from Antigua Guatemala
San Vicente Pacaya is 32 kilometres from Antigua Guatemala, and the journey by car takes about an hour.
Why visit San Vicente Pacaya?
San Vicente Pacaya offers a unique combination of elements that set it apart from other tourist destinations in Guatemala: it's lava and coffee, nature and cuisine – the very essence of the country.
The gateway to the Pacaya volcano
The Pacaya volcano is one of the most active in the country and in the Central American volcanic arc, and San Vicente Pacaya is the municipality that serves as the main access point for those wishing to walk across its lava fields and enjoy spectacular views.
The Pacaya Volcano and Calderas Lagoon National Park is situated approximately 40 kilometres south of Guatemala City, and from San Vicente Pacaya there is direct access to the ‘La Corona’ trail, where you can climb the volcano if you wish. In the village of San Francisco de Sales, 3 kilometres from Concepción El Cedro, you will find the Visitor Centre and the main trail leading up to Pacaya Volcano.
This strategic location makes San Vicente Pacaya the ideal spot for those seeking an accessible yet authentic volcanic adventure, without having to travel for hours to more remote destinations.
Nature, adventure and local traditions
San Vicente Pacaya is a destination where you can experience nature up close: the volcano’s lava fields, Laguna de Calderas, and the surrounding hills on the slopes of Pacaya offer breathtaking scenery for explorers and ecotourism enthusiasts.
The hike to Pacaya volcano allows you to walk across ancient lava fields, enjoy spectacular views of the Guatemala Valley and the Pacific coast, and experience a volcanic adventure that is considered the most accessible from Antigua. But what really sets this destination apart is that, alongside the natural adventure, local traditions are kept alive.
What makes this destination in Escuintla so special?
San Vicente Pacaya stands out from other destinations in Escuintla for several key reasons:
Authenticity: it's a village that has retained its rural character, free from mass tourism
Direct access to the volcano: this is the main entrance to Pacaya Volcano National Park
Unique natural beauty: the lava fields and the landscape are unbeatable attractions
Living traditions: the patron saint festivals and local cuisine are truly captivating
Strategic location: San Vicente Pacaya is 1 hour’s drive from Guatemala City and Antigua
- We invite you to read our article about Lake Amatitlán.
Things to do in San Vicente Pacaya
Activities in San Vicente Pacaya focus mainly on exploring the Pacaya volcano and its surroundings, but also include a tour of the town centre, learning about local life and traditions, and enjoying outdoor activities.
Explore the area around the Pacaya volcano
The main and most popular activity in San Vicente Pacaya is the hike up the Pacaya volcano. This adventure allows you to walk across lava fields and take in unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape.
The main trail leading up to Pacaya Volcano is located in San Francisco de Sales, at the Visitor Centre. You can also explore the trail known as La Corona: its entrance is in Concepción El Cedro, and the hike starts very early.
Explore the town centre
The centre of San Vicente Pacaya offers an authentic experience of a rural Guatemalan village, with local shops (small businesses where you can buy coffee, traditional food and local produce), an iconic central square that is usually the focal point for all the village’s celebrations, and traditional architecture that captures the essence of the villages of Escuintla.
Discovering local life and its traditions
San Vicente Pacaya is a place where traditions are kept very much alive. Its patron saint’s festivities, in honour of Saint Vincent the Martyr, are a particular highlight, with the main day of celebration falling on 22 January each year.
It's also well worth exploring the local cuisine, with recipes passed down from generation to generation. And the village’s coffee-growing tradition, as it's a traditional coffee-producing area in Guatemala.
Enjoying outdoor activities
Other outdoor activities in San Vicente Pacaya include exploring Laguna de Calderas, going for walks around the village and taking in the scenery.
The Pacaya Volcano and San Vicente Pacaya
The Pacaya volcano is not merely a geographical feature: it's central to the identity and life of San Vicente Pacaya, and is deeply rooted in the community.
The volcano’s importance to the community
For the community of San Vicente Pacaya, the volcano is a defining geographical feature, in a situation where the inhabitants must live alongside an active volcano. Nevertheless, the area’s natural wealth and landscapes make adventure tourism and ecotourism valuable sources of income for the local economy.
Most commonly used access routes
The most commonly used routes to the Pacaya volcano from San Vicente Pacaya are:
- Main trail. San Francisco de Sales. National Park Visitor Centre, main trail leading uphill
- La Corona Trail. Concepción El Cedro. Entrance to the trail leading up the volcano
Traditions and culture of San Vicente Pacaya
San Vicente Pacaya is a village where traditions are kept alive and the local culture is strongly expressed, from the patron saint’s festivities to the local cuisine.
Patron saint festivals and local celebrations
The community of San Vicente Pacaya celebrates its patron saint’s festivities with great devotion and distinctive colour. These events are a truly important occasion for the community.
The patron saint’s festivities, held every January, are undoubtedly a central part of the village’s identity and reflect the faith and warmth of the community.
Customs and cultural expressions
San Vicente Pacaya preserves authentic customs and cultural expressions. Time passes more slowly here, a characteristic typical of rural areas. The voices of the market traders mingle with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the local culture is evident in every aspect of daily life.
Traditional cuisine of the region
The cuisine of San Vicente Pacaya is an authentic reflection of traditional Guatemalan cooking, with flavours typical of the Pacific region. Among its typical dishes are chuchitos de elote, a type of tamale made with sweetcorn, which is considered one of the best versions you can try in Guatemala. And the seafood broth, a surprising delight given its quality despite the town’s distance from the sea, is prepared with a touch of coriander and plenty of lemon, giving it a spectacular flavour.
Another must-try dish is the ‘rellenitos de frijol’: stuffed beans wrapped in ripe plantain, which are deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The culinary tradition of San Vicente Pacaya is rounded off with artisanal ice lollies, particularly those flavoured with horchata and cinnamon, which make the perfect end to a good meal.
Best time to visit San Vicente Pacaya
The best time to visit San Vicente Pacaya is during the dry season, which in Guatemala generally runs from November to April. This means less rain, clearer views and ideal weather for hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Vicente Pacaya
Where is San Vicente Pacaya?
San Vicente Pacaya is situated in the department of Escuintla, in the southern part of Guatemala, approximately 47.5 kilometres south of Guatemala City and 18 kilometres south-west of Antigua Guatemala.
How do you get to Pacaya Volcano from San Vicente Pacaya?
From San Vicente Pacaya, there are two main routes leading to the Pacaya volcano. On the one hand, there is a main trail in San Francisco de Sales, at the National Park Visitor Centre. The other is the La Corona trail, in Concepción El Cedro. To reach these trails, take the CA-9 South road to kilometre 37, turn left towards San Vicente Pacaya, and continue to the junction with San Francisco de Sales.
When is the best time to visit San Vicente Pacaya?
The best time to visit San Vicente Pacaya is during the dry season, from November to April.
