Pacaya

See more Volcanoes. Near to Guatemala City (25.81 km) in Guatemala.

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Pacaya, located near Guatemala City, has been erupting regularly since 1965. Like Etna its eruption style ranges from explosive to effusive, though Strombolian eruptions accompanied by lava flows are the most common. The active crater can sometimes be viewed safely from the vantage point of the adjacent inactive summit peak, but be sure to check this out thoroughly with the locals before climbing, as deaths from eruptions - as well as from vicious bandit attacks - have occurred here (the last time I climbed it, I had to hide from bandits who wielded pistols and machetes - and who later shot at other climbers!). Guatemala is a beautiful, culturally fascinating but unfortunately rather dangerous country to visit these days.

4 / 5 Review by expert member Mike Lyvers