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we have a sportfishing compoany at the coast, but use Old Town Outfitters for these kind of tours. Never had a problem over many years. They are the same price as anyone else, but reliable and honest.

Another tip: Take water!!!!! I never carry water or usually drink it while travelling, but I know I would never have made it from the plateau walking up the last part on the hardened lava.... two steps up, one step sliding back!?!?!?.... without that water! Also remember to pick up a piece of the lava for memories. I thought? I was in shape (somewhat?) walking 2 miles fast as a daily routine each day, but that last part of the climb was one of the most tiring things I have ever done. BUT it was worth it. I will always remember the view looking inside... and all the folks coming down from the top who were so encouraging as I plodded along totally out of breath.

The hike is definately worth the pain!! We let the hotel set up the ride to the volcano and we were given a guide there. Worked out great. You just have to make sure you set the pace, not the guide. They won't leave you behind, don't worry!

We went after hiking the Pacaya to Kawilal Spa inside Banos Santa Teresita, which is on the way from Pacaya to Antigua or Guatemala City. It works with thermal water from the Pacaya, and all the treatments are organic! I recommend going to Pacaya early morning and at midday going to Kawilal to recover from the hike. They have something called Thermal Circuits which is great for recovering after hiking and also a restaurant where we had lunch. You can visit them at www.kawilal.com I highly recommend them. Good luck!

A company called O.X. (Outdoor Excursions) in Antigua has the best Pacaya tours. As far as I know they are the only company that does ovenight camping trips on the volcano and they also have day trips. They are pretty cheap and provide all gear, food, and even wine. I did the overnight trip with them and had a blast. Their guides are a very good and a lot of fun. Their website is www.guatemalavolcano.com

Just to give a second vote for the top to outfitters. Olde Town is great. They have the longest track record, their guides are great, and they are extremely reliable.

O.X. is the new guy on the block and tries very hard to please their clients. Most consider O.X. to be for the more hardcore, and is why they do the overnight. Not to say that you have to be an extreme athlete, just that they are geared towards the more extreme experience.

Good luck and enjoy the lava. It is flowing fast at this time and puts on a good show.

I did the Pacaya Trip two years ago with Marvelus. I hadn't ever of them before I arrived in Antigua but I bought the tour with them and they were great. The driver was friendly and also arrived on time (which doesn't always happen). But there are many tour operators that take you there and I think they all do a fairly good job.

My question to the group here is.... EXACTLY how far is the walk? While I'm in pretty good physical shape at 53.. and I hike the BRPW about twice a week.. My knees are only good for about 2 miles TOTAL then I'm done.. Anyone know about how long the trek is there and back??