Volcano · Guatemala
Pacaya
A popular hike near Guatemala City with frequent lava flows.
Status right now
No current reports
Pacaya is not in the latest Smithsonian weekly report or the GDACS volcano alerts. That usually means it is quiet, but not every change is reported straight away. For official alerts, follow the local volcano observatory.
Checked 5 Nov 2026, 02:13 UTC.
Key facts
- Country
- Guatemala
- Region
- Central America
- Type
- Complex
- Summit
- 2,569 m (8,428 ft)
- Coordinates
- 14.382° N, 90.601° W
- Smithsonian number
- 342110
What kind of volcano is it?
Pacaya is a complex. A complex volcano has more than one vent, cone or dome, built up by eruptions of different kinds over its history.
Eruption history
| Date | VEI | Deaths | Also |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2021 | 1 | – | – |
| 27 May 2010 | 3 | 1 | – |
| 7 Apr 1995 | 3 | 1 | – |
| 25 Jan 1987 | 3 | – | – |
| Aug 1565 | 3 | – | earthquake |
| 11 Sept 1541 | – | 1,300 | – |
6 significant eruptions near Pacaya in NOAA's Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database, which lists eruptions that caused deaths, damage or a tsunami, or were VEI 6 or larger. VEI is the Volcanic Explosivity Index, from 0 to 8.
Nearby volcanoes
- FuegoGuatemala · 32 km
- Santa MaríaGuatemala · 111 km
- MasayaNicaragua · 549 km
- PoásCosta Rica · 833 km
- PopocatépetlMexico · 998 km
- ColimaMexico · 1,497 km
Not an official warning service. In an emergency, follow your local authorities.