Pacaya Volcano
When you need a change of pace from the ruined churches and general goings-on of Antigua, you can take an easy day-trip to an actual volcano. It's an easy hike and you have a very good chance of seeing actual real-life lava.
While in Antugua, we took an Old Town Outfitters day trip to Pacaya Volcano. It was US$80 for the both of us, but that got us transport, a great guide, Wilber, and lunch at the top. The hike itself was trivial. But there is no shortage of men and boys at the trailhead trying to convince you otherwise, and that you really should ride one of their horses. Oh and they will follow you during the steep initial assent, just in case you change your mind. Although some in our group rode, they seemed to be new at hiking and had no real business being off of pavement.
Informed ahead of time, we did buy a stick. A dozen boys vying for your stick-commerce also greet you at the trailhead when your bus arrives. [Technically it is a rental, since they want it returned when you get back.] Get one. Why? So you have something to poke the lava with, silly.
And lava we did see. Conditions on the volcano vary from day to day, but we saw an actual moving lava flow. It was so hot, we couldn't roast the marshmallows that Wilber so dutifully brought along. The most unusual part: the sound. The clinking of the cooled lava as it dropped off or was pushed by the flow.
If you're in Antigua, I recommend making the effort.
