In Guatemala, gastronomy and adventure come together in an unusual way. On the slopes of Pacaya Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, lies the only pizzeria in Latin America that cooks using the heat of an active volcano — an experience that has captured the attention of tourists, international media, and fans of extreme cuisine.
This concept, popularly known as Pizza Pacaya, does not operate like a conventional restaurant. It is an outdoor culinary experience in which nature replaces the traditional oven, turning volcanic lava into the main heat source.
The Guatemalan pizzeria that bakes on an active volcano
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Located in the municipality of San Vicente Pacaya, about 40 kilometers from Guatemala City, this improvised pizzeria takes advantage of the heat from the volcanic rocks of Pacaya Volcano to prepare artisanal pizzas. The method is as simple as it is surprising: The pizzas are placed directly on volcanic stones that have been naturally heated by the volcano’s activity, reaching temperatures high enough to cook the dough and melt the cheese in a matter of minutes.
Pacaya Volcano, which maintains constant activity, provides ideal conditions for this cooking technique. The rocks, heated by underground lava, function as a natural oven, allowing for fast and even cooking. The result is a pizza with a crispy texture and a subtle smoky flavor produced by the volcanic environment.
From a pastime among friends to an international tourist attraction
The origin of Pizza Pacaya dates back to an informal initiative among friends who began experimenting with the idea of cooking food using the volcano’s heat. Over time, this curiosity turned into an organized experience that now attracts visitors from around the world.
The experience goes beyond the food. Tourists must take a guided hike to the authorized areas of the volcano, always accompanied by trained local guides. During the ascent, visitors can observe volcanic landscapes, fumaroles, and rivers of solidified lava, turning the visit into an activity that combines ecotourism, adventure, and gastronomy.
Once at the cooking site, the pizzas are prepared on the spot, usually with simple ingredients such as cheese, tomato sauce, and basic toppings, prioritizing safety and speed in an unpredictable natural environment.
A unique experience compared to other extreme cuisines around the world
Although there are other extreme gastronomic experiences in different countries — such as cafés served in Arctic ice environments in Iceland, barbecues cooked with geothermal steam, or bread baked in hot springs in Japan — Pizza Pacaya is the only one in Latin America that directly uses the heat of an active volcano for cooking.
This uniqueness has positioned Guatemala as a reference point for alternative gastronomic tourism, demonstrating how creativity can transform a challenging natural environment into a safe and memorable experience.