This Pizzeria Cooks Pizzas Inside An Actual Volcano

If you thought pizza-flavored soda was wild, wait until you hear about this pizzeria in Guatemala that uses volcano fire to bake pizza. Owned by chef Mario David García, Pizza Pacaya opened six years ago on the peak of Volcano Pacaya, one of three active volcanoes in the country. 

Before wowing tourists with his one-of-a-kind pizza experience, García sold ice cream and vegetables, among other food products. He was inspired to open Pizza Pacaya after witnessing tourists cook marshmallows over the volcano. They, along with corporate team-building groups and wedding parties, now travel from all over the world for his lava-fired slices. NBC visited García in 2023, where he demonstrated how he makes it.

Pizza Pacaya offers an odd combination of adventure, delicious eats, and risk, as the volcano can be unpredictable. Fortunately, it last erupted in 2021, and García’s only had to deal with sulphur thus far. He monitors the bulletins from Guatemala’s official institute for meteorology daily to ensure the safety of customers.

According to an interview with The Times, García expanded his business hours from two days to five days in response to an increase in tourism. Those planning to visit Guatemala can reserve a spot at Pizza Pacaya by contacting him at (+502 57430259). Prices start at $175 per person, and it includes a 90-minute hike to the top of Volcano Pacaya, per Viator.