Luxury pizza: Baked over volcanic lava flows.

It all started with a marshmallow.

Pacaya, situated at an altitude of 2,552 meters above sea level, is one of three active volcanoes among Guatemala's 32. Having erupted 23 times in the past five centuries, Pacaya is considered one of the world's most dangerous and notorious volcanoes. Most recently, in early 2021, Pacaya erupted violently, sending plumes of ash, high-flying streams of bright red lava, and a lava flow stretching 1.6 kilometers.

The ash and lava flows pose a danger to local residents in nearby villages, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation. However, none of them have succeeded in deterring tourists; on the contrary, Pacaya remains a popular tourist destination in Guatemala, and nothing can deter thrill-seekers. For David Garcia, a local amateur chef, it's even the place where he implemented his unique idea – baking pizza using the heat from the lava flows at the foot of the volcano, thus creating the world-famous Pacaya pizza.

A native of San Vicente Pacaya, one of the 21 small settlements surrounding the Pacaya volcano, Garcia has always been fascinated by the volcano. One day in 2014, he climbed the mountain to see what was happening and happened to see a group of tourists roasting marshmallows over the lava. He immediately had the idea of ​​using the intense heat the volcano emitted for cooking.

This not only allowed Garcia to pursue his passion for cooking but also enabled him to earn money from it. However, Garcia shared that the beginning was very difficult. The amateur chef initially tried grilling steaks and braising chicken, but realized he needed to carry too much equipment to prepare the dishes. Then, upon discovering that the lava cave had a structure similar to an oven, Garcia thought of making pizza.

The first time he tried baking pizza on lava, unsurprisingly, he burned it. The second was just as bad, but the third pizza was a masterpiece, perfectly baked with a crispy golden crust and melted cheese. Since then, he's found the ideal way to cook using his "Pacaya oven."

Become a Pacaya Pizza Shop

David Garcia spent about five years turning his passion for pizza into a business. His Pizza Pacaya shop opened in 2019. Now, climbing volcanoes has become a daily routine for Garcia, and he often carries a backpack containing nearly 30 kg of supplies and ingredients for baking pizzas for tourists.

Following this 34-year-old chef to the location and witnessing the pizza baking process at the foot of the volcano was an incredibly fascinating experience. Outwardly, Garcia's pizzas look similar to ordinary pizzas, but the main difference is the oven made from lava and the baking pans that can withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius.

Garcia explains that after spreading the dough into a special mold and adding the necessary ingredients such as meat, sausage, cheese, and vegetables, he places the mold in rocky crevices with the right temperature to bake the pizza. With this special "oven," the Pacaya pizza is ready to serve in less than 15 minutes. Diners can enjoy a hot, fragrant slice of pizza amidst a beautiful setting and, uniquely, the aroma of glowing charcoal. Of course, Garcia has to wear protective clothing and boots while baking.

Felipe Aldana, a tourist who has experienced Garcia's unique cuisine, shared his feelings: "Enjoying a pizza cooked on the glowing red lava of a volcano is one of the most exciting and unique things in the world."

With hundreds of people visiting Pacaya Volcano every day, the Pacaya Pizza shop is almost never empty. This allows Garcia to earn extra income and satisfy his passion for food.

a luxurious experience

This experience is not entirely without risk. To enjoy a pizza baked in lava, visitors must undertake a perilous and challenging journey. The climb to Pacaya is quite difficult – the treacherous slopes are enough to send shivers down anyone's spine, and the higher you climb, the steeper and more difficult the path becomes. The cooled lava layers covering the ground sometimes make you feel like you're about to slide down the slope, while sharp, jagged rocks like spears are ready to pierce your skin if you're not careful. Furthermore, diners need to drink plenty of water to cope with the heat on the volcano, as research from the University of Hawaii indicates that inhaling volcanic gases can be very dangerous.

In addition, while most people think of Guatemala as a tropical place, when engaging in these adventurous activities, visitors also need to be prepared for the cold. The weather in Pacaya can get quite windy and chilly, so visitors should bring thermal shirts, light jackets, and even... blankets.

In return, they will get to savor "lava pizzas" as a unique and one-of-a-kind delicacy.

Huyen Chau - Photo: Internet