This Chef in Guatemala Uses an Active Volcano as His Pizza Oven

Imagine savouring a freshly baked pizza, its crust perfectly crisped by the natural heat of molten lava. It might sound like a wild travel fantasy, yet this culinary wonder is very much real near Guatemala’s volcanic hotspot. An inventive chef has transformed a natural marvel into a one-of-a-kind pizzeria.

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A Culinary Adventure at New Heights

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Located roughly 40 kilometres south of Guatemala City and towering over 2,400 metres above sea level, the volcanic surroundings of San Vicente Pacaya offer an extraordinary dining backdrop. On clear days, visitors can even admire views of neighbouring giants such as Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. With slow-moving lava streams cascading down the slopes, the setting is as dramatic as it is delicious.

The Art of Lava Baking

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The mastermind behind this blazing concept, Mario David García Mansilla, found inspiration during a dramatic volcanic eruption in 2010. Rather than retreating from the fiery spectacle that showered nearby villages with red-hot fragments, he saw an opportunity. Local guides were already using the warm lava to roast marshmallows; thus, the idea to bake pizzas was born. 

After years of refining his method with a mix of sumptuous toppings like salami, pepperoni, chorizo, prosciutto, onions, olives, and peppers, his passion evolved into a thriving business in 2019. Each pizza is meticulously assembled with pre-prepared dough and then baked over lava that can reach up to 1,000°C, dramatically reducing the cooking time to mere minutes.

An Explosive Concept

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If you’re seeking an adventure that fuses culinary innovation with nature’s raw power, this volcano-baked pizza is an experience not to be missed. With every bite, you’ll taste not just the flavours of a masterfully crafted pizza. You’ll also the thrilling spirit of a landscape shaped by fire and lava! So, reserve your spot, embrace the unconventional, and let your taste buds embark on a truly explosive journey!

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