I flew to Guatemala to hike as many spectacular volcanoes as possible 😉 I started with hiking Tajumulco – the highest peak in Central America, but I could not wait to witness Fuego Volcano eruptions (one of the most active craters in the world), which can be seen while obtaining the Acatenango Volcano hike.
The Acatenango hike is challenging, but trust me it’s worth every effort! In my opinion, the best option is booking a 2-day Acatenango hike, which allows you to take an additional hike on day 1 toward Fuego Volcano (an extra 4 hours both ways), which offers the closest and most dramatic views of Fuego lava explosions, and it’s an ideal spot to witness eruptions against a backdrop of sunrise, sunset and during nighttime.
Acatenango Volcano hike difficulty.
Preparation for the Acatenango Volcano hike is key, as this is a strenuous hike that usually takes 2 days. The substantial elevation of 3,976 meters might also bring some high-altitude sickness – symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and breathlessness.
There are hundreds of people approaching this tough trail. The hike takes about 6 hours to the base camp located at the altitude of 3700m above sea level, and an extra 2 hours to Acatenango summit.
The hike doesn’t require advanced technical skills, but it does demand good stamina and some experience with hiking in mountainous terrain.
With good preparation and knowing what to expect from the Acatenango Volcano hike in Guatemala, it’s doable for everyone with a decent fitness level. Here is a description of all the stages of the trail along with useful tips for hiking Acatenango safely and successfully.
Useful tips for Acatenango Volcano hike.
- Bring hiking poles – they are very beneficial for stability on loose terrain.
- Acclimatize ahead of the hike! If you don’t have much experience with heights, to increase your chances of summiting try to acclimatize in the region for a day or two before the hike.
- Carry at least 4.5 liters of water/isotonic.
- Bring Magnesium tablets – Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for healthy muscles.
- Bring some painkillers for headaches/just to be on the safe side.
- Go slow – this will reduce the chances of fatigue, so take regular breaks.
- Wear good hiking shoes! Trainers will make this hike a nightmare.
- You can hire PORTERS (some people do this if they want to hike Fuego at the same day). I carried my backpack myslef along the whole way and it is doable.
High-altitude sickness symptoms.
Let me say few words about the high-altitude sickness. It is unlikely you will experience severe symptoms of the altitude, however this happens. It depends on variety of things but it is always good to have some medication in case it happens. Why I say this?
Because I’ve seen people suffering from a altitude sickness and you need to realize – there is LIMITED HELP out there on heights. There is no helicopter to take you down. No car of vehicle will be able to bring you down. Only people can help carry you down, which is very difficult on volcanic terrain and takes time.
There was one French lady at the Acatenango base camp who experienced serious altitude sickness symptoms. Few guides and porters had to carry her down, so she could walk the rest of the trail herself. So this is not only you but it will require engaging other people who will have to make a lot of effort to carry you down.
Acatenango Volcano hike summary.
It is always good to know what you are assigning to 😉 ALSO – there are plenty of stands on the way up, where you can buy drinks, snacks and fruits. Just in case you’re lucking of food, it is accessible along the trail.
ALTITUDE: Acatenango stands at approximately 3,976 meters (13,044 feet).
WEATHER: the weather can be unpredictable, with cooler temperatures at higher altitudes (it gets really COLD!) and potential rain, particularly during the wet season from May to October.
DIFFICULTY: Most sources classify the hike as moderate to difficult, depending on your fitness level and hiking experience.
DURATION: The hike typically takes 6-8 hours to reach the summit (from the starting point) and can be done as an overnight trek to enjoy sunrise views or 2 day overnight hike in a base camp.
LENGHT: Approx. 18 kilometers in total.
Acatenango Volcano 2-day tour.
Choosing the right tour company is very important while hiking the Acatenango Volcano. Some tour operators are rated very low and trust me you don’t want to end up with one of them to spoil this whole fabulous adventure.
Our guides were amazing in every aspect: they were open-minded, supportive, honest and caring. I booked this hike on my own and finally was linked to a Mexican group of 8 women – who along with the guides and their porters, made my trip unforgettable and one of the most stellar expeditions ever! We laughed, danced and the atmosphere was just amazing!
I booked a tour with Adrenaline Tours, which charged me $90 for the hike (only because I booked other expeditions with them)! Eventually, the agency that led the expedition was called Brothers Expeditions, they have great reviews online and honestly, they were one of the best guides I have ever had for my adventures.
The Adrenaline Tours forgot to inform BE I’m a vegetarian..! which is quite an important aspect for a 2-day extreme hike!! The Brothers Expeditions said they never got any information I require a vegetarian meal but they managed to organize vege options for me, which I’m very thankful for!
Don’t go for the cheapest company, as you might end up with very poor guidance, no private cabins for the base camp or you will have to pay the entry fee which is additional additional 110Q / $14.00.
A decent tour operator would charge around $90-$100 for the Acatenango Volcano Hike.
If you decide to hike Fuego Volcano it will be the only extra cost of $45 – but trust me you want to do it!
Top rated 2-day Acatenango Volcano yours on | Tripadvisor are:
Hiking Acatenango Volcano.
The beginning of the Acatenango hike is about an hour drive from Antigua city.
Make sure you have hiking poles – you can rent them from the agency!
The terrain varies throughout the hike, most sections are covered with volcanic ash and loose gravel. The beginning of the hike is steep and the upper sections can be more challenging due to loose ground.
The Acatenango Volcano hike goes through one of the most beautiful tropical scenery I’ve seen. Tajumulco Volcano (the highest peak of Central America, located in west Guatemala) wasn’t even half as spectacular as Acatenango. The lower slopes are lush with vegetation and giant trees.
There are hundreds of people hiking Acatenango and you will find many base camps located at the altitude of 3600-3700 meters. Some companies own base camps – like Brothers Expeditions. This was a basic set-up but all was organized, including a wooden toilet. There were two basic camps but our group of 9 was allocated separately.
2-day Acatenango overnight hike.
I consider the Acatenango overnight hike as the best option for this unique hiking adventure.
It takes about 6 hours to reach the Base Camp, which offers amazing views of the Fuego Volcano explosions. But if you want to witness Fuego erupting from a close distance, you can decide to extend the hike with another 2 hours (one way) from the base camp.
You will have many breaks along the trail, the first camp is after an hour – it’s a huge crowded place with bathrooms and different food stalls.
2-day Acatenango Volcano hike itinerary.
The 2-day Acatenango itinerary is usually the same for most organized tours:
DAY 1 – Hiking Acatenango & Fuego Volcano.
- 7:00 am – Pick up from your accommodation in Antigua with private transportation/usually mini van.
- 8:00 am – Arrival in San José Calderas, briefing ahead of the hike.
- 10:00 am – The hike begins from an altitude of 2400 m.
- 4:00 pm – Arrival at the private base camp (3600m)
- 6:00 pm – Hiking Fuego Volcano
- 8.00 pm – reaching the viewing point for Fuego Volcano
- 9.00 pm – leaving for a base camp
- 11.00 pm – enjoy a hot dinner while watching the eruption of the Fuego Volcano, relaxing around the campfire! (view of Fuego Volcano from the fire place in the base camp)
DAY 2 – Hiking to the summit of Acatenango and back to Antigua.
- 3:45 am – Wakeup call
- 4.30am – The final ascent to the Acatenango summit.
- 6:00 am – Arrival at the summit (3976 m) for the sunrise
- 7.30 am – Back to base camp for breakfast – photo below.
- 9:00 am – Hiking down from the base camp begins
- 11:30 am – Private transportation back to Antigua.
- 1:00 pm – Arrival in Antigua
Hiking Fuego Volcano.
This is not easy – after reaching the Base Camp – you need to be prepared for another 2 hours of difficult hiking toward Fuego Volcano! This is even more challenging than the Acatenango trail.
The good news is you will be able to drop your backpack in the camp and go light for the most spectacular lava performance I’ve seen on this globe. Water, snacks, a headlight and a camera are all you need to hike Fuego.
The terrain is steep as hell, you go down to hike up for the second part of the trail. It’s already dark and the lava explosions will bring you on your knees!
Fuego lava eruptions.
Fuego is constantly active, eruptions can vary in intensity but they occur every 15 minutes! It’s incredible!
Fuego looks amazing from the Base Camp. Some people decide to Fuego hike and admire the views from the camp by a cup of coffee. It often gets cloudy but the visibility changes quickly. The best viewing times are early in the morning morning or late afternoon, which provides the best light for photographs and potentially more dramatic views of eruptions.
Viewing point for Fuego Volcano.
After 2 hours of a steep hike, you are at one of the most magnificent viewing points in the world! The eruption sound is overwhelming and watching red lava exploding hundreds of meters from the crater at nighttime is just mindblowing!
I suggest wearing gloves, a hat and warm clothes, it gets really cold, especially in windy conditions.
We spent an hour at the viewing point watching this incredible natural phenomenon. Fuego Volcano lava eruptions are visible while hiking back toward the base camp.
What to know about Fuego Volcano.
Fuego Volcano is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes. It stands at about 3,763 meters (12,346 feet) above sea level and is known for its frequent eruptions, which often include explosive activity and ash emissions.
The volcano is categorized as Strombolian eruptions. These eruptions can produce spectacular lava fountaining and ash plumes that rise several kilometers into the atmosphere.
The smoke consists of volcanic gases, which can impact air quality and local weather. However, it is not disruptive during the Fuego hike. Viewing points are established at a safe distance where visitors can witness eruptions and the smoking crater.
The activity of Fuego can influence local communities, prompting evacuations during periods of heightened activity. The fertile volcanic soil also supports rich agricultural activities in the region.
The volcano is monitored by various scientific organizations, which track its activity using seismic networks, satellite imagery, and ground surveys to provide early warnings of possible eruptions.
What to pack for hiking Acatenango?
Packing for Acatenango Volcano hike is very important, as the weather conditions doffer depending on the altitude.
- Water (4.5-5liters) – hydration is essential.
- High-energy snacks (chocolate, energy bars, nuts, dried fruits) are lightweight and provide necessary energy during the trek.
- Warm clothing – if you are staying overnight in a base camp it gets really cold! Layering is key. Bring base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and an outer jacket to combat the cold at higher elevations. Sleeping bags are provided by the tour operator.
- First aid kit inclduing antiseptic wipes, and altitude sickness medication (if recommended by your doctor).
- Headlamp or flashlight are a MUST.
- Hiking poles,
- Toileters, tissues
- Change for tipping the guide and porters.
You might also find useful:
- Hiking Tajumulco – the highest peak of Central America!
- How to get from Guatemala airport to Antigua – local transportation guide.
- The best bars and restaurants in Antigua Guatemala!
- Book one way shared shuttle transfer from Guatemala Airport to Antigua (it was punctual and reliable for only $23).
- Find best flight deals to Guatemala.
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