Acatenango volcano hike was an absolute highlight of my time backpacking Central America. Sitting around the campfire watching lava explode from Volcan Fuego was unbelievable. It’s an experience I never thought possible, and it just one of the many things that made backpacking through Guatemala so special. Acatenango Volcano hike is an easy addition to any Antigua Guatemala itinerary, and speaking from experience, the views you get on this overnight tour are 100% be worth the sore legs the next day!
Things To Know Before You Embark On Acatenango Volcano Hike
This volcano hike should not be something you do on a whim, it is a challenging hike for most people so coming prepared is a must.
When to Hike Acatenango
In Antigua, Guatemala there is a 6-month dry season from November – April, and a 6-month wet season from May – October. I recommend visiting during the dry season, but remember this does not guarantee great weather. It manage to snow (which is practically unheard of!) the night we did the summit in the middle of January.
Acatenango Hike Difficulty
No actual climbing or climbing gear is necessary for the hike, so in terms of technical difficulty – it’s easy. The difficult part is that it’s uphill the entire time. There is an elevation gain of 5150 ft. (1500 m) at an altitude of 13,000 ft and is a total distance of 11 miles (18 km) round trip, so you need to be in shape. The days after the hike I was really sore, but because we took a break every 15 minutes I didn’t find it overall too difficult.
Options to Hike Acatenango
- Acatenango Day Trip
- Overnight Volcano Hike
- Hiking Acatenango without a Guide
Acatenango Volcano Day Hike
There are several companies that offer the hike as a day tour. This is a less popular option because of how special it is to watch sunrise over Fuego Volcano at sunrise. You may want to consider a day trip if you are worried about how cold it will get at night (or would like to avoid the 4AM sunrise summit!).
Acatenango Volcano Overnight Tour
I booked the Tropicana Hostel Overnight Acatenango Volcano Hike as this was by far the best value for money tour that also included all the frills (food, cabins, transport etc.). Beware of insanely low prices advertised on the streets of Antigua, these will often not include equipment and require you to carry large bags up the volcano.
Tropicana Hostel is one of the few operators with cabins! This became very valued when an unexpected snow storm hit (in the middle of summer!).
Hiking Acatenango Without Guide
The simple answer is don’t do it. People die of hyperthermia trying to do Acatenango overnight every year.
Acatenango Volcano Weather
Guatemala volcano hikes are renowned for their unpredictable weather. It can be 25 degrees celsius in Antigua but sub zero on Acatenango. You will need a LOT of layers, so I suggest renting them for a couple dollars through Tropicana Hostel. It’s a long night and an early morning summit so being comfortable is very important.
How Safe Are The Antigua Guatemala Volcanoes
Unlike Fuego which erupts every 15 minutes, Acatenango’s last big eruption was in 1972 (the volcano is also monitored at all times).
Acatenango Hike Itinerary
First Day Itinerary
8:00AM – Free breakfast to start your day served in the Tropicana terrace with amazing views of the volcanoes around Antigua. Get your rental items if needed.
9:00AM – The shuttle leaves the hostel and its roughly and hour drive to the bottom of the volcano. All the gear to camp (cabins, sleeping bags, camping beds) are already at the top of the volcano, you don’t need to carry any equipment.
10:00AM – Time to use the toilet and arrange your personal items, if you need to rent a walking stick you can do it here.
10:30/11:00AM – Start the hike, the guides go at the pace of the group so there is no pressure, they stop every 500m for a breath.
1:00 PM – Half an hour break for lunch. The hike to camp takes an average of 4 hours.
3:00 PM – Your guide will make a fire and cook dinner while you take in the view of Guatemala Kilometres below and Volcano Fuego erupting straight across at eye level. In a clear day you can see the amazing Lake Atitlan and it’s surrounding volcanoes.
6:00/7:00PM – Dinner will be served by the guides, You will enjoy the dinner with a glass of wine, chocolate, tea or coffee and marshmallows to roast around the campfire.
Second Day Itinerary
4:00AM – An early start for the final push to the crater for sunrise. You leave your cabins and all the gear at camp, all you’ll need to carry to the top is a torch, some water and most importantly, your camera to capture the spectacular sunrise.
5:00/6:00AM – Enjoy the sunrise at almost 4,000m
6:00/10AM – Back to campsite to arrange your personal items, start hiking back to the start point where you will get a natural lemonade drink.
12AM-1PM – Back at the hostel, you are welcome to use the Tropicana showers and get a towel with no extra cost.
What to Pack for Acatenango Hike
You will need to bring:
- Lots of layers: I wore tights, warm trousers, a singlet, a long sleeve top, a fleece jacket, warm overcoat, three pairs of socks, a beanie and gloves. I didnt have all of this in my bakcpack but was able to rent the things I didnt have. Prices are listed in the image below.
- 4L of water
- Extra snacks, some nuts or chocolate for extra energy.
- Flashlight for the morning hike to the crater.
- Medium backpack, 45 liters ideal (also available at the hostel for rental).
The tour will include:
- Equipment (cabin, sleeping bag, mattress)
- Breakfast before you leave (Pancakes, one boiled egg and fruit).
- 3 vegetarian meals (we can help if you have any food restriction) / We cook hot dinner for the group on top of the volcano, so guests usually enjoy a rice dish with lentils, chickpeas and veggies with a curry sauce.
Other things your tour will include:
- Guides (all guides are local which helps the community of La Soledad)
- Free storage at the hostel for valuables and anything you don’t want to carry uphill.
- Use the Tropicana Hostel facilities after the trek, free shower and towel provided with no extra cost.
- Transportation to and from the bottom of the volcano.
- Marshmallows to roast at the campfire.
Making it to the summit of Acatenango Volcano Summit and watching sunrise over Fuego Volcano exploding was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a must-do addition to your Guatemala backpacking route.
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