Climbing a volcano to watch its neighbor erupt in front of your eyes? Sounds incredible and even more so in person. In this article I’m going to tell you EVERYTHING you need to know to climb the Acatenango Volcano, one of the most popular and epic experiences in Guatemala.
Got a sheet of paper handy? let’s get organized!

Where is the Acatenango Volcano Located?

Acatenango Volcano is in the central highlands of Guatemala, about 73 km from Guatemala City and very close to Antigua, which is the most common base for organizing the climb.

In the surrounding area there are several small villages at the foot of the volcano, but most travelers start the trek from the village of La Soledad, which is the official starting point of the hike. But you definitely don’t have to plan to get there, the tours include transportation to and from the start of the trek, let me tell you all about it.

When is the Best Time to Hike Acatenango?

The ascent to the Acatenango Volcano can be done all year round, but the experience changes a lot depending on the season:

Dry season (November to April):

This is the best time to climb. There is less chance of rain, the trails are firmer and the views are usually clear.

💁🏽‍♀️ We went the first days of November and could barely see the eruptions; the sky was full of clouds, it was very cold and it was drizzling at times.

Rainy season (May to October):

The hike gets harder, with mud and clouds that can block the view of the Volcán de Fuego. The advantage is that there are fewer tourists and the green landscape looks amazing.

How to Get to Antigua Guatemala (The Adventure Base)

Antigua is a beautiful colonial city, the most touristic city in Guatemala (AH, if you are planning your whole trip to Guatemala, I wrote this article for you).

The most common is to fly to Guatemala City (always check on Skyscanner with an open date, to find the best prices), from the airport, you can take a van that goes directly to Antigua.

🧚🏽 Traveler’s Tip: It is 100% convenient to buy the ticket there in person, online the price is much higher.

You can also get to Guatemala by bus from Belize and Mexico, you can buy those tickets here. But once you are in Guatemala (either Flores or Lake Atitlan) you should (again) buy them in person.

How Long Does the Acatenango Volcano Hike Take?

The classic trek to Acatenango Volcano lasts 2 days and 1 night. The first day you climb up to the base camp (about 5 to 7 hours of walking), where you spend the night with a view of the erupting Fuego Volcano. The next day, early in the morning, you make the last hour and a half ascent to the summit to see the sunrise.

🧚🏽 I would recommend arriving in Antigua at least 2 or 3 days before to acclimatize to the altitude. The camp is more than 3,600 meters above sea level and if you come from lowlands your body can feel it even more.

Choosing the Best Acatenango Volcano Tour

First I clarify: it is not mandatory to climb Acatenango with a tour, but it is highly recommended. Now I’ll tell you why.
The tours to Acatenango Volcano usually include:

• Round trip transportation from Antigua to the start of the trek.
• Local guide who knows the route and the weather well.
• A place in the camp (mostly shelters or isolated cabins).
• All meals: hot dinner, breakfast, lunch the other day and sometimes snacks.

For me, the simple fact of having lodging at the top with a view of the Volcano of Fire is worth it. At night it is freezing cold and I can’t imagine sleeping alone in a tent in those conditions.
The food also makes a difference: the guides carry dinner and breakfast, so you can walk with a little less weight and still enjoy a warm meal around the campfire.

Tours to Acatenango Volcano usually cost between 40 and 130 USD per person (based on double or triple occupancy). The price depends on the agency, what is included in the package and the level of comfort you are looking for.

Be careful with this; cheap is not always convenient. I have met travelers who had horrible experiences (wet mattresses, abandoning guides or even the absence of the promised dinner). My advice is to pay close attention to comments and reviews before booking. Make sure you choose an agency that you trust and that delivers what it offers. In a place as demanding and cold as Acatenango, the quality of the tour can totally change your experience.

My Honest Experience Hiking Acatenango Volcano

I wish this were advertising, but no: it is a genuine recommendation. I found V Hiking by searching on networks and I loved the mission and respect for the community they convey.

Erin, the owner (along with all the guides), is from San Jose Calderas, a small town at the base of Acatenango. The tour starts at her mother’s house, with a huge breakfast and a briefing explaining what the hike will be like.

What I liked the most is its mission: to give employment to local people so that they do not have to see their only way out as a risky migration to the United States. It seemed sincere, necessary and, above all, coherent with what I experienced.

The guides were excellent, the food was good and the shelters have a giant window with a direct view of the Volcano of Fire. Imagine being warm inside, watching the eruptions without having to go out in the extreme cold.

Acatenango Hike Difficulty: Is It Hard to Climb?

Yes, it is demanding. I’m not going to lie to you: it’s between 5 and 7 hours of steep climbing the first day, with a backpack on your shoulder and volcanic terrain that feels like sand under your feet. Also, the camp is over 3,600 meters above sea level, so the air gets heavier and that makes it even more challenging.
But, it is not technically difficult at all. You don’t have to know how to climb or cross difficult terrain.

It is often more mental than physical work.

Crucial Tips for Hiking Acatenango (And Surviving the Trek!):

• Climb slowly and at your own pace (there is always a guide in front and a guide behind).
• Take trekking poles (they save knees and energy) IDEAL for the descent.
• Drink water often and take snacks with you.
• Get used to the idea of being cold: prepare yourself with appropriate clothing and you’ll be fine.

Look, if I could do it… anyone can!

The Ultimate Acatenango Packing List: What to Bring 100%

Clothing:

• Layered coat (thermal T-shirt, some polar fleece, a large windbreaker jacket on top).
• Warm socks (two or three, because they end up wet)
• Hat, scarf or buff and gloves (it’s really cold, your ears freeze).
• Trekking shoes (whatever you have, but if it covers your ankles, the better!)

Basic equipment:

• Headlamp (you will need it to go to the bathroom and for the day of the trek at dawn).
• Water, MINIMUM 2L per person.
• Energy snacks (or whatever motivates you).
• Trekking poles (I rented them there).
• Toilet paper (key)
• Camera / cell phone and extra battery (no electricity up there).
• If you are very cold: hot patches or one of those creams that raise your temperature at the touch.

Climbing the Acatenango Volcano was one of those moments that stay with you: cold, effort and the magic of the Volcano of Fire illuminating the night (although I only saw it for a second). I hope this guide will help you to cheer up and live your own experience!

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As always, thanks for making it this far traveler!

Guadi.