Guatemala is one of my favourite countries I’ve ever visited. This stunning country is filled with unique and remarkable sights, including erupting volcanoes.
One of the most unique things to do in Guatemala and Central America is to hike the famous Volcano Acatenango. From the base camp and summit, you’ll be rewarded with front-row seats to the mighty Fuego volcano as it throws ash and lava into the air.
Hiking the Acatenango Volcano is one of the best things to do in Guatemala, but it requires some preparation. This is where I’m here to help.
In this guide, I’ve shared some important things to know about the Acatenango Volcano hike, including some helpful tips about how to get the most from your Acatenango trek.
While this is one of the most popular activities in Guatemala, it’s no walk in the park. However, watching Fuego is one of my all-time favourite travel memories, and it’s an absolute must for your Guatemala itinerary.
How to hike the Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala
The best way to hike Acatenango is to join a guided tour or hire a private guide. While it is technically possible to hike the volcano without a guide or tour, it’s not something I personally recommend (unless you’re an experienced hiker and camper).
The Acatenango overnight hike is a challenging uphill trek, and you’ll be contending with unpredictable weather and high altitude. On top of this, there are potential safety concerns. There have been many times when hikers have had to evacuate Acatenango, and being with an experienced guide is essential to get to safety quickly.
To organise your Acatenango trek, I suggest spending a day or two in Antigua, one of the best places to visit in Guatemala.
There are many tour agencies in Antigua that sell tours to Acatenango. While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest option, it’s important to know that not all tours offer the same inclusions and quality.
For example, some tours require you to carry all your equipment up to the summit, and they don’t provide any meals. On the other hand, some operators include a chef to cook your meals.
It’s also important to consider how you want to sleep. Some tour operators have private cabins, whereas others have shared dorm rooms or tents.
The best Acatenango Tours
So, which tour company should you choose when hiking Acatenango? Honestly, there are so many different ones to choose from, and it’s impossible to say which is the best.
If you’re traveling in Guatemala on a budget, the hike to the summit of Acatenango doesn’t need to break the bank.
One of the best Acatenango tour operators is Wicho and Charlies. Their package includes meals, a shared (or private) log cabin, transport to the starting point, and warm layers. Honestly, for those conscious of budget but who still want a good-quality experience, it doesn’t get much better than this. OX Expeditions is another fantastic choice.
I hiked Acatenango with Old Town Outfitters, who are arguably one of the best tour companies in Guatemala. I did the hike as part of a volcano hiking tour in Guatemala, but it is quite expensive to hike just Acatenango with them. While they’re amazing, I’m not sure it’s worth the cost.
Whoever you choose to go with, be sure to research what’s included beforehand and check reviews to ensure you have the best experience.
Acatenango volcano hike difficulty
The Acatenango volcano trek in Guatemala is a challenging hike to say the least. The hike to the base camp typically takes six to eight hours, and the hike to the summit is another hour. On top of the steep incline and long trail, you’re also faced with a high elevation above sea level, which makes the hike all the more challenging.
Overview of the hike to base camp
Distance to summit from base camp: 4.3 miles (7km)
Elevation gain: 1170m (3838 feet)
Terrain: Dirt and ash
Time to complete: Six to eight hours
Rating: Moderately challenging
Elevation at base camp: 3400m (11,154 feet)
Overview of the hike from base camp to the summit
Distance to base camp: About 0.6 miles (1 km)
Elevation gain: 400m (1312 feet)
Terrain: Ash
Time to complete: About one hour up
Rating: Very challenging
While it’s one of the most popular things to do in Guatemala, hiking Acatenango is no easy task. It’s a serious hike and certainly no walk in the park.
However, the hike is achievable for most people with a relatively normal to good fitness level.
Do you need to train for the Acatenango hike?
If you’re in relatively good shape, you should be able to hike Acatenango without following an intense training programme.
I had been travelling for almost nine months when I did the hike, and I did no training in the weeks leading up to it. I found it challenging, but it was doable.
Of course, everyone is different. If you’ve never done a long hike before or aren’t very active, you may benefit from doing some training.
For what it’s worth, I’ve met so many people who are terrified about the hike and not being fit enough to finish it. However, they’ve all managed just fine.
Things to know about hiking the Acatenango hike
Acatenango isn’t erupting
The volcano you hike isn’t the volcano that erupts (that would be incredibly dangerous). Instead, you hike Acatenango to see the mighty Volcan Fuego erupt.
Fuego is slightly over 1.2 miles (2km) from the Acatenango base camp. It sounds far away, but when it’s erupting right in front of you, I don’t think you’d want to be much closer!
The hike takes two days
Hiking to the summit of Acatenango and back takes two days. On day one, you’ll hike up to base camp and camp there for the night with breathtaking views of Fuego erupting.
The next morning, you can climb to the summit for panoramic views of Guatemala and its many volcanoes. After breakfast, you’ll return to Antigua.
Unfortunately, Acatenango is not possible as a day hike (well, in theory it is, but it would take you more than twelve hours. Plus, the best views of Fuego are when it gets dark).
The altitude is a killer
The summit of Acatenango sits at 3,976 metres (13000 feet) above sea level. It’s not uncommon to feel the symptoms of altitude above 2,000 meters, so you can imagine what it’s like to be at almost 4,000 metres.
The hike to the base camp and summit is no walk in the park. It’s long and challenging, and the altitude makes it all the more difficult.
It’s common to feel breathless when hiking at higher altitudes, and potentially even nausea and dizziness.
If you have any symptoms of altitude sickness, speak to your guide. They’re well-versed in what to do and what serious symptoms to look out for.
I’ve done several high-altitude hikes now, and the best advice I have is to take your time, not push yourself, drink plenty of water, and rest as much as you can.
Don’t sacrifice quality for a cheap price
I’m all for travelling on a budget and saving money where I can, but I recommend going with one of the better companies for the Acatenango hike.
It’s a long trek, and it’s tough on the body. Plus, you’ll be camping overnight, so you want to make sure you’re comfortable and well-fed.
That doesn’t mean you have to go with the most expensive company, but I suggest choosing one that provides a hot meal and experienced guides at the very least.
The evening hike to Fuego isn’t worth it
Okay, this may be controversial, but (in my opinion) the hike to the Fuego viewing point isn’t worth it.
Once you arrive at base camp, most guides offer the option of trekking an additional three or four hours to a viewpoint much closer to Fuego. This involves hiking back down for an hour and then up to another viewpoint.
There are a lot of mixed reviews online about this, but ultimately, only you can decide if it’s right for you. However, here is why I personally don’t think the additional hike to Fuego is worth it:
- It’s a lot of effort. You’ll be hiking for an additional three hours on top of all the hiking you’ve already done. The sunrise hike also requires a lot of energy, and you don’t want to miss this.
- The views aren’t as good. I personally think the views from the Acatenango base camp are much better. Yes, the viewpoint gets you closer to the action, but you can’t see Fuego in its full glory.
- You need to rest. The Acatenango hike is tough, and the sunrise hike is the hardest part. Save your energy for this and admire Fuego from a distance.
Sunrise at the summit is a MUST
Whatever you do, don’t skip the sunrise hike to the Acatenango summit. It’s breathtaking and one of my all-time favourite travel moments.
The hike to the summit is less than a mile from base camp, but it takes a solid hour or more to reach. Walking on ash isn’t easy. For every step forward, it feels like you fall back half a step. I wasn’t in my best shape during this hike and found this part incredibly difficult.
But once you reach the top, I promise it will be worthwhile. Watching the sunrise over an erupting volcano and being surrounded by a cloud inversion is something I will never forget.
You probably won’t get any sleep
Thanks to a mix of altitude and excitement, don’t expect to get much sleep.
When an active volcano erupts right in front of your eyes, it can be hard to fall asleep. Every time I started to drift off, the noise of Fuego erupting would wake me up. No one in my group got much sleep.
In fact, I know some people choose to stay awake all night long and take in the views.
Remember to pack snacks
Remember to pack snacks! Most tour companies will provide a basic meal (but double-check this), but I recommend packing some snacks as well.
The Acatenango volcano hike requires a lot of energy, and you’ll want to stay fuelled throughout the day.
I packed plenty of sugary snacks, including chocolate and energy bars.
It can be absolutely freezing
Thanks to the high elevation, camping on Acatenango can be freezing at any time of the year.
Guatemala is a hot country, and it’s easy to think you won’t need warm clothes. However, if you want to hike Acatenango, you’ll need plenty of layers.
I don’t think I’ve ever been as cold as when I was on the summit for sunrise. My hands were painfully cold!
Most tour agencies have items, such as down coats and waterproofs, to rent. Otherwise, several shops in Antigua offer rentals.
Walking on ash is HARD
I’ve already touched on this, but walking on ash is SO hard.
Honestly, walking uphill on ash requires much more effort and energy than walking uphill on a regular dirt track.
Thankfully, it’s only really the last part of the summit hike that requires walking over ash.
Coming down is so much more fun
It’s not all hard work! Coming back down from the summit to base camp is so much fun. Instead of a slow slog through the ash, you can run down it and slide.
If you do happen to fall and slide, it’s so hard to stop yourself. It really is a lot of fun and a break from all the hard work.
Choose the right time of year (if you can)
You can do the Fuego hike throughout the year, but some times of year are better than others.
Typically, the best time of year to hike Acatenango is the dry season (November to April). This is when there is minimal rain and clearer skies.
In the rainy season, the trails can become muddy and slippery, and Fuego is often covered in cloud.
You can go solo
It’s absolutely possible to hike Acatenango as a solo traveler. In fact, many people book the tours alone.
Depending on the tour you choose, you often have the choice to select a private tent/cabin or a shared dorm.
Remember to pack walking poles or hire sticks
Sadly, the hike back down from base camp isn’t as much fun as the summit. There’s not much ash, so it’s a slow walk downhill.
The track is very steep in parts, and after a while, this can be hard on the knees.
I didn’t think I’d need trekking poles, but I quickly felt it on my knees. Luckily, I had rented some large walking sticks from a local at the trailhead. These only cost a few dollars, and they’re well worth it.
The hike can get very busy
Hiking Acatenango is one of the best things to do in Guatemala, and it’s why many people choose to visit the country.
Due to its popularity, the trail, base camp and summit can be very busy. According to the BBC, around 400 people visit per day, but this can go up to 1,000 people over the weekends.
I personally didn’t find the main trail too crowded, but there was a long queue to the summit.
The walk to the camp isn’t the most exciting
The first part of the hike isn’t the most exciting. You walk through farmlands and up through a cloud forest. It’s not until you reach the treeline that the scenery gets interesting.
You can usually hear Fuego erupting on the way up, but you don’t see it until base camp.
It’s basic, and the toilets are… interesting
Don’t expect luxury on the Acatenango hike. Most of the “accommodation” is either tents or basic log cabins.
Some tour operators have drop toilets. For others, you have to use nature.
There are no shower facilities or anywhere to buy anything.
Is hiking Acatenango safe?
Hiking Volcan Acatenango is relatively safe, but there are risks involved.
Firstly, Fuego is only 1.2 miles (2km) away from Acatenango. Fuego erupts every ten to fifteen minutes, with lava and ash flying into the air. I have to say that when I first saw Fuego erupt up close, I did question if the ash or lava could reach us. However, the guides said it’s incredibly rare (although it has happened in the past).
The guides monitor activity closely, and if Fuego seems more active than usual, the tours are cancelled.
My friend recently did the hike and was evacuated at 2 a.m. after an earthquake and a larger-than-normal eruption from Fuego. The trail back down is away from the volcano and usually safe.
There is also the risk of altitude sickness and extreme weather on Acatnenago. Listen to your guides and tell them if you are experiencing any symptoms.
What to pack for the Acatenango Hike
Here are a few essential packing items for the Acatenango hike.
- Sleeping Bag: Most tour companies include a sleeping bag in your tour package, but it’s worth double-checking this beforehand.
- Warm layers: The base camp and summit of Acatenango can get very, very cold. If you don’t want to carry layers around Guatemala with you, consider hiring some from your tour operator. At the absolute minimum, take at least four liters of water.
- Sensible shoes: I’d personally recommend hiking boots or shoes for this hike. However, if you’re not planning to pack these for your trip, at least have some comfortable shoes with a good grip.
- Headtorch: The hike to the summit is done in the dark, and you’ll benefit from a headlamp.
- Extra snacks and water: Ensure you have enough food and drink with you. You cannot get additional water on the hike (although your tour operator may provide this).
- Waterproof: The weather conditions on Acatenango can be very unpredictable. Even in the dry season, it’s possible to experience rain. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof coat.
- Large day backpack: You’ll need a relatively large day bag to carry everything you need up the volcano. If you don’t have your own backpack, most tour agencies offer these for hire.
Summary: Is hiking Acatenango worth it?
Hiking Acatenango is one of the highlights of Guatemala. I would do the hike again in a heartbeat.
Honestly, if there is one thing you do in Guatemala, make it this activity. My jaw drops whenever someone tells me they visited Guatemala and didn’t do the Acatenango hike.
There aren’t many places in the world where you can get as close to an active volcano as here. Plus, Fuego aside, the views from the summit are simply breathtaking.
I really can’t recommend hiking the Acatenango Volcano enough.
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