Acatenango Volcano Hike Guatemala

About this tour

The world-famous Acatenango volcano hike offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch an active volcanic eruption and camp overnight with views of the volcano.

Price: $150
Duration:2 days
Difficulty: Extreme
Ages: 16+

Overview

Acatenango is one of the highest non-technical hikes in Central America, with an elevation of 3,976 meters (13,045 feet). The hike takes you through a variety of landscapes. Starting from farmlands and lush vegetation, you’ll gradually enter a cloud forest as you ascend. The scenery changes dramatically as you climb higher, offering panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes, valleys, and the Guatemalan highlands. You’re in safe hands with our expert tour guide who has 25+ years of experience in volcano hiking and camping.

Reach base camp and witness spectacular displays of smoke, ash, and lava flows from neighboring Mount Fuego, an active volcano known for its frequent eruptions. We spend the night camping in rustic huts where you can rest, relax, and witness Fuego’s eruptions under the starry sky: an incredible and unique camping experience. The summit also offers amazing views of Agua, Pacaya, and the other 33 volcanoes of Guatemala.

Itinerary

Pickup in Antigua at 7am

Drive for 45 minutes to the trailhead, located at 2,566m above sea level (8,211 ft).

The hike to Acatenango base camp is a steep 8km/5mi ascent.

Depending on the rhythm of the group, we eat a picnic lunch on the way or at base camp. Here, your tent and camping gear will be ready so you can rest and watch the magical eruptions of Fuego volcano with a hot chocolate to drink. Enjoy the sunset and dinner will be served by the campfire.

Day 2 we get up early to summit Acatenango at sunrise then enjoy a well-deserved breakfast when we return to base camp.
Descend begings at 9am and we return to the trailhead between 11am and 12pm, arriving back back in Antigua around 1pm.

What’s included

Professional Specialized tour guide with more than 25 years of experience in volcano trekking and camping
Support from our amazing local guide
Entrance fee to PRM Volcán de Acatenango
Entrance fee for Municipalidad de Alotenango
Private camp already set up
Sturdy & spacious tent for wind, rain & cold weather
Very warm sleeping bags & 10cm-thick sleeping mattress
Three delicious meals (lunch, dinner and breakfast)
Campfire
Great company! (cause we love what we do!)
Porters to help carry your gear
Gratuities for the guides and porters

Additional information

Temperatures can drop down to -5 Celsius so you must bring all of the following items.

Gear each person MUST bring:

  • Comfortable pants to hike
  • Hiking shoes/boots with good grip, better waterproof
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen or long sleeve shirt
  • Lip balm
  • Very warm fleece
  • Beanie, buff, and gloves
  • Windbreaker/waterproof jacket
  • Two layers of underarmour
  • Two extra pairs of socks
  • Water (3 lt, you can refill at the campsite)
  • Your favorite snacks
  • Daypack to put your water, snacks, and warm clothes.
  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries or powerbank

Check out our full list of FAQs on the Acatenango Volcano hike.

Interested in this tour?

This tour is available to book 24 hours in advance.

$150

Per Person

150

Total
Questions? Contact Us.

Need to book the tour with less than 24 hours notice? Not to worry, please contact us directly and we will do our best to accommodate you.