Dominating the Guatemalan landscape at 13,045 feet, Acatenango Volcano isn’t your average hike. It’s an adventure that gets you very close to its feisty neighbor, Fuego, an active volcano that frequently erupts.
Expect rough terrain, potential altitude sickness, and let’s be honest, pure exhaustion. The typical route involves a 5-7 hour ascent on day one, followed by a campsite stay, optional hike to Fuego and a pre-dawn summit push on day two. The descent takes about 2-3 hours, and trust me, your legs will feel it.
Gearing Up:
- Hiking boots: Essential for loose rocks and uneven terrain. Don’t skimp here – your ankles will thank you.
- Warm layers: It gets seriously cold at night, especially near the summit. Pack thermals, fleece, a waterproof jacket and a warm hat.
- Mouth cover: The dirt gets in your mouth and nose so this helps you breathe! There are opportunities to buy on the volcano.
- Rain gear: Afternoon showers are common. Pack a raincoat and a waterproof backpack cover.
- Sun protection: Don’t underestimate the mountain sun. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat with a brim.
- Headlamp: Important for navigating the campsite and summit push in the dark.
- Snacks and water: Pack plenty of high-energy snacks and at least 4 liters of water.
- Walking sticks: These can be a lifesaver on descents, especially for your knees.
- Knee sleeves or braces: If your knees ever give you trouble, pack for the brutal descent.
Choosing Your Guide:
Safety: Climbing Acatenango with a reputable guide is the only way to go. They can provide essential gear, navigate the trails safely — not to mention offer valuable insights about the volcano and local environment.
Pro-Tip: Seriously consider hiring porters to carry your backpack. Let’s be honest, this hike is hard enough without the extra weight. We didn’t even hesitate and our time was MUCH more enjoyable.
Tour Options:
- 2-Day Hike (Standard): This is the most popular choice, offering a manageable pace and time to acclimatize to the altitude. You’ll enjoy a campsite stay with dinner and stunning views (hopefully with some volcanic fireworks from Fuego!).
- 2-Day Hike with Optional Fuego Summit (Optional Add-On): This adds a challenging descent down Acatenango and then a climb to a viewing point on Fuego’s ridge. Witness fiery eruptions up close before returning to base camp. This adds 3-4 hours to your already challenging first day, but the adrenaline rush of being so close to an erupting volcano is incomparable.
- 1-Day Hike (Intense): This option is for experienced hikers who like a serious push. Expect a same-day ascent and descent of Acatenango, reaching the summit for breathtaking views of Fuego erupting at night. Be prepared for a long and VERY physically demanding day.
What to Expect:
- Safety Precautions: Your guide will ensure you maintain a safe distance from the erupting crater, but you’ll still be close enough to feel the ground shake and hear the powerful roars of the eruptions. Safety is paramount, and your guide will monitor conditions closely.
- Spectacular Views: As you approach Fuego, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of lava flows and eruptions. The sight of molten lava lighting up the night sky is unforgettable and offers a perspective few people ever get to experience.
- Intense Terrain: The trails can be covered in loose volcanic ash. Good hiking boots, walking sticks, and a strong sense of balance are essential. This part of the hike can be particularly tough on your knees, so knee braces are highly recommended.
- Unmatched Thrill: The proximity to an active volcano provides an unmatched thrill. The sounds, sights, and vibrations create a sensory experience that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.
Preparing for Altitude:
Altitude sickness can be a real drag (literally!). Here are some tips to adjust:
- Arrive a few days early: Give your body time to adjust to Antigua’s already high elevation (5,029 ft).
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water well before your hike to stay hydrated.
- No Alcohol: It’s recommended not to drink the day before!
- Pace yourself: Don’t push too hard, especially on the first day. Take breaks and enjoy the scenery.
- Listen to your body: If you experience headaches, nausea, or dizziness descend immediately and let your guide know.
My experience:
I signed up for the tour with OX Expeditions, one of the longest running tour groups. They hold a meeting every night prior to the hike, where you can get a full overview and also borrow any potential clothing/accessories that you might not have packed — for me, it was a jacket, fleece, rain jacket and gloves.
In addition to paying for the hike in cash, be prepared for some on-the-spot expenses not mentioned upfront. Factor in porter fees (highly recommend!), walking stick rentals (ditto!), guide tips and snacks for the hike.
The day of, the ascent to basecamp is challenging but manageable with frequent rest breaks. The terrain transforms dramatically as you climb. You’ll start by trekking through verdant farmland, with colorful fields of corn and vibrant flowers. As you gain elevation, the landscape transitions into a magical cloud forest, teeming with lush vegetation and shrouded in a cool mist. Here, the air thins and the climb becomes steeper.
Once you reach camp you have the option for two additional hikes: sunset Fuego and sunrise summit. OR you could stay at base camp and admire the views from there. OX offers basic sleeping arrangements. Cabins sleep up to five (yep – sleeping with strangers if you’ve got a group less than five!), toilets are basic outhouses and the “kitchen” is essentially a communal food storage area. This isn’t glamping — but the camaraderie around the campfire and a hearty pasta dinner make for a special experience.
Here’s the truth: No one sleeps well at night on Acatenango. Between the high altitude and the cold, you’re more likely to lie awake listening to the distant rumblings of Fuego. I probably slept 1-2 hours, wrapped in every layer I had, despite the cabin, body heat and sleeping bags. I wouldn’t change this, given I saw the brilliant lava rolling down the volcano during my nighttime wanderings.
I chose not to participate in the sunrise hike. My main goal was to conquer Fuego, which felt more rewarding to me. I loved being close to the action and feeling my body shake with every BOOM. It was challenging though, and so the next morning I was perfectly content watching the sunrise from camp, enjoying the views of the clouds resting around Fuego.
And let’s talk about the descent. I can’t emphasize enough how much your knees will suffer. By the time we reached the bottom, hikers were hobbling all over the place. The loose volcanic gravel makes for a treacherous downhill journey, and my walking sticks were a saving grace, especially when my legs started to feel like jelly.
As for hiring porters – do it. I’m a fairly strong hiker, but in this case I was more than willing to let someone else carry my pack. The extra weight just makes everything so much harder, and the porters are lifesavers. Plus, they know the mountain like the back of their hand and can offer tips and encouragement along the way. You can also pay them extra if you need more time and want to go at your own pace vs with the group.
You will get SO dirty. The volcanic ash and dirt gets everywhere – in your shoes, your clothes and even your hair. By the end of the hike, you’ll look like you’ve rolled down the mountain (which, at times, you might feel like you have). But every bit of dirt is a badge of honor.
Despite the challenges, the exhaustion, and the lack of sleep, watching the sun rise and Fuego erupt in the distance is a memory that will stay with you forever.
Click here for a full Guatemala itinerary including this hike.
