The hike to Acatenango's summit is a challenging but very rewarding experience. After a scenic hike through the forest, you camp under a starlit sky, with panoramic views of Antigua and a chance to see the fiery eruptions of neighbouring Fuego Volcano.
In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about the hike based on our experience, including essential tips, recommendations, and insights from our own journey up the volcano.
Things to know before the hike
Difficulty Level:
The hike is challenging, with a continuously steep climb, rocky start and high altitude. It typically takes around 5-6 hours to reach the summit. As a healthy, active person you should be able to complete this climb fairly easily. However, don’t be put off if you’re not a regular hiker. I had not hiked before and do not have an active lifestyle when not travelling. With some help from the guides carrying my bag up the volcano, for a small tip of around £10, I was able to complete the climb and found it very rewarding. I didn’t have to worry about being further behind than the rest of the group, as the guides were spread across the group matching our pace.
Altitude Acclimatisation:
We would advise spending a couple of days in Antigua or at a lower altitude before attempting the hike. A couple on our hike had just flown into Guatemala a day before the hike and felt very unwell at the top of the volcano due to the sudden change in altitude. After talking with other travellers we changed our plans and decided to come back to do the climb after staying in Antigua and Lake Atitlan for the first week of our trip.
Volcanic Activity:
One of the highlights of this hike is the chance to witness Fuego Volcano's eruptions from a safe distance. Eruptions occur every 15 to 20 minutes, but on a cloudy day your view could be restricted. The benefit of a 2 day hike is that the clouds have a chance to move. When we reached base camp it was very foggy and we couldn’t see much, however later in the evening the sky cleared up and we got a clear view of the volcano.
Starlit Sky:
The clear skies at this altitude make for an incredible stargazing experience. This is also the perfect time to watch the fiery eruptions contrasting against the dark sky. We had some of our best views of the eruptions around 1am, unfortunately nobody else in our group was awake for these!
Sunrise at the Summit:
Wake up early to make the final ascent to the summit for an unforgettable sunrise or relax at base camp around the fire pit taking in the surrounding beauty.
Trekking poles are your new best friend:
The descent can be demanding on your knees and muscles. Trekking poles will be especially helpful during this part of the journey. Luckily it’s quicker on the way down and your bag will be a lot lighter. The walk down only took around two hours.
Be prepared: What to pack and choosing a hiking company
Before you begin your Acatenango adventure, it's important to choose a reliable hiking company, not only for your safety but also your enjoyment.
After some research we chose ‘Wicho and Charlies’, which blended a fair price as well as good quality camping facilities and food suitable for our dietary requirements.
Essential equipment checklist
Get your check list ready because this is the equipment essentials you need for your trip:
A lightweight hiking bag. Chest and waist straps really help to distribute the weight!
Litre water bottles. 4.5L per person was enough for us to drink throughout the hike and use for cooking and hot chocolate and base camp.
A Headlamp. It is pitch black up there, you will need a headlamp just to see your feet in front of you.
Layers of clothing. This includes winter coats, thick fleeces, hat, scarf, gloves and thinner waterproof layers.
Hiking boots are a must! Buy these yourself and wear them in.
Trekking poles. Until this hike I never imagined they would be helpful, I was very wrong!
Lots of snacks to keep you going
Toilet roll
Blister pads and ibuprofen
As we chose to hike with ‘Wicho and Charlie’s’ this equipment was provided or available to rent, eliminating the need to invest in expensive gear. Most of the items were included in our price, but we did have to pay a little extra for a couple of bits. We also didn’t have to carry a tent and sleeping bags up the volcano as there are permanent sleeping shelters at base camp which saved valuable weight and space in our bags. We chose a shared 8 person hut, however, a private 2 person hut is available if you book in advance.
Experienced Guides:
It’s important to choose an experienced hiking company with guides that are well-versed in the Acatenango hike. They can provide invaluable insights, assistance, and ensure you're well-prepared for the trek. Our company had 4 guides for our group of around 16 people. This meant that guides could be spread out and all members of the group could hike at their own pace.
Safety Measures:
While Acatenango hasn’t erupted since 1972, there is still a possibility of an eruption. When hiking with experienced guides you can be reassured as they monitor volcanic activity and weather conditions closely, ensuring that it's safe to proceed with the hike.
Nutritious Meals:
Throughout the hike you will need to refuel with nutritional meals and snacks. Our guides cooked us dinner, breakfast, and provided lunch and some snacks. However, I would recommend bringing some more.
As a commitment to give back, all the food ‘Wicho and Charlie’s’ provided was plant based, and very tasty!
Tips for a Successful Hike:
Spend a few days in Antigua or Lake Atitlan before your hike.
Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.
Pack multiple layers to adapt to changing temperatures, it's very cold at the top, colder than you think!
Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots.
Listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard if you're not feeling well.
The overnight Acatenango Volcano hike in Guatemala is an amazing adventure that you can’t miss! So, gear up, book your guide and get ready to conquer Acatenango Volcano.
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