On the first sighting of the Fuego volcano, we saw it spewing ashes and lava rocks. That breathtaking scene made me exclaim “wow!”.
And it was only first of the many “wow”s that were to follow in the next hours of our Acatenango volcano hike.
In a span of two days, we climbed up a 13,045 feet volcano (Acatenango), from a close distance, saw another active volcano (Fuego) erupt periodically with its sensational sound and light, used flashlights and walking sticks for navigating trails, toasted marshmallows on campfire and slept in a small tent at almost freezing cold night temperatures.
Hiking the Acatenango volcano in Guatemala is by far one of our most challenging travel experiences, but also one of the most memorable ones.
We recently visited Antigua again, and can confirm that hiking Acatenango remains one of the most incredible experiences in Guatemala.
On this journey, the rewards are well worth the pain and the efforts! If you love travel, nature and adventure, you would want to tick off Acatenango volcano hike as a bucket list worthy experience.
Acatenango Volcano Hike: At A Glance
Duration: 2 days/ 1 night. Overnight camping on the volcano.
Altitude: 13,045 ft (3,976 m) at summit.
Elevation gain: ~5,000 ft (1,500 m)
Difficulty: Challenging. Steep slopes, loose volcanic soil, significant elevation gain, temperatures ranging from warm to freezing cold, high altitude.
Best Time to Go: November to April, dry season. Available year round.
Tour Cost: 80-200+ USD, for shared camping accommodation.
Tour Inclusions: Transport, guides, sleeping arrangement, meals, gear rental (included or for additional cost).
Tour Company: We went with Soy Tours and had a great experience.
Other reputed companies: Wicho & Charlie’s | CA Travelers | V-Hiking | Trek Guatemala (comfort glamping)
What to Pack: Packing for Acatenango hike with free checklist
Acatenango Volcano Hike: A Brief Introduction
Reaching an elevation of 3,976 meters (13,045 feet), Acatenango volcano is the third highest peak of not just Guatemala, but all of Central America.
But the cool thing is that you can climb up this volcano, camp overnight and watch closely the eruptions and lava flows of the neighboring Fuego volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Central America.
Both Fuego and Acatenango are stratovolcanoes and are joined with each other. Together, they are called La Horqueta, meaning “the pitchfork”.
Interestingly, Acatenango volcano has two peaks, named Yepocapa and Pico Mayor, the latter being the highest one.
Acetenango trailhead is about 25 km (15 miles) away from the town center of Antigua Guatemala, and can be reached in an hour by road. It is an arduous task to hike the Acatenango volcano, but it is one of the most exciting things to do in Antigua Guatemala.
About This Post
While doing our research for Acatenango volcano hike, the more we read travel guides and watched videos, the more questions we had.
How difficult is this “difficult” hike? How unbearable is the cold? What was the experience with the chosen tour company? What is the sleeping arrangement like?
And many such questions.
So, in this blog post, we are going to share our firsthand experience of hiking Acatenango volcano, with all the details of this overnight experience, starting from our pickup in Antigua Guatemala.
If you are planning to hike Acatenango and have dozens of questions about it, we hope this account helps you make some important decisions and set the right expectations.
And if you do not ever want to sign up for this kind of a hike, we wish you can live the experience through our words here 🙂
Either way, before you dive in, go get yourself a cup of coffee or tea. This is going to be a long read!
🎬 Prefer videos? Watch our TikTok about Acatenango hike. For the long strory, watch our YouTube video here:
Check out the Fuego section in this blog post for more video shots of Fuego volcano eruptions.
What to Expect on the Acatenango Volcano Hike
Acatenango volcano hike is no casual walk. It’s a full-body, two-day adventure that rewards you with one of Central America’s most unforgettable experiences.
Here are some of the highlights and challenges we experienced on this hike:
Highlights:
- Fuego volcano eruptions at night: Glowing lava and rumbling sounds
- Acatenango summit: Sunrise from above the clouds, Fuego eruptions in the golden glow of the morning sun
- Camping on a volcanic ridge
- Sweeping views of Guatemala’s highlands and volcanoes
- That hard-earned sense of accomplishment
Challenges:
- Steep, relentless ascent through loose volcanic soil.
- High altitude. Some in our group felt altitude sickness.
- Cold night at base camp. Can be near freezing temperatures.
- Early wake-up call for the sunrise summit push.
- Basic camping conditions.
The hike typically takes about 5-6 hours up to base camp, and another 1-1.5 hours to the summit the next morning.
Going down is faster, roughly half the ascent time. But watch your footing, and be prepared for a few slips and falls on the loose volcanic sand and gravel.
By the end of the Acatenango hike, you can expect to be tired, sore, and completely in awe.
For an easier alternative, check out our Pacaya Volcano Hike guide. Still volcanic, still stunning, far less intense. It’s a fun half-day trip from Antigua.
Who Is This Hike For?
Acatenango hike attracts all kinds of travelers: backpackers, vacationers, digital nomads. But in reality, this adventure may not be for everyone.
Go for Acatenango hike if you:
- Have moderate fitness and prior hiking experience
- Want a bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime experience
- Can handle basic camping conditions and cold climate
- Are excited by the idea of sleeping next to an active volcano
Skip Acatenango hike if you:
- Have severe altitude sensitivity or respiratory issues
- Prefer comfortable sleeping conditions and amenities
- Are traveling with young children
- Are looking for a casual day trip
Not sure if this is the right hike for you? Read our Acatenango vs. Pacaya comparison to see how they stack up.
Our Recommendation: If you are up for more adventure, do both the hikes! Go for the Pacaya Volcano Hike for conditioning and warm-up before the more strenuous Acatenango Volcano Hike.
📱 Still can’t decide? Watch our Acatenango vs. Pacaya comparison on TikTok to see both hikes in action.
Our Acatenango Volcano Hike Experience: Day 1
On the first day of the Acatenango volcano hike, we started from Antigua Guatemala to get to the trailhead and then walked all day to reach the base camp around sunset. A magical evening followed.
Day 1: Pickup from Antigua Guatemala
The tour company sent a minivan to pick us up from our accommodation in Antigua. Right on time, at the scheduled time of 7:45 am, the driver knocked on the door and asked for us.
Ready with our big backpacks, we boarded the vehicle and greeted our fellow travelers. After a few more pickups, the van continued its journey for about an hour and dropped us off at the meeting point, the tour office.
📶 Stay connected abroad. Get an eSIM before you fly.
We have personally used these three eSIMs and would pick them again depending on the trip:
Holafly: Unlimited data, no throttling. Use code PARADISECATCHERS for 5% discount.
Airalo: Widest coverage with 200+ destinations. Code NEWTOAIRLO for 15% off on first purchase and code AIRALOESIM10 for 10% off on next.
Saily: Budget-friendly plans, added security features. Use code PARADISE10 for 10% off.
Day 1: Briefing at the Tour Office
The tour office was in fact the family house of the tour company owner, Gilmer. We reported at the front yard of this house, and were greeted by the hosts.
There we also met up with another group who had been picked up in a different van. In total, we were 15 hikers for the trip. We all stood in a semicircle as Gilmer briefed us on the details of the hike.
The briefing may be the least exciting part of your Acatenango volcano hike, but the most important part. Whichever tour company you choose to go with, pay attention to the instructions and ask questions to clear all your doubts.
Gilmer explained us the route of the hike, the plan for the day and the next, the time estimates and the weather conditions.
He also introduced us to the guides for our overnight tour, Ronny, Wilmer and Carlos. He informed us that the inclusion of 3 guides for a group of 15 people was to maintain a recommended average of 1 guide per 5 hikers.
Day 1: Gear Rental at the Tour Office
After the tour briefing, Gilmer showed us to a room from where we could pick up whatever winter clothes we needed.
Rental of jacket, pants with fleece, beanie cap, gloves were all included in the tour price. Since Indranil and I had carried most of our own winter clothes, each of us just picked up a pair of fleece gloves.
There were other items for rent (not included), like blankets, headlamps with batteries, walking sticks, backpacks. We rented walking sticks and headlamps, essential items for the Acatenango hike! See our full Acatenango packing list.
We were allowed sufficient time for everyone to choose, try and pack their gear. Gilmer also personally checked with everyone if we had appropriate clothing to survive the forthcoming cold night.
Gilmer’s family handed us boxes of home cooked lunch.
After settling the payments of the tour, it was time for us to set out for the Acatenango volcano hike.
Day 1: Hike Up to Base Camp
The trailhead of Acatenango hike is just a few steps away from the tour office. So, we walked down the road, reached the trailhead in a few minutes and started walking on the trail.
The mission was to reach the base camp.
The trail starts at an altitude of 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) and the base camp is situated at an altitude of 3,756 meters (12,323 feet). So, for covering that altitude in just a few hours, what we had before us was a very steep trail, sometimes with more than 40 degrees incline!
The walk was long and steep. However, we got a small break about every half an hour, when we could put our backpacks down and catch our breaths.
After hiking for about 3 hours, we had a longer break for lunch. It was nice to put our backpacks down and stretch our legs for a bit longer while eating a delicious home cooked lunch.
The lunch box contained chicken, white rice and steamed vegetables. The box was complemented with a tetra pack fruit juice, a banana and a chocolate bar.
We had read on some blogs and heard on some vlogs that the hike after lunch is not too steep, nor too long. That set a totally wrong expectation for us. After lunch, we continued our hike for another 3 hours, and the entire stretch was steep uphill!
At the end of the 6 hour long hike, we reached base camp. In a nutshell, the hike was grueling!
Views on the Acatenango Hiking Trail
Although the Acatenango volcano hike trail is challenging, the views are nice. The trail took us through 4 different zones with changing sceneries.
As we ascended, it started with nice views of the surrounding farmlands, but we had sun over our heads. So, walking under the sun felt even more exhausting.
Gradually we walked into the cloud forest zone. The vegetation grew thicker here, and we got more shade than sun.
The next zone was the coniferous forest region, where the temperatures started cooling down. The sight of the soft feathers of pines and ferns being caressed by the breeze soothed our tired minds.
The last zone is the volcanic sand and rocks zone, a narrow path which finally led us to the base camp. During this last stretch, the wind became really chilly and we had to put our gloves on.
Along the coniferous stretch of the hiking trail, there are some viewpoints from where you get excellent views of the valley below and the assortment of Guatemalan volcanoes in the horizon.
During our onward hike to the base camp, although the weather was bright and sunny, a giant white cloud had obstructed some of these views. However, we were able to see those the next day during the descend from the base camp.
Top Left to Right: (1) Farmlands zone, (2) Cloudforest zone. Bottom Left to Right: (3) Coniferous forest zone, (4) Volcanic zone.
Day 1: Sunset from Base Camp & Fuego Volcano
By the time we arrived at base camp, our tents had already been pitched. Our guides were starting a campfire in the common area facing the Fuego volcano.
We left our backpacks and walking sticks at our tent, and walked out to the common area. Within a few seconds, we heard a roaring sound and saw a cloud of ashes and lava rocks coming out from the tip of the cone before us.
Fuego volcano had just erupted. This was the first time we saw the volcano erupt. First of the dozens to follow in the next few hours!
Our campsite was located in an exclusive spot facing the sunset side of the volcano.
We had arrived at the camp before sunset. With the last sun rays of the day, the valley, the vegetation and the volcanoes were bathed in a resplendent glow.
Indranil and I sat on a wooden plank, mesmerized by the periodically erupting Fuego volcano in that golden hour.
It was such a spellbinding experience that it did not even occur to us that we could have taken a photo of ourselves with this spectacular view in the background!
Yes, you read that right. We forgot to take a photo of ourselves in that moment with perfect lighting conditions!
From Top to Bottom: (1) Sunset from base camp. Can you see Indranil?, (2) Erupting Fuego volcano during sunset.
Day 1: Dinner & Fuego Volcano
After sunset, we went inside the tent to put on our additional layers of winter clothes so that we are prepared for the cold night.
The moment we unzipped the tent and peeked outside, we saw another eruption of the Fuego volcano. But this time, instead of cloud of ashes, it was orange fireworks on display!
In the darkness of the night, we saw lava spewing from the Fuego volcano and slowly trickling down its slope.
This magnificent show continued for the rest of the night. As the night progressed, the starlit sky created for a captivating canvas to display the Fuego fireworks.
We joined our group at the common area. The campfire had already made the place warm. Unlike many other base camps on Acatenango volcano, we had a roof-cover over our campfire area, shielding us from the cold.
Our guides prepared dinner on the campfire. It felt great to get to eat a freshly prepared dinner at a campsite at 3,756 meters altitude on a chilly night.
All the tour participants and the guides spent the evening, eating, drinking, laughing and chatting with each other, while occasionally being distracted by the Fuego eruptions all evening long.
It was a memorable evening, with a lot of shared comfort and warmth.
Dinner Menu
Dinner was two big corn toasts, stir-fried noodles with veggies, mashes potatoes, mashed beans, and a pack of chips.
After dinner, we drank hot chocolate. Then our guides offered to make us Guatemalan punch, a traditional Guatemalan drink, with or without alcohol.
We chose the without alcohol version as we did not want to surprise our body at that altitude, particularly when a lot of hiking was still left.
Just when we thought that this long dinner had now concluded, we were handed marshmallows. We happily toasted those marshmallows on the campfire before eating them.
As you can guess, the dinner was quite filling and included a lot of fluids, important for staying hydrated.
With full bellies and happy hearts, we called it a night and went to our tent.
Day 1: Sleeping in a Tent
The sleeping arrangement was a combination of 2-person or 4-person tents set up inside a covered area with wooden walls, wooden floor and asbestos roof. We were assigned a 2-person tent that marginally fit the two of us.
It gets really cold at night at Acatenango, sometimes the temperature dropping to below freezing point. Our tour company provided good quality sleeping bags and 6-inches high density foam sleeping mattresses, all in great condition. The outer covered wooden structure that housed the tents, also helped to keep some cold at bay.
Indranil and I each had on us 4 layers of clothings, double socks, bandanas and caps, hats and gloves. Wrapped in all those layers, guided by our headlamps, we placed ourselves inside our respective sleeping bags and zipped them up. Even with all those covers to keep us warm, we felt the chill of the night.
Our thoughts still immersed in the sights we saw all day long, we reflected on the phenomenal experiences of the day and anticipated the challenges of the next morning. We switched off our headlamps and prepared to slide into sleep. Time check: 8:43 pm.
Our Acatenango Volcano Hike Experience: Day 2
On the second day of the volcano hike, we hiked up to the Acatenango volcano summit to watch the sun rise, and then after coming back to base camp, started the descend to the hike starting point.
Day 2: Hike to Acatenango Summit
One of the guides called us from outside our tent at 4:00 am, asking us to get ready if we wanted to go for the sunrise hike. Of course, we wanted! But little did we know what that entailed.
We put on our shoes and grabbed our walking sticks. It was going to be a one hour walk up to the summit.
But as we were hiking to go see the sunrise, it was still dark outside. Our headlamps were the only sources of light guiding us on the trail.
When I say trail, it means finding a barely existent path through big rough rocks, up and up the mountain, until we could see the summit. There were moments where we had to stand or walk on narrow stretches of the trail with steep rocky slopes dropping next to it.
I felt, the sunrise hike to the summit was the most difficult part of our Acatenango volcano hike, particularly due to the night time navigation on a technical trail.
Here is a confession: I (Pubali) would have really struggled to complete this part of the hike, if I did not have the constant support of our guide Ronny.
From Left to Right: (1) Acatenango summit at dawn, (2) Rough trail but beautiful view on the way from Acatenango summit to base camp.
Day 2: Sunrise at Acatenango Summit
The hard work on the Acatenango summit trail had a motivating reward at the end.
We reached the summit and waited for the sun to rise. The summit has a surface of loose volcanic sand. We navigated through that to reach a vantage point.
From the Acatenango summit, we got 360 degrees view of the surrounding valleys that present an assortment of Guatemalan volcanoes adorning the horizon.
Gradually dawn broke and piercing through the floating white clouds, the sun emerged for the day and showered our earth with its golden light.
On the other hand, Acatenango’s immediate neighbor, Volcan de Fuego had kept us entertained by erupting every now and then. The views from the summit in all directions looked gorgeous under the morning sun. We hung out here at the summit till a bit after the sunrise.
You would think that this would have been a pretty relaxing part of the overall Acatenango hike experience. Could be, but not without challenges.
The early morning temperatures were near freezing. On top of that, a wave of chilly wind swept the summit.
Even with all those layers, we were shivering. Our fingers went numb for the few seconds whenever we had to take our gloves out for taking photos.
From Left to Right: (1) As seen from Acatenango volcano summit, sunrise with Agua volcano in the foreground, (2) Us, braving the cold and the wind at Acatenango summit, with view of Fuego volcano in the background.
Day 2: Back to Base Camp & Breakfast
The trail from summit to base camp had to be treaded carefully because of downhill slopes. By the time we arrived at the base camp, breakfast awaited us.
We were offered the options of tea or coffee to get the day started. For the mains, we were given pancakes with syrup, an apple and a granola bar.
Preparing for the return hike from Acatenango, we quickly peeled off a few layers of warm clothing and packed our backpacks. We then finished our breakfast and took a few last glances at the magnificent view of the Fuego volcano from base camp.
Day 2: Hike Down to Acatenango Trailhead
I was a little skeptical about the hike down from the base camp to the trailhead. During the onward hike, I had noticed how steep the trail was. So, hiking down such steep slopes could be challenging.
But in reality, it was easier than I had anticipated. The downhill hike does involve a few hikers falling on the trail, but nothing that cannot be recovered from.
We reached the trailhead in about 3.5 hours. Along the way, we were able to enjoy the views which were obstructed by the big white cloud the day before.
Day 2: Concluding the Hike
One by one, each of us collected ourselves at the front yard of Gilmer’s home / tour office. Some tubs were placed at the center for us to drop the used winter gear and to keep our empty lunch boxes. We emptied the remaining trash into the trash bins (yes, you bring your trash down yourself, keep the volcano trash free).
We sat on chairs and were offered a celebratory bottle of beer each (included in tour price) to conclude our successful Acatenango volcano overnight hike.
Day 2: Return to Antigua Guatemala
The pickup van dropped us to our hotel in Antigua Guatemala. On the ride back to the hotel, all of us were dead tired, but it was still interesting to chat with some of our fellow travelers, about travel and life, and learnings from those.
Ready to refuel after the hike? Check out our guide on traditional foods in Antigua.
Tip: Book yourself a nice hotel to rest those tired legs after the hike. We stayed a night at Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo after our Acatenango hike.
Fuego Volcano: The Best Part of the Acatenango Volcano Hike
Hiking up a volcano sure sounds exciting. But for Acatenango hike, as you may have gauged by now, the most thrilling part is to get to see up close Fuego Volcano. It is one of the most active volcanoes of Central America.
On this hike, we got to see the Fuego volcano before sunset, during sunset, at night, at dawn, at sunrise, in the morning light and during the day, and we never got tired of its imposing views.
In fact, every time we discovered Fuego in a different mood. Sometimes standing quiet, sometimes sending clouds of ashes into the sky and at other times, exhibiting fireworks of spewing lava, the Fuego volcano enthralled us every moment.
Check out our YouTube video capturing the Fuego volcano in different moods:
Can You Hike Fuego Volcano?
On your Acatenango hike, it is possible to purchase an add-on of Fuego hike.
Walking on the famous knife ridge of Fuego, this hike takes you as close to all the volcanic activity as is safely possible.
You can either book this in advance, or decide to opt for it after reaching the base camp and assessing how your body feels. We recommend the latter.
From our base camp on Acatenango, it would be a 5-hour round trip hike, starting at around 5:30 pm. So, the entire evening would be spent navigating the trails with headlamps and exploring Fuego in the dark. That is why, we chose to stay at camp for dinner while enjoying the Fuego fireworks from a distance.
Only 2 people from our group of 15 went for the Fuego hike, and they returned not too excited about the night time visibility, neither the extreme difficulty level of the terrain in the dark.
So, we deduced that the Fuego hike would probably be a better experience if the major part of that hike is done in daylight.
So, for our next time, we are planning to take that into consideration while choosing the tour. Oh yes, some crazy people like the two of us, plan for doing Acatenango hike again, right after completing this brutal hike!
From Left to Right: Eruptions of Fuego volcano (1) in the afternoon, (2) at night, (3) after sunrise.
How Difficult is the Acatenango Hike?
Hiking Actenango volcano is no easy task. In fact, there are several factors at play, such as slope, altitude, terrain, and temperature, that make this hike a fairly difficult one.
Steep Slopes
It is a very steep uphill hike for hours at a stretch, and the steep part begins from Hour 0:00:00. Despite the regular breaks during the hike, you would need good stamina and strong legs for this hike.
The next day, it is a continuous downhill hike for hours, which exerts tremendous pressure on the knees. By the end of the Acatenango hike, your legs may be begging for some rest.
Altitude
From trailhead to base camp, you will gain almost 5,000 feet (1,500 m) in elevation in a matter of just a few hours.
The higher you go, the lower the oxygen level. This raises the risk of altitude sickness which may tamper with how you generally feel. Symptoms may vary from mild headache to shortness of breath.
In our group of hikers, there were some people who faced strong symptoms of altitude sickness and had to either miss out on the sunset gathering or sunrise summit or both.
If you sense altitude sickness during the hike or at base camp, inform your guides immediately so that they can advise you on the best ways to combat the situation.
As for us, after reaching the base camp, Indranil experienced a mild headache which subsided after taking a nap, and I (Pubali) did not experience any altitude sickness symptoms.
Terrain
Due to the volcanic terrain, there are many stretches on the trail where there are loose sand or gravel, raising the odds of a fall or slide. You may skid or slide every now and then, or find yourself on your bum on some occasions.
Temperatures
The hike takes you through 4 different ecosystems, and thus constantly varying temperatures.
At the beginning of the hike, you may be walking under the sun with warm temperatures. As you transcend from the cloud forest zone to the coniferous forest zone, the air become chillier and at the top, the weather is cold. Very cold!
At night, the temperatures can be between 5 to -5 °C (23-41° F). Sleeping in a tent at the base camp on such a cold night does not allow you the comforting uninterrupted rest that your body might have needed after such a long day of hike.
Can Anyone Do the Acatenango Volcano Hike?
We think, with the right planning and preparation, a fairly good fitness level and an unflinching determination, anyone can do the Acatenango hike.
In fact, I agree with what most Acatenango hike tour guides will tell you, that it is not just about pushing your physical limits, but it requires a great deal of mental strength too to finish the Acatenango volcano hike.
For a less challenging volcano hike near Antigua, consider the Pacaya half-day hike.
Did We Question Ourselves Why We Are Doing This?
It is important to note that at no point during the hike did we think about quitting. But did we ever question ourselves why we signed up for something like this? The answers are different for Indranil and me.
Indranil: No.
Pubali: I woke up in the middle of the night as I needed to pee. But the situation was a bit more complicated than it sounds. There were a few steps I had to follow to make this happen.
I would have to wake Indranil up so that I could get out of the tent, unzip myself from the sleeping bag, put on the headlamp, wear my hiking boots, take the walking stick and make a little hike up a winding trail to reach the campsite bathroom in the darkness of that cold night. Just thinking about the process, I thought let it be!
Anyway it is probably almost time for our 4:00 am wakeup call for the sunrise summit hike. But then, a few minutes later, I could neither fall asleep nor lie comfortable. It was exactly at this moment, I asked myself why did I sign up for this if the experience does not even allow me a comforting night’s sleep?
What happened next? I finally did wake Indranil up and followed all those steps for the night hike to the bathroom. On the way, we also got to see few more eruptions of Fuego!
And that feeling of why I am doing this? It passed right after I finished my business in the bathroom 🙂
We returned to the tent and curled up in our sleeping bags for a more peaceful sleep. Oh, and guess what time was it? It was 23:13! Good I did not hold it until our 4:00 am wakeup call!
Is the Acatenango Volcano Hike Safe?
Acatenango volcano has been dormant since the late 20th century. It last erupted in 1972. So, from a volcanic activity standpoint, it is safe to hike Acatenango volcano.
However, the main purpose of hiking Acatenango volcano is to get a close view of Fuego volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Of course, being in the vicinity of a constantly erupting active volcano comes with its own risks.
After all, it was not too long ago that Fuego volcano had its most devastating eruption in 2018, with its pyroclastic flow killing scores of people and affecting thousands others in the villages on the slopes of Fuego.
Also, you need to prepare really well for the Acatenango hike to be able to do this safely, and follow the weather alerts. In January 2017, following a cold blast, six hikers had died on Acatnenago volcano due to hypothermia. It was a one-off incident but one that we should learn lessons from.
The good thing is that the tour companies offering the Acatenango hiking tours, are sincere about the safety standards of their processes and equipment. They also have guides trained in emergency response, rescue and assistance. So, going on this hike with a trusted company, you should be in safe hands.
We went hiking Acatenango with Soy Tours and appreciated how the guides cared for everyone at all times.
Having said that, given the inherent risks of the Acatenango hike, we strongly recommend having an active travel insurance for your trip.
📃 Do not forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We use:
- Heymondo Travel Insurance (get 5% discount, auto applies), OR
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
* Discount not applicable for US residents
Best Time for Hiking Acatenango Volcano
Guatemala has two distinct seasons, dry and rainy. Rainy season is from May through October, whereas the dry season runs from November to April, when the chances of rain are very thin.
For chances of better weather and clear visibility, the best time for hiking Acatenango Volcano is during the dry season months of November to April.
Technically, you can go for the Acatenango hike any time of the year. But the packing and preparation need to be different for the two seasons. You will need rain gear for the rainy season and more warm layers for the dry season.
The scenery also may change from wet season to dry season. On rainy and overcast days, the surroundings will appear more misty and visibility may be lower. During the drier months, the visibility may be clearer but the night temperatures may be colder.
Most tour companies offer this hike year round, with some even operating every day of the year.
Our Experience in December
We went on the Acatenango hike on the last day of December. Despite a rain forecast between 3-4 pm, we got clear sunny weather on both the days. We were able to enjoy the colors of both sunset and sunrise, but the night time and early morning temperatures were harsh.
How Much Does the Acatenango Volcano Hike Cost?
Prices range from 80-200+ USD per person for overnight group tours of Acatenango volcano hike. The tour price usually includes round trip transportation from Antigua, certified guides, 3-4 meals, sleeping arrangement (shared tent or cabin, sleeping bag, sleeping mat etc.).
Some companies include the rental of the winter clothing items in the tour price whereas others charge separately.
We went with Soy Tours, one of the more economical choices. Their current Acatenango overnight tour pricing is 660 Quetzals (~86 USD). This includes national park entrance fees, guides, shared accommodation, three meals, snacks, transportation, and rental of winter clothing items.
On top of the tour price, we paid a few Quetzals extra for renting headlamps with batteries and walking sticks. Bring cash.
Acatenango Volcano Hike Tour Companies
Based on our research, these are some of the most active tour companies in Antigua offering the Acatenango hike experiences, grouped by price range.
Their group sizes, accommodation style and tour inclusions many vary, but all of them have solid reputation in running Acatenango overnight hike tours.
Budget: Less than 90 USD
Mid-Range: 90-120 USD
Higher-End: 150-199 USD
Premium: 200 USD or more
We went hiking Acatenango with Soy Tours and were happy with the overall experience. You can read Soy Tours reviews on TripAdvisor.
You can also book top-rated Acatenango tours through Viator, which offers easy booking and cancellation.
How to Book Your Acatenango Overnight Hike
Follow these 5 steps to book your Acatenango volcano overnight hike:
- Research companies
- Compare prices and inclusions
- Read reviews online
- Book directly or via booking platform
- Contact company by WhatsApp for any questions or doubts
Instead of going with a tour company, you can also hire the independent services of a local guide. But we would recommend going for this option only if you have very strong recommendations from someone you personally know and who has done this tour with the guide.
Acatenango Overnight Hike: What to Wear & What to Pack
The magic word for packing for Acatenango overnight hiking tour is ‘layers’. In a single day, you will be traversing from temperatures in the 20s (C) / 70s (F) to near freezing.
Hiking boots are must for the Acatenango hike. You may be best friends with your sneakers or running shoes, but you need to ditch them for this hike. You will need hiking shoes with strong grip and great ankle support.
Carry 3-4 liters of drinking water per person, and put some snacks in your backpack. Do not forget walking sticks or trekking poles and headlamps.
We feel packing is a critical aspect of how safely and comfortably one can enjoy the Acatenango overnight tour. So, we have created a comprehensive packing guide for Acatenango hike with a free downloadable checklist.
📱 Watch our TikTok on packing tips for Acatenango volcano hike.
Tips for Your Acatenango Volcano Hike
Based on our experience and learnings from doing this hike, here are some tips to help you prepare for your Acatenango Overnight Hike.
- Start training your legs weeks before the hike. Walk as much as you can, and preferably on inclines.
- Plan for activities in Antigua before the hike. Even go for Pacaya volcano hike as a warm-up.
- Allow at least half a day for rest or relaxing activities after the hike.
- Bring adequate water and snacks, even if you may end up not consuming all of that
- Pack clothing in layers. That’s your weapon to tackle the constantly changing weather.
- Rent the walking sticks. Worth it!
FAQs: Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike
How difficult is the Acatenango volcano hike?
Acatenango is a challenging hike. You’ll face steep inclines, significant elevation gain (~1,500 m/ 1525 ft), loose volcanic terrain, high altitude (reaching 3,976 m/ 13,045 ft), and temperatures ranging from warm to freezing cold.
Is the Acatenango hike safe?
Yes, when done responsibly. Acatenango itself is a dormant volcano, but you will be close to Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. We recommend going with a reputable tour company that knows the trails and weather conditions, and has staff trained in emergency response, rescue and assistance.
How long is the Acatenango volcano hike?
The standard hike is 2 days and 1 night. Expect around 5-6 hours hiking up to base camp on the first day, with another 1-1.5 hour push the next morning for sunrise summit. The descent takes approximately 3-3.5 hours. The optional Fuego hike on the first day takes another 5 hours.
What is the best time to hike Acatenango?
The dry season months, from November through April, offers the clearest skies and best views. However, the hike is possible year-round. Just be prepared for rain, fog, and reduced visibility if you go during the wet season, from May to October.
How cold does it get on Acatenango?
Very cold! Temperatures at base camp and the summit can drop near or below freezing at night, ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23-41°F). Pack warm layers, a quality sleeping bag (mostly included in the tour), and do not underestimate the chill.
Do I need a guide for Acatenango?
No, it is not mandatory to hike Acatenango with a guide, but we highly recommend. Relying on the knowledge and experience of guides ensures safety and comfort. Plus since the logistics are taken care of by the tour, you focus on the experience.
How much does the Acatenango hike cost?
Acatenango overnight hike tour prices range from 80-200+ USD for group tours in shared accommodation, depending on the company, their base camp amenities, gear quality and group size. Additional gear rental may cost extra.
Can beginners do the Acatenango hike?
Yes, with proper preparation. Moderate fitness and mental preparation help. Acatenango climb is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Start training your legs weeks before the hike, and pace yourself on the trail.
Final Thoughts on Our Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike Experience
We chose to do the Acatenango volcano hike on the 31st of December. Far from the madding crowd, on the top of a volcano, under starry night sky and with views of volcanic lava eruptions. We could not think of a better way of bidding bye to the year and ushering in the new year.
As we cruised into the new year, this Acatenango hike experience reinforced in us two important life lessons.
- Immense belief in your mental strength can take you places and make you accomplish things that you otherwise would not even have imagined.
- Acknowledgement of our humble mortal existence in the towering presence of mighty and magnificent nature, makes us appreciate our planet and value our lives even more.
Having done several other stunning (and challenging) hikes across Latin America since, we still look back on our Acatenango experience with awe. The sights we saw and the experiences we collected all still feel like a dream, and this overnight volcano hike remains one of our top travel experiences ever.
Plan Your Antigua Trip
- Guatemala City Airport to Antigua
- El Paredon to Antigua Guatemala
- Direct Shuttle between Antigua and San Pedro La Laguna (Lake Atitlan)
- Things to Do in Antigua
- Antigua Guatemala Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Antigua Guatemala
- Visiting Hobbitenango
Like the post? Pin it!
If you enjoy reading our free travel guides, tips and stories, you can buy us a coffee and help us create more such travel planning tools for you. Thanks for supporting Paradise Catchers.
Travel Resources
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia
- Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
- Travel Insurance:
- Heymondo (get 5% off)
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- eSIMs:
- Transfers: Bookaway. Code PARADISE5 for 5% off
Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
