Epic Acatenango Volcano Hike to Discover Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala

The Acatenango volcano hike is an unforgettable experience situated in Antigua, Guatemala. This adventure allows you to camp on a mountain and witness frequent eruptions from the nearby ‘Volcano De Fuego’ (or Volcano of Fire)!

This exhilarating hike can be undertaken with a guided group over 1, 2, or 3 days, but the most popular option is the 2-day, 1-night trek. This duration usually provides ample opportunity to observe eruptions from Volcán De Fuego both during the day and the mesmerizing glowing red fireworks at night.

Is this trek worth it? Absolutely! Few places in the world offer the chance to camp so close to an actively erupting volcano while maintaining safe distances for photography. The Volcan De Fuego delivers an awe-inspiring performance, erupting every 15-30 minutes!

Guided tour prices are quite reasonable, and trekking Acatenango is generally very safe. Nonetheless, it is a high-elevation hike that requires stamina due to its challenging distance and elevation gain. Additionally, be prepared for cooler weather and potentially some altitude sickness.

Where To Stay In Antigua

Acatenango Quick Facts*

• Distance: 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) return
• Elevation Gain: 1,615 meters (5,300 feet)
• Top Elevation: 3,976 meters (13,045 feet)
• Duration: 7 – 10 hours return
• Difficulty: Hard

*These stats pertain to hiking to the Acatenango summit and do not include the optional hike to Volcan De Fuego.

Best Acatenango Volcano Tours

GetYourGuide features various Acatenango trekking tours for 1, 2, or 3 days, allowing you to camp near this extraordinary volcano and observe its eruptions, with optional hikes offered to Volcan De Fuego for an even closer view.

Stellar reviews highlight the tours organized by Old Town Outfitters in Antigua, Guatemala, along with other reputable companies like Wicho & Charlie’s, Soy Tours, Tropicana, OX Expeditions, and Tours & Activities SA.

Where Is Acatenango & Volcan De Fuego?

Acatenango volcano is located west of Guatemala City, overlooking the charming town of Antigua.

This picturesque town offers numerous hotels and restaurants, making it a convenient base for hikers, situated only about 30 kilometers from the volcano (approximately a 1.5 hour drive).

About Volcan De Fuego

Volcan De Fuego is the highlight of this hiking journey. While Acatenango is dormant, Fuego remains highly active, positioned perfectly to offer breathtaking views of its eruptions from a safe distance.

Typically, Fuego erupts every 15 to 30 minutes; however, this rhythm can vary. During my 3-day trek, it erupted as frequently as every 10 minutes on the first day, while on subsequent days, it was every 30 minutes, and finally once an hour, with each eruption being spectacularly large.

Although eruption intervals can be somewhat unpredictable, spending a few days at the summit realistically increases the likelihood of witnessing multiple eruptions.

Acatenango Sample Itinerary

Outlined below is a sample itinerary for a 2-day, 1-night hike of Acatenango volcano:

• 07:00 – Meet for briefing, gear preparation, etc.
• 08:00 – Bus transport from Antigua to the trailhead
• 09:15 – Start hiking
• 14:00 – Arrive at Acatenango base camp
• 15:00 – Optional extra hike to Volcan De Fuego, weather permitting
• 19:30 – Dinner at base camp
• 04:30 – Optional summit hike for sunrise
• 07:00 – Breakfast at base camp
• 08:00 – Begin descent
• 10:00 – Reach the trailhead and depart for Antigua
• 11:15 – Arrival in Antigua

Please note that this is a sample itinerary, and actual schedules may vary; however, 2-day treks generally follow this framework.

Acatenango Trekking: What To Expect

• Starting The Acatenango Volcano Hike

The trek begins with a steep uphill climb on a dirt path leading through picturesque Guatemalan farmlands and dense jungle. The slope is demanding from the outset, making this section one of the toughest parts of the hike!

While the main path is safe in terms of cliffs or drop-offs, it can be an exhausting physical challenge. Throughout much of the hike, expect to feel hot and sweaty as you find ways to shed layers from your body.

As you enter the jungle, the trail becomes slightly more forgiving, offering more captivating views and shade from the sun. There are a few makeshift drink stands along the way where you can purchase snacks and beverages if needed.

• Acatenango Base Camp

Upon reaching Acatenango base camp, you’ll start to see your first eruptions from Volcan De Fuego in the distance, often hearing it before witnessing the spectacle.

The quality and amenities of your camp may vary depending on the trekking company you select. Features can range from little cabins to tents, but most people will only stay one night regardless of the setup. Importantly, the base camp provides a direct view of Fuego’s eruptions.

• Volcan De Fuego Saddle Hike

Your trekking company often offers an opportunity to hike over to Volcan De Fuego for an up-close look at the eruptions. This addition can be a highlight of your trip—the experience is unforgettable. Approximately half of our group took this hike, and everyone who did felt it was worth it.

This leg of the journey requires temporarily leaving your camp’s comfort to hike down the steep sandy slopes of Acatenango, cross the saddle to Fuego, and ascend to a flat ridge within 1 kilometer of the eruptions.

At this proximity, the eruptions sound thunderous, and you can feel the rumblings beneath your feet. During the evening, you can witness the fiery red lava rocks exploding from the mountain’s side. This mesmerizing experience demands a good level of fitness—but no technical skills.

While the Fuego saddle hike is challenging, it’s worth it for those with extra energy. It’s one of the most astonishing sights I’ve experienced during my travels globally.

• Acatenango Summit Sunrise

The extra trek to Acatenango’s summit typically occurs at sunrise, requiring a wake-up call around 4:30 AM. This hike is comparatively easier than the Fuego hike, but it still serves as a solid workout due to slippery sandy sections.

Experiencing the sunrise atop Acatenango is breathtaking, offering magnificent views of a sea of clouds and eruptions from Volcan De Fuego, with Volcan De Agua visible in the background.

• Acatenango Hike Difficulty: How Hard Is It?

The Acatenango hike is challenging. The combination of high altitude, steep terrain, loose rocks, and cool weather creates a tough experience.

However, even if you only reach base camp, the hike remains worthwhile due to the sublime eruption views. Completing the extra hike to Fuego or Acatenango’s summit is optional and based on your energy levels.

You don’t need to be extremely fit to reach Acatenango base camp. Guides will provide plenty of breaks, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Even people in my group who were not particularly fit managed to reach base camp successfully.

You can also ease the hike’s burden by hiring a local porter for assistance with your backpack. Costs are approximately 150 Quetzales ($20 USD) and porters can carry up to 13 kilos (30 pounds) of gear for you.

• Acatenango Distance & Time

The hiking distance from the trailhead to Acatenango base camp is around 4 miles, typically taking 4 to 5 hours, depending on your pace.

If you choose to summit Acatenango for sunrise, expect an additional hour for that ascent. The descent from the base camp to the parking area is significantly quicker, taking about 2 or 3 hours.

Including the optional hike from Acatenango base camp to the Volcan De Fuego saddle adds approximately 3 miles (roundtrip), requiring around 4 hours overall. This trek can be strenuous.

In summary, if you complete the entire hike to Acatenango base camp, summit, and Fuego saddle, you’re looking at a total hiking duration of 10 to 13 hours. However, opting just for Acatenango base camp significantly eases the experience.

• Acatenango Elevation/Height

Acatenango summit sits at an elevation of 3,976 meters (13,045 feet) above sea level, while Volcan De Fuego is slightly lower at 3,768 meters (12,362 feet). Base camp hovers around 3,500 meters (11,000 feet).

This high elevation means less oxygen, resulting in increased breathlessness during your hike. Therefore, altitude sickness (AMS) may affect certain individuals.

Spending at least 48 hours in Antigua prior to the hike is advisable to help acclimatize to the altitude. Antigua’s elevation is 1,545 meters (5,069 feet), which is beneficial for adjusting your body.

While many people attempted the Acatenango hike without significant acclimatization, staying hydrated prior to and during the trek is essential in mitigating altitude sickness. Furthermore, it’d be best to avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, and sleeping pills as these can compound symptoms.

For those interested in a warm-up hike to help acclimatize, consider the Pacaya volcano trek, another option near Antigua.

• Acatenango Elevation Gain

The vertical gain to reach Acatenango base camp amounts to around 1,110 meters (3,650 feet). Including the summit climb, this total dramatically increases to 1,615 meters (5,300 feet). This height is no small feat!

Slightly extra effort will be needed if you hike to the Volcan De Fuego saddle; this journey adds approximately 480 meters (1,600 feet) roundtrip as you traverse downhill and uphill between both volcanoes.

• Acatenango Weather

Daytime temperatures at Acatenango base camp can be pleasantly warm, particularly with sunlight, but nighttime temps can drop significantly lower than general conditions in Antigua or the surrounding regions of Guatemala.

Daytime readings when starting from Antigua could be around 21 °C (70 °F), yet nighttime at base camp may plunge below 0 °C (32 °F), occasionally dipping as low as -5 °C (23 °F) with potential gusty winds especially at sunrise.

What To Bring

• Layers: A good jacket and extra layers are essential. I personally brought a t-shirt, two sweatshirts, and a light down jacket. Begin the hike in lighter clothing, adding layers as needed.
• Headwear: A warm hat that covers your ears is essential.
• Gloves: Consider wearing fingerless gloves, which facilitate camera use while keeping your hands warm.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are ideal. Expect slippery gravel and steep grades.
• Poncho: If trekking during the rainy season (June to September), pack a rain jacket for protection against the elements.
• Water: As there are no potable sources on the mountain, bring more water than you anticipate needing. Aim for a minimum of 4 liters, plus an extra 500 mL for the Volcan De Fuego hike.
• Snacks: Although most tours include meals, consider bringing extra snacks such as snack bars or beef jerky to maintain your energy levels.
• Headlight: While trekking tours typically offer basic headlights, bring extra batteries for better coverage. Essential for navigating the Fuego saddle hike and the Acatenango summit.
• Powerbank: For those using smartphones for pictures or as flashlights, a small power bank is advisable. I recommend brands like Anker for durability.
• Camera: A camera with decent zoom is ideal for capturing Volcan De Fuego’s eruptions from Acatenango base camp. Consider switching to a wide-angle lens for close-up views during the extra hike.

The most favorable time for the Acatenango hike is during the dry season, though it remains accessible year-round.

Best Time To Hike Acatenango

The prime time for hiking Acatenango corresponds with Guatemala’s dry season, spanning from November to April. Clearer skies and less precipitation make these months suitable for mountain treks.

The rainy season commences in May and runs until October, characterized by increased rainfall, which typically arrives in the afternoons. While mornings and evenings remain clear, this period might challenge trekkers with wet conditions.

Weather is notoriously unpredictable for any season, meaning bad weather can occur during dry spells, while suitable conditions may surprise during wet months.

Acatenango Deaths & Safety

Generally speaking, Acatenango has maintained a commendable safety record, with few reports of deaths or injuries associated with the volcano during its years of accessibility.

Despite inherent risks from hiking around an active volcano, the camp is strategically placed far from the eruptions, significantly minimizing exposure to dangers from potential volcanic activity.

If you wish to be particularly cautious, you might choose to skip the additional hike to Fuego altogether, observing the volcanic eruptions from the safety of base camp instead.

Robbery is another possible concern, as Guatemala has a fluctuating reputation concerning safety. However, following the implementation of entrance fees, incidents on the Acatenango hike have dwindled significantly in recent years.

For added peace of mind, you might consider a concealed travel belt (like this one on Amazon) to safeguard your valuables. During the initial segment of the hike, I kept my phone and cash in one of these belts for extra security.

Other Tips For The Acatenango Hike

• Bugs: Mosquitoes are generally not a problem at Acatenango due to the altitude. I didn’t encounter any bugs during my hike.
• Cell Service: My Claro and Tigo service provided sporadic reception at base camp, allowing me to send occasional texts to my family. However, signal can vary based on your camp’s specific location.
• Drones: Drones are permitted at Acatenango without restrictions. Many tourists were using them, but do exercise caution due to potential wind conditions and other campers.
• Entrance Fee: Currently, the entrance fee for the Acatenango trek is 110 Quetzales ($14 USD). This fee is usually collected at a Guatemalan government booth along the route, although some trekking companies might include it in their total charges.

Hiking Acatenango Without A Guide

Although possible, I’d recommend against hiking Acatenango without a guide for many reasons, including navigation, logistics, convenience, and safety. Organizing a guided tour with a group of likeminded individuals enhances the experience immensely.

However, if you’re committed and possess prior experience with the route, trekking without guidance is achievable. One challenge lies in securing a suitable camping location, as trekking companies are often territorial regarding campsites.

Is The Acatenango Hike Worth It?

Yes, definitely! The Acatenango volcano hike is worth every effort. It’s an extraordinary experience that deserves a spot on every adventurer’s bucket list.

While this trek to Acatenango and Fuego may be one of the hardest I’ve completed, the rewarding views make it undeniably worthwhile. Personally, I’d even place it among the top 10 hikes globally, and potentially within my top 5.

Experiencing the visceral power of an erupting volcano, feeling the earth shudder beneath you, and witnessing exploding lava—this is an irreplaceable moment that many places, aside from Guatemala and Indonesia, can’t replicate.

Is Acatenango Open / Closed?

Currently, Acatenango is open to tourists! I’ll keep this travel guide updated should anything change.

The mountain is rarely closed to the public, typically only for any exceptional volcanic activities or safety concerns.

Happy travels!

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Thank you for reading! I hope this comprehensive guide about hiking Acatenango and exploring Volcan De Fuego has been helpful.