Acatenango Volcano Hike – A Complete Guide with Packing List

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Have you ever come close to an active volcano? Or witnessed an active volcano erupt over and over again standing on a dormant volcano? The Acatenango Volcano hike allows you to do both of these! This 2 day hike is one of the most exciting and popular things to do in Guatemala and this post covers all the details you need to know about the Acatenango Volcano hike .

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What is the Acatenango Volcano Hike

The Acatenango Volcano is a now dormant volcano that is located in the southeast of Guatemala. It is one of Guatemala’s 37 volcanoes and last erupted in 1972. The Acatenango Volcano hike is a 2 day hike that brings you to the base camp of Acatenango on day 1 and the summit of Acatenango early morning on day 2 for sunrise. You also have the option of hiking to the Fuego Volcano the night of day 1. Fuego is the volcano adjacent to Acatenango. This is an active volcano that erupts frequently and is a sight to behold!

The hike is about 11 miles (18 km) in distance (round trip) with an elevation gain of about 5,000 ft (~1,550 m).

Best Time to do the Acatenango Volcano Hike

The best time to hike the Acatenango volcano is during the dry season that runs from November to April. This time will bring clearer skies and minimal rainfall. This is important to be able to see Fuego’s eruptions.

Is the Hike Difficult?

This hike can be challenging and requires a certain level of fitness. The hike is steep from the get go and also combines altitude which can be very difficult. You should definitely train for this hike if you are thinking of doing it. I am not a fitness instructor or a physician, however, from experience doing some challenging high altitude hikes in the past, I recommend doing stair workouts to build endurance and stamina.

Temperatures on Acatenango

Day time temperatures, especially at lower elevation (when you start hiking) can be warm. Most of us had t-shirts on but then had to wear something warmer at base camp. Night time temperatures are very cold and can average -10 C. Dressing in layers is important. See below for a recommended packing list.

Options for Visiting Acatenango

If you don’t love the idea of hiking, then some tour companies also offer to drive you almost 80% of the way via a 4×4 vehicle. The good news is that the remaining 20% is almost on flat ground and is easy to hike. Some tour operators will also have porters that can carry your bag all the way to camp.

Picking a Tour Operator

It is super important to pick the right tour operator for this hike. From the facilities at base camp and how they handle safety are all aspects that you should consider when picking a tour operator. In addition to the options I mentioned in the previous section, some tour operators also provide you with most of the clothing and gear for the hike or you can rent them at a very reasonable cost.

Accommodation options also vary by operator. Some have tents while others have wooden huts or a combination of both.

A few of the more popular tour operators are:

• Wicho & Charlie
• Ox Expedition
• Tropicana
• Old Town Outfitters

Questions to Ask Tour Operators

• What are sleeping facilities like?
• Is there an option for a porter (if needed)
• Is clothing and equipment a part of the cost?
• What clothing and equipment can be rented?
• What meals are included?
• Is there an option to hike to Fuego/ if so what time is the hike?

What to Expect During the Acatenango Volcano Hike

Day 1

Acatenango Base Camp

You will start at your tour operator’s location in Antigua and after a briefing be taken via bus to the start of the hike. The ride takes around 1-1.5 hours and you will see your first glimpse of the volcanoes on the ride there. Once at the trail head, you will start the steep ascend. The path takes you through farmlands, tropical forests and alpine forests. Somewhere halfway you will stop for lunch. After around 5-7 hours from the trail head, you will finally reach the Acatenango base camp. If you are lucky, you will witness Fuego erupting again and again and it is an amazing sight to witness. Where exactly your base camp is depends on the tour company. These companies each have their own camp set up on the volcano.

Fuego Hike

This is where you will have to decide if you want to hike to Fuego or not. It is a tough hike from the get go. depending on where your base camp is it can be a 1000 feet steep descent on volcanic rock and a another 1000 feet ascend to Fuego. Some companies do it just in time for sunset on Fuego while others wait until it is a little darker.

Once down, you will again have to descend 1000 feet down and ascend 1000 feet back up to base camp. This is no walk in the park! Once at camp, you will be served dinner and perhaps get to roast marshmallows around a camp fire before heading to bed. If you think Fuego was amazing in the day time, you will be mind blown to see it at night. The red lava only shows up at night and it’s truly a sight to behold!

Day 2

Acatenango Summit

Today, you have another optional hike to the summit of Acatenango It is another challenging hike but you start your day early to make it to the summit at sunrise. After making it back for breakfast, you will pack up and leave camp.

Descend

The descend down is steep and challenging at times. You should definitely use your trekking poles to save your knees but it’s very doable. The way down is a lot faster than the way up and before you know it you are back at the trail head where you will be bussed back to Antigua.

My Experience on the Acatenango Volcano Hike

Day 1

Base Camp

I went with the operator Wicho and Charlie. We were asked to come to their location in Antigua at 6:30 AM. When we got there, we got our gear that was included or rented what was not and had breakfast. All the food offered by Wicho and Charlie is vegan. After a briefing and packing up our bags, we were put in a bus and made our way to the trail head. We only had to carry our smaller day pack as our larger backpack was sent up separately.

Once at the trail head, we met our guides and began our journey. Not going to sugar coat this, the trail was tough from the get go. The key is to go at a pace that is comfortable to you and not worry about keeping up with everyone else. We did get quite a lot of breaks which was nice.

Around mid-way, we stopped for lunch which was very good but I think for how much hiking we had done, we probably could have done with more food. This is why it is important to bring snacks on this hike. At around the 80% mark to base camp, we stopped to collect our bigger packs. I paid for a porter to bring it up the rest of the 20% to base camp. Around this point, we also saw another volcano and got to hike pretty much along side of it, which was amazing!

Hiking to Fuego

Once at base camp, we rested for a bit and watched Fuego erupt over and over again. We got to rest for about 1.5 hours before those of us who were interested in the Fuego hike had to set back out again. There was zero pressure to do the hike and about half of the group stayed back. This hike was steep from the get go. We first descended 1000 feet and then ascended 1000 feet. The terrain was full of loose volcanic gravel, sand and rocks. We were hiking at at least a 30-40 degree incline all the way down, up and then back down and up again.

Standing Next to an Erupting Volcano

We made it to Fuego just in time for sunset and the views were incredible. Not only were we above the clouds from this vantage point but were also able to see other volcanoes on all 4 sides. Once the sun set, the air became significantly colder and we all had to wear our jackets. As the sky got darker, we finally got to see the red lava. I couldn’t believe how close we were to an erupting volcano. It was a memory I’ll never forget! We also realized the air was full of volcanic ash. It was just raining down ash on us non-stop. After a few more minutes, our guides indicated that it was time for us to head back.

It was dark now, so we had our head lamps on and made the steep descend back down Fuego. There were lots of people coming up the mountain at this time as the sunset crews went down. Everyone was falling down on the descend because of the volcanic rock. It was definitely challenging on the knees as well and our vision was still not fully clear due to the volcanic ash in the air.

Back at Base Camp

As we descended down and then up, we saw that the eruptions were getting even more stronger. We stopped every time Fuego erupted. After what seemed like a lifetime, we finally made it (I almost crawled back) up to camp. We were all exhausted and hungry!! We had hiked for almost 10 hours that day! After a very delicious dinner and roasted marshmallows by the fire, we all went to sleep.

One thing to note is that those who did not hike to Fuego still saw her erupt from base camp. The cool thing about the Fuego hike is that you get to say you stood very close to an erupting volcano. But, you still see Fuego in all her glory from base camp as well. Don’t pressure yourself to do the hike if you are not feeling it. As I mentioned many times, it was a tough hike and not worth your health if you are feeling tired.

The night was very cold and I was glad for all the warm gear, I had packed. Especially my sleeping bag liner which is a game changer in cold weather. I booked a hut all to myself! It was a 2 person hut with a door, window and 2 mattresses inside. Around 2:35 AM I woke up to a loud bang. I felt like the earth shook as I sat up completely up right and peeped out of the window and wow! I saw one of the biggest eruptions from Fuego that I had seen that whole day. For the next 1.5 hours, I sat by my window and watched Fuego erupt over and over again. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing!

Day 2

Acatenango Summit

Our guides had told us that those of us who were interested in hiking to the summit of Acatenango need to wake up at 4 AM. I heard several alarms go off and debated doing it. I wasn’t feeling too tired after the day/night before but finally decided against it and went back to sleep. Instead of hiking, I decide to wake up around 6 AM to watch the sunrise from base camp. After seeing pictures of the views from the summit, I am glad I didn’t hike up to the summit as the views from base camp were just as good as the summit in my opinion.

Descending

After a good breakfast (all the food we ate was delicious!), we packed up and made our way back to the trail head. We almost ran down the mountain as we were all tired and wanted to shower and get some good sleep! Back in Antigua, we stopped at Wicho and Charlie’s office to return the gear and they greeted us with some delicious food and cold beers.

What to Pack for the Acatenango Volcano Hike

What you pack for the hike depends on what equipment is included in the tour and what you are able to rent. You definitely need to bring hiking shoes from home but the rest maybe included in the cost or you may be able to rent. Ask your tour operator ahead of time.

Clothing Items

• Sturdy hiking shoes – This is also a must! It needs to be waterproof and insulated. I highly recommend this pair I have linked.
• Outer layer (medium) – A medium weight outer layer like the Patagonia Down Jacket (Men’s HERE)
• Base layer top – A breathable base layer or thermal layer is a must in my opinion. I love merino wool because it keeps you warm, dry and does not smell (Men’s HERE)
• Base layer bottoms – I am usually not cold in my legs, but if you get cold in your legs then I recommend a merino wool bottom layer too
• Mid layer – If you opt for merino wool base layers, then pack a few long sleeve moisture wicking top. If you do not opt for merino wool base layers, then you should pack a fleece like this
• Pants – I always prefer to wear leggings but most people prefer waterproof hiking pants
• Merino wool socks – Merino wool makes sure your feet stay dry and blister free. I love the Darn Tough hiking socks (men’s HERE)! They also have a lifetime warranty
• Rain jacket – If you cannot find a waterproof jacket, then make sure to pack a rain jacket
• A change of clothes for the next day (top, bottom, underwear)

Other Items

• Sleeping bag liner – Tour operators wont have this for rent but is a life saver for sleeping in the cold!
• A small daypack – I love this daypack for day hiking. It comes with a rain cover and is the perfect size to hold a jacket, water bladder or bottle and snacks.
• A backpack to hold items for camp
• Rain cover – A cover for your daypack if you don’t have a backpack that comes with one like the one above
• Trekking Poles – These are totally optional but I found them useful, especially going down
• A water bladder. I really love using a water bladder or hydration pack as you can drink water on the go
• Water bottle – You may need a water battle in addition to the bladder to hold more water
• Snacks
• Fanny pack – This one is totally optional. I found carrying my personal belongings in a fanny pack tied to my waist saved me some weight off my back
• Polarized sunglasses – I love this pair. It’s stylist and functional
• Hiking hat or cap
• Gloves
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Beanie
• Scarf
• Buff to keep the dust out
• Toilet Paper
• Zip lock bags to bring back worn clothes and toilet paper
• Tooth brush and toothpaste
• Wet wipes – I personally LOVE these. They are bigger than wet wipes and are made specifically for camping!
• Headlamp
• External battery pack

As I mentioned, you should definitely check what clothing items and gear are included or available to rent. Wicho & Charlie had almost everything available (included in the cost or to rent) other than hiking boots and the sleeping bag liner.

Tips for the Acatenango Volcano Hike

• Take your time ascending. If you go too fast, your body may not be able to acclimatize.
• Drink a lot of water (at least 3 liters)! Start drinking water several days prior to your trip.
• Pack well for the cold. It does get quite cold at night.
• Bring a lot of snacks like protein bars, dried fruit, nuts and chocolate.
• Bring enough water as you may not be able to buy at base camp.

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