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A hike up the Acatenango volcano is a must-do excursion in Antigua, Guatemala that allows you to camp atop a mountain and witness frequent eruptions from the nearby ‘Volcan De Fuego’ (Volcano of Fire)!
It is possible to complete the Acatenango hike with a guided group over a 1, 2, or 3 day period. The most typical way to take on the trek is for two days and one night, which usually provides enough time to witness the eruptions from Volcan De Fuego during the day and enjoy the spectacular view of the red fireworks in the evening.
Would it be worth the trip? Definitely! There are not many places in the world where you can camp close to an erupting volcano and take pictures from a secure spot. The Volcan De Fuego offers a breathtaking show with minor eruptions every 15-30 minutes!
The cost of a guided tour of Acatenango is quite reasonable, and it is a safe journey. Nonetheless, there are a number of obstacles that will need to be overcome, such as the length of the trek, the amount of elevation gained, and the possibility of cold temperatures and altitude sickness.
This blog post will cover all the details you need to know in order to embark on the Acatenango volcano hike. It will provide information about what to bring, when the best time to go is, the trekking guides and tour companies to consider, and all other pertinent information.
Notable Information*
- Length of Trip: 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) round-trip
- Gain in Elevation: 1,615 meters (5,300 feet)
- Peak Height: 3,976 meters (13,045 feet)
- Time to Complete: 7 – 10 hours both ways
- Level of Difficulty: Hard
By altering the structure of the text while maintaining the context and semantic meaning, one can ensure that plagiarism is not an issue. It is possible to rephrase the text without compromising the original message.
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The data provided does not include the extra/optional climb to Volcan De Fuego; it is only for the ascent to the peak of Acatenango.
It is possible to observe Volcan De Fuego from Acatenango, a volcano located in Guatemala.
Touring Acatenango Volcano – An Unforgettable Experience
Trekking tours of Acatenango are available from GetYourGuide that range from 1 to 3 days. During this time, you can pitch a tent near the volcano and observe its eruptions. Some of these tours also include the opportunity to hike up Volcan De Fuego, allowing for a much closer encounter with the eruptions. 1, 2, or 3 days of Acatenango trekking are offered.
Old Town Outfitters, located in Antigua, Guatemala, runs these tours and has a plethora of positive reviews from customers of all backgrounds on Google. Other highly rated tour companies for this hike consist of Wicho & Charlie’s, Soy Tours, Tropicana, OX Expeditions, and Tours & Activities SA.
We have taken advantage of numerous tours and activities with GetYourGuide throughout the globe, and they have been amazing! We would highly suggest them.
Book your Acatenango Volcano Tour in one of three lengths: 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days!
The Location of Acatenango & Volcan De Fuego
Are you curious as to the whereabouts of Acatenango and Volcan De Fuego? These two locations can be found in Guatemala. Acatenango is a stratovolcano located in central Guatemala, while Volcan De Fuego is a stratovolcano situated in the southwestern region of the country.
Situated west of Guatemala City, the Acatenango volcano overlooks the city of Antigua.
Many individuals stay in Antigua for this trek, as it offers many hotels and eateries, and the volcano is only around 30 kilometers away (approximately a 90-minute drive).
Information on Volcan De Fuego
This informative article is about the characteristics of Volcan De Fuego.
This hike is highlighted by the Volcan De Fuego. Although Acatenango is a dormant volcano, Fuego is very active and located close to it, providing spectacular sights of eruptions while still being far enough away to be safe for camping.
During my 3 day trek, the Fuego volcano erupted at intervals ranging from 10 minutes to one hour. On the first day, it was happening roughly every 10 minutes, then the second day it was roughly every 30 minutes, and by the third day the eruptions happened only once per hour, but were very powerful.
If you decide to spend a few days atop the mountain peak, it is highly probable that you will be privileged to observe multiple volcanic eruptions during that time frame. The timing of such eruptions, however, is not entirely predictable.
The Volcan De Fuego typically experiences eruptions every 15-30 minutes 
Witnessing the volcanic activity from Acatenango base camp is a mesmerizing experience.
Itinerary for Acatenango
An example of a plan for a visit to Acatenango can include the following points of interest:
An example of a 2-day, 1-night hike to Acatenango volcano is provided here:
- 07:00 – Meeting up and getting ready
- 08:00 – Bus ride from Antigua to the trailhead
- 09:15 – Commencement of the hike
- 14:00 – Reaching the Acatenango base camp
- 15:00 – Possible hike to Volcan De Fuego if the weather conditions are favorable
- 19:30 – Supper at the base camp
- 04:30 – Climb to the summit for sunrise (optional)
- 07:00 – Morning meal at the base camp
- 08:00 – Descent begins
- 10:00 – Arriving at the trailhead and departing for Antigua
- 11:15 – Arrival in Antigua
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While this is merely a representation of what a 2-day trek may look like, it is important to remember that the exact itinerary may diverge from this.
What To Anticipate on an Acatenango Trek
• Initiating the Climb of Acatenango Volcano
The Acatenango hike begins with a steep and difficult climb on a dirt trail, crossing through the Guatemalan countryside and jungle. This initial stretch is one of the most strenuous sections of the whole journey!
The trail itself is generally safe, but it can be quite a strenuous workout. You’ll likely be warm and sweaty throughout the majority of the hike, so you might want to take off any extra layers of clothing.
As you make your way through the jungle, the incline of the terrain is much less daunting and you can admire the pleasant scenery and take advantage of the greater cover from the sun. Along the path, there are several makeshift stalls that offer a selection of refreshments and snacks, which you may want to consider stocking up on.
At the beginning of the path, you can take in the stunning sights of the jungle! 
• Location of Acatenango Base Camp
This particular spot is the base camp of Acatenango, a volcano located in Guatemala. It is situated in the Central American country at an altitude of approximately 3,976 meters (13,045 feet). The camp offers a great vantage point to climbers who want to summit the volcano. Not only will they get an incredible view of the nearby volcanoes, but they will also have an opportunity to observe the wildlife in the area. The camp also provides a safe place to sleep and a place to rest and refuel before the climb.
Eventually, you will make it to the Acatenango base camp and observe the eruptions from the Volcan De Fuego from afar! Chances are, you will hear the eruption before you see it.
The trekking company you select will determine the scale and features of your camp. A campfire is a certainty, while some companies provide cabanas and others have tents.
No matter what, it’s likely you’ll only be camping for a single night, and so the quality of your campsite doesn’t play a huge role in determining the quality of your sleep. Nevertheless, it’s fair to say that the better your campsite, the better your sleep.
Base camp has the advantage of providing a direct line of sight to the eruptions of Fuego, and it is as if one could actually touch it!
At the base of Acatenango, it was a very cold atmosphere 
Taking in the views of the area 
The beginning of an eruption was seen.
• Exploring the Volcan De Fuego Saddle
This hike takes a path up to the saddle of Volcan De Fuego, offering a unique experience for any adventurer looking to take in the stunning views of this volcanic region. A rewarding journey, the trek to the saddle is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
At the Acatenango base camp, trekking companies will generally give the option of journeying to Volcan De Fuego to witness the eruptions in person! For me, this was the apex of the entire journey. About half of the trekkers in our group decided to do it, and we were all very glad we did.
From the familiarity of the camp, you will be embarking on a journey that involves traveling down the Acatenango’s rugged and sandy incline, traversing the pass between the two volcanoes, and ascending the side of the Fuego volcano until you are on a level ridge less than 1 kilometer away from the eruptions.
From where you stand, the blasts of the eruptions can be heard like the detonations of bombs and the ground beneath you trembles. If you visit in the evening, the red-hot lava can be seen bursting out of the mountainside.
It’s impossible to communicate how incredible this hike is, but it necessitates good physical shape. No specialized knowledge is needed for this leg of the journey, yet it will still be quite difficult for all hikers due to the fatigue from the prior trek to the Acatenango base camp.
When you make it to base camp, I urge you to take the additional trek to Fuego if you have the strength. It’s one of the most amazing sights I’ve experienced in my global travels.
When you are about to tackle the Fuego saddle, it is important to come prepared with several layers of clothing. Temperatures can drop drastically in the evenings, especially when there is a strong wind and the sun has gone down. Make sure you are ready for this part of the hike!
At night, a crimson surge of molten rock can be seen spilling from the crater of the Volcano of Fire! 
• Enjoying the Sunrise at the Top of Acatenango
Finally, the trek to the peak of Acatenango is something most tour operators do early in the morning, usually around 4:30 AM. This particular hike is not as strenuous as the one to Fuego, but it still requires some effort and the sand can be quite slippery.
Atop Acatenango, the sunrise is an awe-inspiring sight, with puffy clouds blanketing the sky and the magnificence of Volcan De Fuego’s eruptions on display. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of Volcan De Agua on the horizon.
If you’re hoping to get a snapshot with the eruption in the background, the summit is an ideal spot! Though it can be crowded in the a.m., there’s plenty of room for everybody to squeeze in and take their photos.
The peak of Acatenango can be quite frigid, and in December we even noticed some icicles! There’s a gusty atmosphere at the top, but the crater offers a place to take cover from the wind while waiting for sunrise, so it’s tolerable.
Ascending to the Acatenango summit, one can be rewarded with a beautiful sunrise 
The first signs of color spread across the sky.
• What Level of Difficulty Is Involved in Climbing Acatenango?
The Acatenango hike is a difficult undertaking. Its high elevation, steep incline, unstable footing from loose stones that behave like sand, and frigid temperatures all contribute to a grueling experience.
Though the base camp is still worth visiting, the extra hike to Fuego or the Acatenango summit is optional. If you have the energy and want to experience the eruptions at a closer angle, it’s recommended, but you can still witness amazing sights from the campsite.
If you’re not in the best shape, it is still possible for you to reach the Acatenango base camp. There are regular stops during the journey, so you can take it at your own speed. Our group had a few people who weren’t the most physically fit, yet they still managed to get to the base camp without issue.
One approach to making the hike more comfortable is to hire a local porter to assist with your luggage. This typically costs about 150 Quetzales (or $20 USD) depending on the size of your bag and the porter can carry up to 13 kilos (30 pounds) for you.
A picture of Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala with an eruption in the background. Climbing to the summit of Volcan De Fuego provides hikers with an incredible experience of viewing the eruption. This is one of the highlights of the Acatenango hike.
• How Far and Long is Acatenango?
It usually takes 4 to 5 hours to hike from the starting point of the trail to the Acatenango base camp, a journey that typically spans approximately 4 miles.
If you plan to make the trek to the summit for the sunrise, it will require about 1 to 1.5 hours. Heading back to the parking lot from base camp is much quicker and simpler, taking just 2 to 3 hours.
If you choose to make the additional journey from Acatenango’s starting point to the saddle of Volcan De Fuego, in order to view the eruptions in closer proximity, it will add an additional 3 miles (in total) which will take around 4 hours. Be warned, this trek is quite arduous and all of us had a tough time with it.
In conclusion, the total time needed to hike to the Acatenango base camp, summit, and Volcan De Fuego saddle is an arduous 10 to 13 hours. On the other hand, if you only make it to the Acatenango base camp, the hike is much more manageable.
It is not necessary to make any prior arrangements for additional hikes. Once you reach the base camp, you can choose whether or not you would like to take them on. Alternatively, you can opt for a rest and admire the majestic views of the volcano.
A view of the dawn sky from the peak of Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala, a hike to the base camp of Volcan de Fuego, is captured in this photo.
• Height of Acatenango
The Acatenango summit is situated at an altitude of 3,976 meters (13,045 feet) while the Volcan De Fuego is slightly lower at 3,768 meters (12,362 feet). The base camp is located at a height of 3,500 meters (11,000 feet).
When hiking, you may find yourself short of breath with every step due to the reduced levels of oxygen. This can make the journey up the mountain much more difficult than it would be otherwise.
Reaching Acatenango’s elevation could potentially bring on altitude sickness (AMS) for some, leading to head pain, sleeping issues, etc. If the AMS is too extreme, you may need to return to a lower altitude.
No one in our trekking party became seriously ill from Acatenango’s altitude, although it is not impossible. We had a young man who was feeling quite unwell, but he recovered rapidly after we returned to a lower elevation. It’s important to remember that age and conditioning do not determine your risk of altitude sickness, no matter how young and fit you are.
Spending a minimum of 2 days in Antigua prior to the hike is suggested for those who are from sea level. Antigua is situated at an altitude of 1,545 meters (5,069 feet), which is comparable to that of Guatemala City. This gives your body the opportunity to get used to the elevation.
It’s been said that many people can make the Acatenango hike without any acclimatization and they were okay. I experienced this hike with two groups of 20 people, and most of us only had slight AMS symptoms. Furthermore, if you just do a short day hike at Acatenango and don’t camp there, then it won’t be a problem. You’ll be heading back down before you start to feel any effects.
Maintaining adequate hydration can help with combating the effects of altitude sickness. It is important to consume plenty of water before and during the hike. Additionally, it is also recommended to avoid alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, and sleeping pills as these can exacerbate the symptoms.
For those with some time prior to the Acatenango climb, a great way to acclimate is the Pacaya volcano trek close to Antigua. Although not as remarkable as Fuego and rarely providing active eruptions, it still serves as a great way to get in shape.
Compared to the Acatenango volcano hike, the Pacaya hike is less arduous, shorter in duration, and more cost-effective. Despite this, its peak elevation of 2,552 meters (8,373 feet) still grants enough altitude to help with acclimatization. Though, most guided tours don’t go all the way to the summit. If you’d like to take the trek, you can book it online here.
Exploring the Acatenango volcano is thrilling, as it is located close to the Volcan De Fuego which erupts with a loud boom!
• The Climb Up Acatenango
The ascent of Acatenango Mountain is one that presents an impressive elevation gain. The mountain peak stands at a significant height and the climb is certainly not for the faint of heart. Those who take on the challenge of the mountain, however, will be rewarded with some of the most stunning views in the region.
The altitude increase of the trek to the Acatenango base camp amounts to approximately 1,110 meters (3,650 feet). When you consider the attempt to reach the summit, the overall elevation gain is 1,615 meters (5,300 feet). That’s more than a mile going straight up!
By doing the additional hike to the saddle of Volcan De Fuego, you’ll be trekking a total of 480 meters (1,600 feet) for the round trip, since the path involves going up and down when going in between the two volcanoes.
Altogether, if you cover the whole journey up to the Acatenango peak and take the additional side trip to the Fuego saddle, you will have climbed an unbelievable 2,100 meters (7,000 feet)! Unbelievable!
• The Climate of Acatenango
At the Acatenango base camp, the daytime temperatures are agreeable and can be cozy if the sun is out. On the other hand, the temperatures during the night are much chillier than those in Antigua and other parts of Guatemala.
Starting your hike in Antigua during the daytime, you may experience pleasant temperatures of 70 °F (21 °C). However, once you reach your base camp in the evening, the temperature may plummet to 32 °F (0 °C), and in some extreme cases even dip to 23 °F (-5 °C). The summit is known to be particularly windy, particularly during sunrise.
On the 8th of January 2017, a tragic event occurred in which six tourists from Guatemala perished from hypothermia while attempting to climb the Acatenango volcano. It is important to note that this incident occurred due to the lack of preparation for the sudden cold front that had come through. It is not my intention to cause alarm, however, one should not underestimate the power of the cold temperatures; the trek is safe as long as you are adequately prepared.
When it comes to the Acatenango hike, most tour companies offer an array of warm-weather equipment to borrow, rent, or purchase. It’s wise to check for any odd weather warnings on the day of the hike, but it’s seldom seen and your guides will more than likely be aware of such.
Accurate weather predictions for the Acatenango mountain peak are available. This includes things like wind, rain, clouds, and temperature. However, it is not foolproof, so bear that in mind.
Essentials to Consider Packing
- Layers: Be sure to bring a jacket and additional clothes to wear during the Acatenango hike. I wore a T-shirt, two hoodies, and a lightweight down coat. It’s best to start the climb in a T-shirt and then put the other layers on later.
- Headwear: A warm beanie that covers your ears is necessary.
- Gloves: I personally wore fingerless gloves so I could work my camera while still being warm. My hands ended up being the coldest part of my body.
- Footwear: Shoes with good grip are essential for the Acatenango volcano hike. You’ll be walking on slippery gravel and steep inclines or declines.
- Poncho: If you plan to go during the rainy season (particularly June to September), make sure to bring a rain jacket.
- Water: There’s no potable water available on the mountain, so it’s important to bring more than what you think you’ll need. Guides recommend bringing at least 4 liters of water for the Acatenango hike, and an extra 500 mL if you plan to do the Fuego volcano hike.
- Snacks: Although many tours offer free meals, you may still be hungry afterward. I brought snack bars and beef jerky as extra sustenance and was glad I did.
- Headlight: Tours usually provide cheap headlights, but it’s best to bring your own batteries for them. A headlight is necessary for the Fuego saddle hike and Acatenango summit, as you could get hurt if you don’t have one.
- Power Bank: If you plan to use your phone for taking pictures or as a flashlight, having a power bank is a good idea.
- Camera: A camera with some zoom is ideal for taking pictures of the Volcan De Fuego eruptions from the Acatenango base camp. If you decide to do the extra hike to the Fuego saddle, then a wide-angle lens is best.
Hiking Acatenango is ideal during the dry season, though you can still do it no matter the time of year.
Ideal Occasions To Climb Acatenango
Hiking Acatenango is ideal during the dry season in Guatemala, which occurs between November and April. The clearer weather and reduced risk of rain during this span of months make it an excellent time for mountain trekking.
The wet season in Guatemala is from May to October when more precipitation is expected. However, it is usually only during the afternoons that downpours occur. Mornings and evenings are usually free of rain, regardless of the month. While this time of year may not be the most desirable to go hiking on Acatenango, it is still possible. You are just more likely to get soaked.
When it comes to mountains, it is impossible to make an accurate prediction of the weather at any given time of the year as the conditions can be unpredictable. Therefore, you could experience good weather during the rainy season or bad weather in the dry season.
If you’re concerned about the clouds hindering your view of the impressive Fuego eruptions, then it is recommended to book a longer Acatenango trip in order to have more time at the peak and more opportunities to witness the great display of fireworks.
To sum up, if there is an option, the dry season is the optimal choice for trekking Acatenango; however, it can be accomplished any time of the year. Volcan De Fuego has regular eruptions throughout the year, except for brief intermissions.
A view of Fuego! 
Descending the mountain again
Fatalities and Security on Acatenango
So far, there have been no reports of fatalities or injuries stemming from the Acatenango volcano hike, which has been operational for a number of years.
No matter what, there is always a certain degree of danger when it comes to hiking near a live volcano. However, the camp is placed in a location far enough away that you wouldn’t be in the direct path of any eruption, even if one were to occur.
In order to be extra cautious, you could opt out of the trek to Fuego and observe the eruptions from the main camp. No one has ever reported being injured during this hike, yet it could still be a potential hazard.
Robbery is another issue to consider. Unfortunately, Guatemala is not widely known for its safety, and there were a number of armed robberies on the Acatenango hike from 2007 to 2009. Since an entrance fee was established, it seems that the security of the hike has improved greatly, and there has not been a report of those types of crimes in over a decade.
The revenue that is being earned by the Guatemalan communities from this mountain is immense – likely in the millions of US dollars – and is comprised of trekking companies and entrance fees. Hence, it is beneficial for everyone that travelers are able to hike without any issues or disturbances to this valuable source of income.
For additional security, I opted to bring a secret belt pouch to store some of my possessions, such as my phone, money, and credit card. The first part of the hike was not particularly interesting, so I tucked them away in my hidden belt.
We had an amazing hike, and fortunately, no criminal activity occurred. Though Guatemala does not have a positive track record when it comes to safety, I believe it has become much better over the past two decades, and it appears to still be improving.
Glorious sight of Volcan De Agua at sunrise 
Acatenango hike provides a breathtaking show with Volcan De Fuego in the background
Additional Advice For The Acatenango Climb
- Bugs: There were no issues with regard to mosquitoes or other bugs on the Acatenango hike as the elevation is too high for them to survive. I didn’t even bring spray as it wasn’t necessary.
- Cell Service: On the Acatenango base camp, there was a little bit of cell service/phone reception with Claro/Tigo via my T-Mobile roaming package. On the hiking trail, there was occasional spotty reception, which was enough to send some texts to my family and let them know I was okay, but it was not reliable. The cell service may depend on the location of the base camp on the mountain.
- Drones: You are allowed to fly drones at Acatenango without restrictions, and I witnessed several tourists doing so. However, the wind can make it challenging, so one needs to be aware of the same. Additionally, there were many people camping on the mountain, so one should be considerate and keep a distance.
- Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for trekking Acatenango is 110 Quetzales ($14 USD) per person, which is payable at a Guatemalan government booth partway through the hike. One should check with the trekking company if the fee is already included in the total price of the hike.
A beautiful sunset view of Volcan De Agua in the distance is captured in this image 
, and the next photo 
shows a stunning sunrise.
Exploring Acatenango Without A Guide
I cannot advocate hiking Acatenango without a guide for the average hiker; it is much better to opt for a guided tour with other adventurers who share your enthusiasm for the outdoors. By doing so you can benefit from navigation, logistical assistance, convenience, and safety. To book a tour, click here.
It can certainly be done without a guide if you have the determination and knowledge of the route, however, one of the difficulties may be locating a suitable camping area as the trekking organizations may be quite protective of the space on the mountain.
Is Climbing Acatenango a Rewarding Experience?
Undeniably, the trek up Acatenango volcano is worth the effort! It’s a must-do item on everyone’s list. An experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
I can confidently say that the trek up Acatenango and Fuego is one of the most difficult hikes I’ve ever done, but the rewards make it worth it. Without a doubt, I consider this to be among the top 10 greatest hikes around the globe. It could even be considered to be among my top 5 treks.
One could not put a price on the experience of standing beside an active volcano, feeling the vibrations from the earth, and witnessing the fiery rocks being released. Other than Guatemala and Indonesia, I am not aware of any other destinations in the world where one can have such an experience.
Advice for Touring Guatemala
Here is some additional counsel for those considering a visit to the Central American nation of Guatemala.
I hope you had a great time reading this guide for the Acatenango trek and Volcan de Fuego in Guatemala. Appreciate you taking the time to look!
Be sure to save my travel blog so you can keep up with my upcoming guides on Guatemala!
Have a great journey!
Rather than simply copying the text, it is essential to restate the ideas in a unique manner to avoid plagiarism. This is achieved by altering the structure of the text while still maintaining the same context and semantic meaning. It is important to keep the formatting in the same style.
