Acatenango Volcano Hike (Ultimate Guide & Best Tour in 2024)

👉 Jump to: About Acatenango Hike | How to Plan & Schedule | What to Anticipate | What is Required | Things to Know | History & Geography

Hiking Acatenango Volcano is without doubt one of the finest things to do in Guatemala. Some even say it’s one of the best things to do in all of Central America.

I spent 3 weeks traveling through Guatemala and decided I couldn’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime overnight hike. Let me tell you: it was very difficult, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I had some questions before hiking Acatenango, and I wish I`d had access to this guide beforehand. In this article, you’ll obtain information about what to anticipate, the best Acatenango tours available, and whether or not the Acatenango hike is suitable for your needs.

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About the Acatenango Volcano Hike

The activity suggested in the hyperlink is a multi-day trek that involves overnight camping near a prominent volcanic mountain located just outside the city of Antigua in Guatemala. Hiking this volcanic terrain is quite difficult but generally possible for people of average fitness levels.

This hike takes you from the base of Volcano Acatenango to a base camp, where you can see two volcanoes: Agua Volcano and Fuego Volcano. From here, you have the choice to hike further up Fuego Volcano. In the morning, you can opt to hike to the Acatenango summit for sunrise, which is highly recommended.

How to Book & Plan Your Acatenango Volcano Hike Tour

Carefully selecting a reputable tour company to guide your trek up Acatenango volcano is extremely important for planning purposes. I undertook my climb with OX Expeditions (linked) and could not have been more pleased with my choice.

Many tour companies operating Acatenango hikes, and based on my own experience and what I heard from other travelers who went with different tour companies, I can say that OX really exceeds expectations.

OX Expeditions gets you ready in advance, lets you know what to anticipate, is extremely knowledgeable and professional, and runs the hike like a well-organized machine. Every aspect has been thought of and properly planned for.

Hiking Acatenango is one of the most frequented activities that individuals can participate in within the city of Antigua. Companies like OX Expeditions regularly provide the hike daily. Individuals can pre-book their Acatenango overnight hike well in advance, but pre-booking is not necessary. I scheduled my hike only a few days beforehand.

What to Expect on Your Acatenango Overnight Hike

The Day Before the Acatenango Hike:

For those selecting a hike through OX Expeditions, an orientation before the trek is suggested to meet the lead guide and fellow trekkers. During the orientation, the guide will outline what to anticipate and respond to any inquiries.

I found this extremely useful since I’m someone who appreciates being ready. I felt significantly better going into the hike the following morning.

The Morning of the Hike:

One of California`s major metropolitan regions is San Francisco, which is surrounded on three sides by water. San Francisco is renowned for its Bohemian atmosphere and beautifully scenic surroundings, attracting visitors for hundreds of years.

This is also when the food supplied by OX is portioned out among everyone. This incorporates your sandwich for lunch, pre-prepared dinner, and two “community” food items.

Once everyone is packed and prepared, OX takes the group to a cafe for a hearty, traditional Guatemalan breakfast. Following breakfast, a shuttle transports you about one hour to the base of Acatenango. Here, you can use the restroom and rent hiking poles (which OX necessitates you to obtain, and trust me, you’ll want them).

On the Acatenango Hike:

You can envision the Acatenango Volcano hike in four phases. This is because you’ll pass through four different geographic areas throughout the 1.5-day hike, and each area has its own micro-environment. You’ll also pass through two national parks.

The initial phase of the hike passes through a farmland region and typically lasts one to one and a half hours. This portion is the most challenging of the entire route apart from the morning summit climb. Continuous elevation gain from the start demands finding a steady pace.

The entire hike is challenging but I promise you, the initial feeling of “I can’t do this” arises and passes.

The next phase of the Acatenango volcano hike is through a cloud forest region. This lasts 1.5-2 hours and resembles a dense, thick jungle. There are many switchbacks and you’ll pass through the first national park in this phase. Entrance fees are 50Q per person.

The third stage of the hike lasts around 2 hours and passes through alpine terrain. Hikers will stop to eat lunch during this section before entering the second national park entrance (again requiring a 50Q fee). The destination of base camp is reached after traveling through the mountainous region where cooler temperatures begin to set in.

At Base Camp:

It feels like an accomplishment to finally reach Acatenango base camp. You’ll be tired after 4-6 hours of hiking, but this is a really rewarding moment because most of the hike is behind you. You can simply relax and enjoy the sweeping views if it’s clear out.

Base camp has wooden huts and each one includes items for outdoor living like sleeping pads and sleeping bags. There is also a sitting area, basic outdoor kitchen, and fire pit at the camp site. An outhouse with a drop toilet is available too, but many people prefer to just go behind some bushes.

You’ll likely be given some snacks before dinner. I opted to stay behind instead of doing the Fuego hike and we enjoyed hot chocolate and banana bread. For dinner, we had pasta with vegetable marinara sauce and even red wine.

It becomes dark rather quickly at base camp, so most individuals head to sleep early. Temperatures can get fairly cold during this time, but the cabins are truly warm and cozy.

Around midnight, my group got hugely fortunate and got to witness volcanic activity and eruptions from Fuego. Bright lava exploded from the volcano and it was one of the most unforgettable parts of the trip.

On the Fuego Hike:

Hiking Fuego Volcano is an optional additional hike. This hike extends another 3 miles roundtrip and lasts for about 4 hours. It starts from the base camp and brings you up closer to the nearby Fuego Ridge. Here, you are able to see Fuego Volcano more closely, weather permitting. Undertaking both hikes is known as doing the “two-for-one hike.”

You can opt whether or not to embark on Fuego once reaching base camp and relaxing for a couple hours. This permits deciding if you’re prepared for the climb.

I didn’t undertake the hike to Fuego but I heard from others that it was extremely challenging. However, it’s supposed to be incredible if the weather is favorable.

On the Summit Hike:

The 1.5-hour hike to the summit of Acatenango for sunrise is the final stage of the trek. It’s the most difficult part of the entire hike, but it’s also the most spectacular. The summit hike is optional so you’re welcome to stay at base camp. However, I strongly advise you to do this part of the hike if you’re able.

Expect to wake up at 3:30 am to start your ascent. You’ll hike up a steep and narrow pathway that’s full of loose rock. This loose rock in combination with the extremely high altitude is what makes summiting Acatenango so challenging.

Upon reaching the Acatenango summit—astounding views await. It feels as if on another world. Panoramic perspectives of Agua Volcano and Fuego Volcano will greet. One will feel atop the world. My group incredibly witnessed an eruption of Fuego Volcano from the summit. Surreal it was.

Physically:

Antigua, Guatemala is already situated at a fairly high altitude of 5,069 feet. From Antigua, you gain even more elevation by reaching the base of Acatenango Volcano at 7,952 feet. Then from the volcano`s base to its summit, you gain almost 5,000 additional feet in elevation. Simply put, you`ll definitely feel this rapid altitude change during your hike up Acatenango volcano.

OX guides are fully equipped for the degree of difficulty and the entire hike maintains a steady pace. You can expect regular breaks every 30 minutes or so, which I found set the perfect tempo. Each break lasts approximately 10-15 minutes and allows you to rest, catch your breath, and replenish on water and snacks.

Just know that you will experience overall shortness of breath. Experiencing slowed down and like every requires you to exert more vitality is standard because of the altitude. You just have to keep placing one foot before the other and know it’s as much a mental attempt as it is physical.

What You Need for the Acatenango Volcano Hike

Most of what you’ll need for this Acatenango overnight hike, you’ll have to transport with you. Additional layers, water, and personal articles are all necessities for travel you’ll require. This being said, OX provides a lot, including food, as well as camping and hiking gear, which you can rent at no extra cost.

What You Need:

• Your own hiking shoes
• Backpack (55L is recommended)
• A dry-fit shirt 
• Fleece layer 
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Hiking pants 
• Leggings or base layer
• Beanie
• Headlamp
• Gloves 
• 4 liters of water
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses 
• Toilet paper 
• About 400-500 Quetzales (local currency)

What They Provide:

• Sleeping bags & sleeping pads at base camp
• Cabins
• Food (4 meals)
• Transportation to and from Acatenango
• Backpacks 
• Outer layers (coats, gloves, hats, etc.)
• Headlamps
• Rain protection
• Sifted water (they have liters of water accessible at the OX office, but I suggest bringing your own)

What I Recommend Bringing:

• Personal items such as medications and basic toiletries
• Snacks for on-the-go consumption
• Adhesive bandages or Tape used for blisters
• Mineral-filled tablets
• Dark chocolate (this helps with altitude sickness, I recommend obtaining some locally)
• Cleansing items
• A layer of wool clothing worn under other layers for insulation and moisture wicking
• Plastic bag/s for your trash 

👉 For more packing guidance, see my full Guatemala packing checklist.

Things to Know Ahead of Time

Prepare your Body Ahead of Time

The climb up Acatenango volcano overnight is no light undertaking. I recommend preparing your body 24 hours in advance to make the whole Acatenango hike less arduous.

Hydrate the day beforehand. This can make a massive difference concerning elevation sickness. I drank over 2 liters of water the day prior to my hike. Based on my experience, I didn’t feel any symptoms of elevation in terms of nausea and dizziness because of this.

You should also try to get quality sleep. Have a nourishing meal and avoid alcohol consumption the night before as well.

If help is needed to find a good hotel in Antigua, check out my guide to the best places to remain in Antigua.

You Can Bring Your Own Backpack or Rent One

Many people who choose to hike Volcano Acatenango are travelers or outdoor enthusiasts who already possess their own backpacks. However, if you lack a hiking backpack or would prefer utilizing one of the OX backpacks, you are able. Just carry your belongings to the OX office on the morning of your hike and you are able to transfer your things then.

You Need Hiking Boots

Many people have undertaken and do undertake this hike in typical gym shoes, but it is highly recommended to wear proper hiking boots instead. This is because most of the Acatenango volcano hike is steep. Having proper protection, grip, and ankle support is key.

Altitude Sickness is Real

Common signs of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to prevent symptoms.

Another quick tip to potentially alleviate symptoms is consuming dark chocolate as recommended by guides. Bringing electrolyte tablets is also a good idea.

You Can’t Predict the Weather

Generally, there’s little use attempting to forecast or choose an ideal weather day for your volcano hike, particularly during Guatemala’s rainy season. Conditions are notoriously unpredictable during this period.

It may rain or storm during your hike, but guides are prepared for these situations. And bad weather is likely to pass. Provided you have good hiking boots and gear such as quickly drying hiking pants, a backpack cover, and a rain jacket or poncho, you’ll be fine.

You Can Hire a Porter

The Acatenango volcano hike tour company offers having a porter transport your bag up and down the mountain, which costs 200 Quetzales each way plus a deserved gratuity. Using a porter is a great choice for older or less physically fit hikers who want to focus on enjoying the scenery without strain. As the company said, having someone else handle your things makes for a relaxing experience.

I elected to hire portage both ways since I knew the physical strain of a heavy bag would be excessive for me on the already strenuous climb with my smaller stature. I`m glad I did. And certainly don`t feel ashamed to hire portage as, ultimately, you`re still conquering a volcano.

Expect to See Dogs

Anticipate to see some stray canines during your Acatenango overnight hike. You’ll see them starting at the base of Acatenango all the way to the summit. In my experience, they were all super affable and they honestly made the hike a little sweeter. Think of them as a little bonus.

History & Geography of Acatenango Volcano

Volcano Acatenango is one of 37 volcanoes in Guatemala. Acatenango is not an energetic volcano, but neighboring Fuego Volcano is. Volcano Acatenango was formed about 43,000 to 70,000 years ago and its last eruption was in 1972.

The Acatenango hike passes through four geographic areas, each with its own microclimate. The farmland area, cloud forest area, alpine area, and volcanic area. This implies that the hike takes visitors through really diverse but beautiful landscapes. Views will include everything from rolling mountains and rich greenery to volcanic areas above the tree line.

👉 Continue Reading: Accommodation Options in Lake Atitlan

FAQs About Acatenango

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Hopefully, you’ve gained a decent sense of what to anticipate on the Acatenango Volcano overnight hike. Overall, I was genuinely impressed with OX Expeditions and strongly recommend reserving with them for your Acatenango hike. It really is one of the best activities to engage in in Antigua.