A Helpful Guide to Acatenango Overnight Hike
Hiking Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala is an exhilarating adventure that offers breathtaking views and a challenging yet rewarding experience. The trek typically begins in the early morning hours, leading hikers through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rugged volcanic terrain. As you ascend, the air becomes cooler and thinner, adding to the sense of achievement with every step. The ultimate reward is reaching the summit, where you are greeted with panoramic vistas of the surrounding highlands and a front-row seat to the active Fuego Volcano, which frequently spews ash and lava. Camping overnight on the volcano is the best way to go, allowing you as the hiker to witness the stunning sunrise and the dramatic eruptions of Fuego against the night sky. The hike is demanding and probably one of the hardest hikes you will do, but the spectacular scenery and the sense of accomplishment make it an unforgettable experience.
A helpful guide to Acatenango Overnight hike - Things to do in Guatemala
Acatenango Volcano: Acatenango is a stratovolcano located in the western highlands of Guatemala, towering at 3,976 meters (13,045 feet) above sea level. It is part of the Central American Volcanic Arc and is known for its challenging yet rewarding hiking trails. The ascent to Acatenango's summit takes adventurers through a variety of ecosystems, from lush cloud forests to barren, volcanic landscapes. The climb is demanding, but the panoramic views from the top, including a direct sightline to the nearby Fuego Volcano, make the effort worthwhile. Acatenango's peak provides an ideal vantage point to observe the dramatic eruptions of its neighbour, Fuego, offering an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
Fuego Volcano: Fuego, meaning "fire" in Spanish, is one of Central America's most active volcanoes, standing at 3,763 meters (12,346 feet). Located adjacent to Acatenango, Fuego is renowned for its frequent and vigorous eruptions, which spew ash, smoke, and lava into the sky. These spectacular volcanic displays can often be seen from miles away and are a major draw for visitors to the region. Despite its activity, Fuego is monitored closely, and its eruptions are usually predictable, allowing for safe observation from a distance. The combination of Acatenango and Fuego creates a dramatic landscape that highlights the powerful forces of nature, making this area a must-visit for adventurers and volcano enthusiasts.
A helpful guide to Acatenango Overnight hike - Things to do in Guatemala
When is the best time to complete this hike?
All the tour operators run these hikes all year round, in saying that however, the best time is usually between November – April, as this is considered the dry season. From May - October is the wet season but this usually means that it is clear and sunny in the mornings, clouding over at midday and rains for a couple of hours in the afternoon and then clears up again in the evening.
But as we can never really predict the weather it is never guaranteed that you’ll have perfect conditions. Tours are more likely to book out a few weeks in advance from January - April, so if you want to do it and know the dates you will be there I would get this booked in so you don’t miss out. The rest of the year you can pretty much book a few days in advance so you can book depending on weather conditions.
A helpful guide to Acatenango Overnight hike - Things to do in Guatemala
Choosing the right tour operator for you
There are many different tour operators out there now providing an unforgettable volcano hiking experience, It is up to your personal choice and availability as to which one you do but here are some recommendations :
V-Hiking Tours: This is the company that I went with and I couldn’t fault them in any way! They are a family-run organisation and every guide is very experienced and helpful. You can leave your main bag at the base and just take up the essentials, If you don’t have everything you need that’s okay because here they offer a hire service for cheap to help you make sure that you are extra prepared. These tours start from GTQ 600.00 (AUD 113 or USD 78) for a shared cabin or GTQ 850.00 (AUD 160 or USD 110) for a private cabin. https://v-hiking.tours/en/
Optional Extras include:
Hire a Porter to Carry your Bag (1 Day) - 250Q (47 AUD or 33 USD)
Hire a Porter to Carry your Bag (2 Days) - 450Q (85 AUD or 59 USD)
You can also decide at base camp if you would like to do the optional extra hike to Fuego if you feel up to it and the weather permits. This is 200Q (38 AUD or 25 USD) and is to be paid once you return from the hike.
Wicho & Charlie's: This is another popular family-run tour company that offers a 2-day hike of Acatenango, they offer the same experience and also a 4WD option instead of hiking if that is an issue for you. The cost for this tour starts from 1037Q (195 AUD or 134 USD) for a shared cabin or 2625Q (491 AUD or 339 USD) for a private cabin. The 4WD option is 689Q (129 AUD or 89 USD) https://wichoandcharlies.com
OX Expeditions: This company offers a range of different tours including hiking Acatenango, they are very professional and have been running since 2004. They offer both a day trip and an overnight trip, Day trips start from 534Q (100 AUD or 69 USD) and overnight start from 766Q (143 AUD or 99 USD). https://oxexpeditions.com/tours/acatenango-overnight-hike/
Do your research to see which company best aligns with you and your needs, any of these three a great options if you don’t want to look into it too much. Also, note that if you are thinking of doing it on your own I highly recommend against that decision, It is a difficult hike and if you are not prepared well things can go very wrong. Supporting local tour companies and allowing them to keep you safe is the best way possible to experience this adventure.
A helpful guide to Acatenango Overnight hike - Things to do in Guatemala
What to pack for hiking Acatenango
Hiking Acatenango Volcano requires proper preparation, as the trail can be tough and conditions vary significantly between the base and summit. Here’s a list of essential items to bring:
Warm Clothing: Temperatures at the summit can drop below freezing, especially at night. Layers, including thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof windbreaker, are necessary. Gloves, a beanie, and a scarf will also help with the cold.
Sturdy Footwear: Hiking boots with good ankle support and grip are crucial due to the steep, rocky, and sometimes slippery terrain.
Backpack: A comfortable backpack with enough capacity to carry your supplies, including water, food, and extra clothing.
Water: At least 4 liters of water per person, as there are no water sources along the trail.
Snacks and Meals: High-energy snacks like nuts, protein bars, dried fruits, and meals if camping overnight. Some guided tours provide meals, but it’s important to confirm.
Headlamp/Flashlight: Essential if you’re planning to camp or start the hike early, as parts of the hike may be in darkness.
Camping Gear: If camping, bring a warm sleeping bag (rated for freezing temperatures), a tent, and a sleeping mat. Many tour companies provide this gear.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are important for sun exposure, especially at higher altitudes.
Rain Gear: A poncho or waterproof jacket, as the weather on the volcano can be unpredictable.
Trekking Poles: Helpful for stability on steep sections and loose volcanic ash.
Personal First-Aid Kit: For minor injuries, blisters, and altitude sickness prevention.
Having the right gear ensures a safer and more comfortable hike to fully enjoy the stunning views and experience Acatenango’s rugged beauty.
A helpful guide to Acatenango Overnight hike - Things to do in Guatemala
Should I do the extra Hike to Fuego?
The extra hike to Fuego Volcano in Guatemala is an exhilarating but demanding side trek from the main Acatenango hike. For those seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure, it’s worth the effort, as Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The additional hike typically takes six hours and involves steep, rugged terrain, often in volcanic ash. While it requires physical endurance and some tolerance for discomfort, the reward is witnessing the powerful eruptions of Fuego up close, as it spews ash, rocks, and sometimes lava into the sky. Seeing the eruptions from such a close distance is a rare and awe-inspiring experience that many adventurers consider the highlight of their Guatemalan journey. However, it’s important to assess your fitness level, and comfort with the risks, and to go with an experienced guide, as the conditions can be hazardous. If you're up for the challenge, the hike to Fuego is an unforgettable experience.
Depending on how you feel hiking Acatenango depends on weather or not you should continue doing the extra hike as it is a lot harder than the hike to base camp. I decided not to do it and just watch the sunset and enjoy watching Fuego erupt, I am very glad I did because the weather wasn’t the best when everyone who did the extra hike didn’t get to see anything as the clouds set in, they were quite disappointed.
A helpful guide to Acatenango Overnight hike - Things to do in Guatemala
How difficult is this hike?
Hiking Acatenango is considered a challenging trek, both due to its physical demands and the varying conditions hikers face. You hike for around 4-6 hours on the first day depending on your fitness level and reach an elevation of 3400m at Acatenango base camp, making the hike steep and strenuous. The difficulty is compounded by the altitude, as the thin air near the summit can cause shortness of breath and fatigue, especially for those not acclimatized. The trail itself takes hikers through different ecosystems, from lush forests at the base to volcanic terrain near the top, with parts of the path being loose, slippery, and rocky.
Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, with freezing temperatures and strong winds near the summit, particularly for those camping overnight. Despite these challenges, hikers with a moderate to good fitness level can complete the trek, especially with breaks and proper preparation. Many also find that the rewards—stunning views, the proximity to the erupting Fuego Volcano, and the sense of accomplishment—make the difficulty well worth the effort.
My Story: I do enjoy a good hike but I am not a fan of elevation, however, I was very worried about completing this hike as I had heard from many people that it was very difficult and I didn’t know if I was fit enough to complete. You have to be mentally prepared beforehand and I advise taking altitude medication (I did this and didn’t get sick), I took many breaks and at some points wanted for it to just end but I completed the hike to base camp in 4.5 hours and I was pretty proud of myself for that. I wouldn’t consider myself to be an experienced hiker and think that many people can complete this by taking it slow and allowing yourself to take as many breaks as you may need.
Tips for Hiking Acatenango!
Best time to see Lava: The most active times to see Lava exploding from Fuego are between 7 pm-8 pm & 3 am-4 am, this is when Fuego is most active and the coolest thing is you can hear it erupt!
Use Poles: I highly recommend using walking poles to assist with this hike, both on the way up and down. I couldn’t have imagined doing this without them and they saved me from falling over on the way down.
Don’t book any activities after: You will be sore after this hike, I recommend booking a few nights around Antigua or Lake Atitlan to allow yourself time to recover.
Take Altitude Medication: Because of the elevation there is a risk that you could get altitude sickness, I took it as a precaution and I didn’t get sick thank goodness but I did see a few people not feeling so well and I would have hated to have experienced that at base camp. You can purchase this at chemists around Antigua if you didn’t purchase any earlier.