ca tours acatenango

CA Travelers

Availability

Acatenango tour.

Our all included tour is the best option to enjoy this beautiful volcano which travelers have rated it as the most beautiful volcano in all Central America, its beauty is due to the twin volcano Fuego which is active and performs an extraordinary eruption for all the travelers at our camping area on Acatenango.

CA Travelers campsite is located at 3,600 MASL just in front of the Fuego Volcano and if it is clear enough you will be able to see Pacaya and Agua volcanoes as well.  

Our cabins are for 3 people but we share them between only 2 people so you have more space and be more comfortable. 

Each bed has a pillow, – 6°C sleeping bag, extra blanket, a 5″ or 12cm comfortable mattress, under the matt all over the tent we have a waterproof carpet to isolate the cold from the bottom.

(The campsite is already set up, you do not need to carry any of the camping gear)

Extras! We provide you with a clean inner sleeping bag and the campsite got its own outhouse so you don’t have to share with other groups. 

In our tourism project we work together with a cooperative of local guides CAT (Comité de Autogestión Turística) conformed by the people of the community San Jose Calderas, Chimaltenango. (Note :we will be making a small price adjustment to the Acatenango Tour starting January 2024 the price will be Q630)

What's included?

What to bring.

The shuttle picks up tourists in their hostels or agreed places.

1:00 p. m. (next day)

The weather forecast: When it comes to the Acatenango volcano, the weather forecast is almost always wrong.

It is very difficult to predict the weather as the volcano has his own climate (Subtropical cloudy rainy forest). But what we can tell you is that at least 90% of groups that climbed the volcano can see the whole thing (Eruptions & Sunrise) that even in rainy season.

Our supply center is also the storage room, if you hostal does not offer this service you can also take the luggage with us and after the tour you can pick it up.

Your backpack needs to be 40L at least. If you have a bigger one it is much better. Please trust us on this one! The most comfortable you are the better the experience will be for you.

We have only a couple of spare backpacks, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE , so make your reservation in advance in case you need a backpack to get one, the renting price is Q50 per backpack and you need to take care of it!

Porters are available one way or roundtrip.

Each way is Q200 per backpack, carrying no more than 25 pounds or 12 kilos.

If your backpack is between 12.1 - 14 kilos is Q300 each way and if your backpack is between 14.1 -16 kilos is Q400 each way. Please keep in mind that if you hire a porter the money goes straight to his family.

We have a horse service just if the circumstances warrant its use. (Like back or knee problems.)

The price each way is Q600. This service is to help the customer to ease her/his way up or down on the volcano.

It is really important that you understand that you CANNOT BE ON THE HORSE ALL THE TIME.

We do not support animal cruelty, this is why we suggest to use the horse as the last resource.

We request an ID as a deposit for the equipment, so bring your driver license or your passport. Any of these two would work for us.

Please bring a real ID, a copy does not work for us. Once the equipment is returned you get back your ID.

Our rainponcho is to cover you and your backpack from the rain. If you have your raincoat and your cover for the backpack, then you can bring it!

The change of altitud can affect your body, you may feel nauseous, headache or dizzy. You need to start the hike really slow for the first hour for you body to adapt to it and also sip water all the time. If you get altitud sickness the guides have some pills to make you feel better.

If you are likely to be affected by altitud, is better to start taking the altitude sickness pills 2 day prior the hike (1 per day). At the pharmacy you find ACETAZOLAMIDE.

The recommended amount of water is between 3 to 4 liters of water for the whole tour. Please make sure to bring the amount of water you consider necessary for your body. There is no way to refill the camelbak at the campsite.

Also we suggest not to bring more than 5 liters of water as the weight would make the first 2 hours unbearable.

After the first hour you will find the first gate for Acatenango town and there you need fill a form to access to the park.

The porters, the horse owners, (all payments made at the trek) need tobe in cash and quetzales. So please make sure to bring the cash you will need for the adventure.

The walking sticks are strongly recommended to help you to go up anddown the volcano. They are rented for Q10 each stick at the entrance of the volcano.

Going up is nice for you not to slide down. And coming down helps you with your knees.

These sticks are rented and you need to give them back to the owner.

Everything that we provide for the trek is optional, if you have your own equipment as jacket, liner, raincoat, headlamp, camelbak or gloves you can bring them, sometimes our customers feel more comfortable using their own stuff.

Please understand that we want to provide you everything that you need for you to have a great experience. If you destroy any of these items you will need to pay for it.

The campsite is already set up for you, please take care of all the  equipment provided over there:

• Do not take out the sleeping bag, the liner, the mattress or anything else from the tent.
• Do not bring your shoes inside the tents.
• Respect the guides and their instructions.
• No music is allowed in the National Park, if you want to play music at the campsite please keep it low.

We are not responsible of items forgotten in the tents, at the campsite or supply center (storage room).

Please make sure you have everything you need to take with you before leaving the campsite.

We work with community guides of San Jose Calderas. In this community we find hard working people that are looking for a better future for their kids and themselves.

A large percentage of the population of this community illegally migrate to the United States looking for a better life for their families. Lack of education is one of the main factors why these people are not eligible for well paid jobs.

Our goal is to create enough jobs through the travel agency so these people do not need to travel to the United States and have a decent life with their families.

These villages close to the volcano has been forgotten by the goverment so sustainable tourism is our proposal to help the community prosper.

At the volcano some dogs may join the group and follow you for food or water. They are friendly and they are looking to survive and get some love from you.

If you would like to bring some dog treats with you to share with them, we are sure they will be more than happy.

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7 Best Acatenango Hike Tour Companies 2023

Ready for the challenge and exhilaration of hiking Acatenango Volcano ? All you have to do now is choose which Acatenango hike tour company to book. There are a lot of them, so I’ve tried to simplify the process for you by putting together a list of the top-rated companies offering Acatenango hike tours.

Have a look below for some quick information on what each tour company includes, their price tags, and a handful of reviews for each one so you can make the most informed choice.

Table of Contents: V-Hiking Tours – $65 Wicho & Charlie’s – $65 OX Expeditions – $89 Old Town Outfitters – $125 Trek Guatemala – $149 Tropicana Tours – $67 Balam Tours – $61.50

Acatenango Hike Tour with V-Hiking Tours

V-Hiking Tours is one of the best Acatenango Hike Tour Companies available. The company was founded by owner-operator Elvin Soy, an Inguat-certified guide. Elvin grew up in the town of San José Calderas, just two miles from the Acatenango Volcano trailhead. He started climbing when he was six years old, so he has a lifetime of experience on the mountain.

Elvin founded this company to provide work opportunities for people in his community. This way, they won’t have to emigrate to the U.S. and can provide for their families.

Book with this tour company for an awesome trekking experience. Not only that, you’ll get a cultural experience as well—eating a typical Guatemalan breakfast prepared in the home of your guide.

Still not sure? V-Hiking has 57 Trip Advisor reviews. One is “Very Good” the other 56 are “Excellent.”

Cost of the Acatenango Hike Tour with V-Hiking

Q500 per person for tourists Q400 per person for Guatemalans

• Private Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Antigua to the volcano
• Professional Inguat-licensed guides
• Entrance into the park
• 2 Breakfasts (one will be a typical breakfast prepared by the mother of the guide)
• Camping Equipment: Tents, comfortable mattresses, clean sleeping bags

Does Not Include:

Guide gratuity Additional backpacking/Hiking Supplies

What to pack and bring yourself

• Comfortable (non-cotton) or quick-drying pants and shirts
• Shoes or boots with thick soles and good traction
• Two pairs of socks (to change into in the evening)
• Sunglasses if the weather is sunny
• Warm sweater (fleece) for the evening.
• Two layers of clothing to keep warm: (thermal shirt and long sleeve shirt.) 
• Waterproof jacket or windbreaker
• Tuc or beanie cap
• Warm gloves
• Flashlight (headlamp with sufficient charge, or extra batteries)
• Personal medications if you have medications prescribed by your physician
• Personal hygiene kit (toilet paper roll, disinfectant gel etc.) 
• At least 3 liters of water
• Backpack that fits all the equipment on this list (35-45 liters)

Important Information about the Acatenango Hike Tour with V-Hiking Tours

• Pickup at your hotel in Antigua is at 7 a.m.
• Book through the V-Trekking Website
• There is one guide for every 7 trekkers
• Their private camp has great views of Fuego erupting
• All the meals will be freshly prepared and hot
• Sunrise from the summit

What they say about themselves:

Elvin, the founder of V-Trekking “began offering tours to Acatenango to provide employment for his family and the people of his community so that they would not have to migrate to the United States like many others. And also to show tourists the warmth and hospitality that Guatemala has to offer.”

Amazing views at camping area, excellent coordination and professional tour guides. The best there is! Great experience. – Marielos W

V-Hiking tours are the best around. I did this tour with my brother on 11/02/22 and couldn’t have been happier with our experience. Elvin and his guides are amazing – very hard working, laid back and friendly. Food was tasty from the breakfast at the family home to the spaghetti dinner in the evening and tents were comfortable. Our group was really interesting and kind, a massive difference from the other tour companies (Ox, Wicho and Charlies etc) who seemed chavvy and loud. Camp is at the front so he the best view of Fuego. No need to carry tents, cooking water etc up like other tour companies. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a friendly, hard-working, kind and reliable tour company. Thank you to Elvin and his team! -Daniel

I highly recommend V-Hiking tours. They are the people who formed all the Acatenango guides. They are the ones who started the mountaineering activity of the area. They have great knowledge and put safety first, unlike other tours you’ll find in the area. Elvin and his family also spend 10% of your purchase on charity activities of the Acatenango communities. They are a super committed and warm family. Enjoy your trip, you won’t regret it. -Sebson

Thank you V-hiking, that’s was amazing!

Many thanks to Elvin, his family and crew, we passed probably one of the best moments of our world tour. From start to the end, everything was perfect: travel, food, treks, camping… He has invited us in his family to degust Guatemaltec dinner and breakfast, try traditional clothes etc… During the trek and in the camp, all the guides were really attentive, food was good, tent was comfortable, and of course, el magico fuego 😍. Unforgettable, we hope we will see you again one day. – Oceane

One of the most amazing experiences of my life. My partner and I got picked up right near our air b&b by Elvin, driven to his home and ate a traditional & tasty homemade breakfast made by his very sweet mom, who showed me how to make tortillas 🙂 Rony, our guide for the journey, joined us soon after and we headed to the trailhead. Rony was so much fun and extremely competent- I felt incredibly secure to complete the arduous hike with him as our guide. We were an athletic group and got up to the campsite in about 3-3.5 hours; Rony set everything up when we got there, made a fire, hot cocoa, coffee, and then dinner. He was a great conversationalist and made the experience what it was: so great and memorable. I had an emotional experience with those volcanoes let me tell you. Thank you SO much V Hiking team. We highly recommend this crew.

******Also, side note to tourists, please consider when making your travel plans to go with Guatemalan-owned businesses. Most of the travel agencies in Antigua central are owned by internationals. Buy local always.******** – Lauren m e

GREAT EXPERIENCE – Elvin and his family were so accommodating and helpful to help us get ready before climbing the volcano. No worry if you don’t have equipment, they have everything!!! Then, the next day we climbed the volcano and our guide was so nice and motivating!

We arrived at the camp where there was a nice shelter and the camp is super well organized – all the equipment provided is top quality and I was not cold at all!!! The guide prepared our food at night and then the next morning we woke up at 3.30 am to go to the top. The experience is amazing but more than that, Elvin was so nice and welcomed us into his family!

This is a magical experience – and no worry if you are not the most experienced climber ever, they go at your rhythm and no one rushes you. I think with motivation, everyone can do it. I highly recommend V-hiking you won’t be disappointed!! – Virginie DL

Review Sources

Go to V-Hiking Tours Site

Acatenango Hike Tour with Wicho & Charlie’s

Wicho & Charlie’s is a hostel located in Antigua Guatemala. In 2017 they branched out and started offering overnight Acatenango hike tours. They provide plant-based food, high-quality guides, and high-quality gear. Proceeds from the hike help feed 600 dogs and 200 cats at animal sanctuaries and also helps plant 500 trees every year.

What really sets Wicho & Charlie’s apart is that instead of offering tents, they have A-frame cabins at base camp, that will keep you out of the wind and cold, and safe from eruptions. They also summit Acatenango at sunset (usually), which I personally loved when I did my hike up the volcano. Once hikers reach base camp, they have the option to tack on the Fuego Volcano tour for an additional fee (paid upon return).

All Included Acatenango Hike Tour Package:

*Includes: 3 meals, snacks, guide, cabin with camping gear, essential gear, and transportation

• $65 per person (staying in a shared cabin)
• $79.5 per person (staying in a private two-person cabin – total comes to $159)

Economy Acatenango Hike Tour Package

*Includes: guide, cabin with camping gear, and transportation

• $45 per person (staying in a shared cabin)
• $57.50 per person (staying in a private two-person cabin – total comes to $115)

Gear Rentals

• $1.5 each for hat, scarf, buff, winter gloves, multi-layer jacket (included in the All Included Package)
• $7 for a 40-liter backpack
• $3 for a trekking pole
• $2.5 for thermal base layers
• $2 for merino wool socks
• $1 for a 250-lumen headlamp
• $1.5 for three AAA batteries (for headlamp)
• $5 for boots (check availability)

Porter Services on Acatenango Hike

*Paid to porter in cash. USD amounts below are estimates.

• $20 (Q 150) for 22 pounds
• $26 (Q200) for 23-33 pounds
• $32 (Q250) for 34-44 pounds

Other Optional Add-ons:

$8 for a 1 liter box of wine

All Included Acatenango Hike Tour Package Includes:

• Bilingual community guide trained in first aid, mountain rescue and evac (1 guide for every 6 hikers)
• A-frame cabins at base camp, either shared (8 people) or private (2 people) with -10º sleeping bags, two ponchos, 6-inch foam mattress, and pillow
• Kitchen at base camp with gas-stove and basic eating and cooking gear (minimal wood use and no single use plastics to protect the environment)
• Beach chairs at base camp
• Roundtrip transportation to trail-head in a certified and insured tourism bus
• Lunch: Adobo soy protein, rice & beans with cilantro sauce
• Dinner: Lentil curry with rice and bread
• Breakfast: Instant Oats & PBJ sandwich
• Snacks: apple, banana, 2 granola bars, peanuts
• Quality winter gloves
• Jacket, wind-breaker, middle layer
• Water bottle

Does not include :

• Entrance Fee and Hiking Permit (approximately $15)
• Extra snacks
• Toilet Paper
• Guide gratuity

Important Info about the Acatenango hike tour:

• Arrive at the agency at 8 am
• Storage area available
• 9 am departure from Antigua
• Once hikers reach base camp, they can choose to proceed to Fuego Volcano for an additional fee (paid upon return). This hike includes a safety helmet and masks against volcanic fumes.
• Sunset at the summit (unless weather makes this impossible, in which case it is swapped to a sunrise hike)
• Showers available at the agency for a $1-2 donation
• You must cancel 18 or more hours in advance of the hike if you want a refund.
• If Wicho & Charlie’s cancels the hike due to weather, natural disasters, or the pandemic, you will receive an 80-100% refund.
• There are no refunds or discounts for the Fuego hike if you participate, regardless of views or weather

What they say about themselves :

“The story of Wicho & Charlie started early in the ’90s with our two dads raising us with an entrepreneurial spirit. The attitude to do things right and that there’s no higher purpose than to be of service to others.”

“We don’t use tents. We believe in safety. Our cabins are a safe shelter ready to withstand eruptions like the one in 2018 and also protect you against the possible harsh weather in Acatenango. We care about you, your experience, and your safety without compromising quality. 

“We have the only cabins on the volcano with good quality gear that is already waiting for you at camp”

Review Roundup for the Acatenango hike tour with Wicho & Charlie’s

Wicho & Charlie’s is amazing!!! The guides were so kind, helpful, encouraging, and patient. They wanted everyone to have a good experience. The gear rentals were great as well! Good spot on Acatenango to see Fuego all night long. Can’t say enough good things! Kathryn B Thank you so much, Wicho & Charlie’s for making this experience possible! very uncomplicated, chilled and professional! Was very thankful for the wooden tents;) Everyone visiting Guatemala should go to Acatenango/Fuego… it‘s sooooooo much worth it. you have to work hard for it – but you can do it. Great job guys! Olivia Had a great experience with our tour guide Benjamin climbing Acatenango and doing the additional hike to Fuego. This hike was the main purpose of our trip and we initially had trouble finding a guide until we heard about Wicho and Charlie’s. They had all the gear for us to rent. They have sturdy metal A-frame cabins at base camp which adds some extra peace of mind since your so close to Fuegos eruptions. I would highly recommend 4.5 L of water per person and take lots of layers as it’s very cold at the summit. Jeff A Did the 2-day 1-night Acatentango hike as quite a last-minute decision due to the high recommendation for another backpacker who had done the trip a few days before. Popped into Wicho&Charlie one evening and found the staff super friendly and helpful and reassuring. Came back the next day to book and spoke to another member of staff who was also excellent, really putting us at ease and felt secure choosing this company… Once at base camp you can choose to stay there, continue for 1.5hrs up to the summit for sunset and 30mins down, or 1.5hrs across to Fuego and 2hrs back. As we could see how close Fuego was and how amazing it looked, we opted to hike over to Fuego. You leave at 4:30, arriving just before sunset at 6. Fairly easy hike over, and the views from the top are totally worth the extra effort and cost (extra 200Q pp). They give you lovely hot chocolate while you watch the sunset and wait for the lava eruptions! The trek back in the dark is harder – really have to concentrate on the slippery sandy paths by the light of your head torch, and it’s a hard climb back up after a long day. But still so worth the effort. The guides, porters, equipment, communication, price, perfect timing of everything made this trip perfect. The breakfast at the agency on the first morning was brilliant, great packed lunch to eat on the way up, ample dinner, and a nice porridge the following morning. Really glad we did the trip, and can highly recommend Wicho. What an experience. Expressive-one Review Sources: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295366-d12981672-Reviews-Wicho_Charlie_s-Antigua_Sacatepequez_Department.html

Go to Wicho & Charlie’s Site

Acatenango Hike Tour with OX Expeditions

OX Expeditions was founded “by mountaineers for mountaineers.” This company is known for quality gear, quality food, and professional guides certified in wilderness safety. On their Acatenango hike tour, they focus on client safety and comfort. They are also an eco-friendly company that supports Guatemalan kids by teaching them English, stewardship of the environment, and guide skills.

OX Expeditions targets adventure-seekers. They offer a range of action-packed tours such as mountain biking, kayaking, zip-lining, surfing, and of course, trekking volcanoes!

Cost of the Acatenango hike tour:

• Roundtrip transportation from Antigua
• Camping gear
• Warm clothes at no extra cost
• Breakfast before the tour, plus lunch, dinner, and breakfast on the tour, fresh coffee
• Bi-lingual professional guide
• Pre-trip meeting the day prior
• Free locker storage for luggage
• Entrance fee
• Book one week in advance
• Leaves Antigua at 7 AM
• Includes a crater run challenge where you have the chance to win a t-shirt
• Sunrise at the peak

What OX Expeditions say about themselves :

“We climb this volcano more than all our competition combined, rain or shine. Our professional guide team and organized procedures work hard to manage the unpredictable chaos of mother nature to provide a high-quality experience. It’s all about the details. We want each and every client to have an enjoyable time no matter where the adventure takes us. Another thing that sets us apart is we really care about the environment. Call us traditional but we pride ourselves on leaving no trace; we take all our gear up and bring everything back down. Hiking this way we protect the fragile volcanic ecosystem that we love so much.”

Review Roundup for the OX Expeditions Acatenango hike tour

This hike was WILD! It is definitely not for the faint of heart but you set your mind to it and go with a guide like Alonzo you’ll make it no problem. Alonzo from Ox was super skilled and let us know all of the ups and downs (mostly ups of the hike ?) He made the trip awesome and it made this extremely hard hike much more fun. Sara Reiland (1) A perfect trip – great guide (Romero) who provided thoughtful and insightful information regarding the hike, the mountains, the flora and fauna as well as the people. KC S (1) My boyfriend and I booked the Acatenango overnight hike with Ox Expeditions & were very happy with our adventure with them. Our guide was super knowledgeable and continually kept us updated with how much longer we had to go and made sure we had enough breaks to stop and rest. This is NOT an easy hike by ANY means, but the crew made sure that everybody stuck together. I also loved that once we got to base camp, we got the option to do the ‘double whammy’ and go to Fuego as well. We opted in for that, and MAN was that a cool experience. Ox was very professional in not letting us get TOO close to the erupting volcano, but finding us a nice spot where we could sit and see the eruptions out of the strong winds as best we can. On our way down, another company left behind an older man who was struggling to get down the mountain. With all the loose dirt, he kept falling. Our guide helped him down the rest of the way! If you are planning on doing either of these hikes, DEFINITELY go with Ox. There’s no better company to go with. Megan C (1) Pay the extra, it’s worth every cent. They provide ample food to keep you going from the morning to the end of the trip. They have great knowledgeable and helpful guides (Romeo & Daniel, you guys rock!), they are great at timing for sunsets and sunrises so you are first on the peaks to watch the lava show out of Fuego and get the best seats, even for sunrises on Acatengo. Plenty of rest breaks but still keep you on time. They don’t care how slow you are, they have endless patience and work really well as a team to keep you motivated and check on you when they notice you might not be doing too well. Tammy (1) I am a very experienced hiker but this experience was unpleasant. There were far too few guides and they left us because we “went too slow” and kept rushing us even though several people were sick from the altitude. There was no support and the guide kept wanting to split up the group so we had to walk alone even though it was completely dark. We only got a single piece of bread in many hours. Katja (1) Review Sources: 1

Check Rates and Book the OX Expedition Acatenango Hike Tour

Acatenango Hike Tour with Old Town Outfitters

Another great Acatenango hike tour company to consider is Old Town Outfitters. They have been in business for twenty years and has high reviews across the board. They are focused on offering unique experiences, including custom-tailored tours. They are known for high-quality guides and high-quality gear.

Old Town Outfitters also leads mountain bike tours across Guatemala and may be able to organize a custom Acatenango Mountain Bike trip. Just head to their website, get in touch through the contact form, and let them know what you’re looking for.

Cost of the Acatenango Hike Tour with Old Town Outfitters:

$125-170 (dependent on number of people)

• Roundtrip Transportation (from Antigua)
• Local guide
• Local bilingual guide with first aid training
• Entrance fees
• Lunch on the trail, dinner, breakfast, snacks, juice, coffee, tea
• Tents, sleeping bags and mats.
• Available for free upon request: backpacks, trekking poles, jackets
• Orientation video and pdfs

Does not include:

• Additonal snacks
• Hiking boots
• Flashlight/headlight

Important Info: 

• The hike leaves at 7:45 and returns around noon the next day.
• You can also opt to tack on their “Mountain to Sea” Tour, which will take you directly from the volcano to El Paredón Surf House, where you can relax on the beach and take a surfing lesson.

“ Go with the most-trusted operator, we have 20+ years of operating on Acatenango volcano and with our guides you will be in the best hands.”

“Every Old Town Outfitters’ product is committed to honoring our sustainable tourism philosophy:

• Work to support the local communities in all of the areas we visit
• Respect the cultures, beliefs and traditions in all of the areas we visit
• Respect the environment, work to utilize resources sustainably, and minimize our impact”

Review Roundup for Acatenango hike tour with Old Town Outfitters

Wow! The hike was a good challenge but too much, the gear (tents, sleeping bags) was comfortable and in good shape, and the views we’re SPECTACULAR. I have traveled the globe quite a bit and sitting around the campfire under a star-lit evening next to a live volcano spewing lava and sharing chili and wine with friends is an experience that his hard to beat. Our tour guide Old Town Outfitters was on top of everything … our guides cool and certainly knew what they were doing. Hands down the best activity in and around Antigua! Rich (1) Old Town outfitters has friendly staff in their office and engaging guides on the trail. The food was great and plentiful; no shortage of snacks. Old Town’s campsite is in a perfect location to see Fuego errupting. Per our guuide’s suggestion, we changed the plan upon arriving at camp and decided as a group to continue on to the summit rather than summit in the morning as originally planned. It turned out to be a great decision as the views of the sunset were sensational! Angus (1) Old town was excellent, very professional, safe and they gave us a choice between hot chocolate or a touch of wine at base camp. The food was great and the views are unbelievable. Bryant (1) The guides were knowledgeable and made sure to check in with the group often. Camp setup was great and the gear was perfect for the cold temperatures at night. Food was excellent. Roberto C (2) We had the most incredible time with Mario and Juan Pablo with Old Town Outfitters! The hike was crazy hard, but the views were so worth it! Watching Fuego erupt all night – FANTASTIC! And these guys, they took such good care of us. Great personalities, very professional, and so encouraging. Loved every part of our experience! Kristi C (2) Our guide Juan Carlos was great! His English was good and he took really great care of us! I had one porter up and down which I can highly recommend, especially when you’re going up alone, it’s a lot of gear to carry by yourself with all the mandatory water and warm clothes (which you really need!). The gear in in great shape, the food was really nice (build your own taco, on top of a mountain with fresh guacamole) and I loved the views and the hiking! Angela (2) The great thing about Old Town Outfitters is that everything is arranged perfectly: 2 English speaking guides on 4 people, freshly made lunch with tortillas, avocado, beans, etc. instead of carrying your own box with some bread and peanut butter, top located tents in base camp, dinner, drinks,… Our guides Juan Carlos and Josias were great, professional and told us a lot on the road. We’ve seen groups of 20 people on 1 guide and we were so happy that we booked the tour with Old Town Outfitters. Bart R (2) Old Town is the best company in Antigua!! Their guides are so friendly and knowledgeable and the office staff is efficient and helpful. We have used them for Pacaya and Acatenango trips and look forward to our next excursion with them. Highly highly recommended!! Briana Havey (3) Review Sources 1 , 2 , 3

Go to Old Town Outfitters Site

Acatenango Hike Tour with Trek Guatemala

One reason to choose Trek Guatemala to lead your Acatenango hike tour is because this company leads trekking expeditions all over Guatemala. They focus on culture, service, and sustainability. One of their selling points is that a place is all about the people. They want their clients to experience Guatemalan culture by meeting local people.

Based on reviews of other walking/hiking tours organized by Trek Guatemala, they can accommodate special diets and allergies.

Cost of Acatenango hike tour with Trek Guatemala:

• 2 guests: $229 per guest
• 3 guests: $189 per guest
• 4-5 guests: $169 per guest
• 6+ guests: $149 per guest
• Pre-departure packing list and trip briefing
• Multi-lingual trekking guide with certified first-aid training
• Roundtrip transportation from Antigua to Acatenango trailhead
• Park entrance fees
• Day 1 meals: lunch, dinner + snacks
• Day 2 meals: breakfast + snacks
• High-quality tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and trekking poles
• Large capacity backpack (50L) +/ –  available for rental at additional cost
• Flashlight/headlamp –  available for rental at additional cost
• Cold-weather clothing –  available for rental at additional cost
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Raincoat (May through October)
• 4-6L of water

Important Info :

• Leaves Antigua at 8 AM
• Morning at the peak after an early breakfast

“The summit of Acatenango is an extreme environment where things can, and have, gone wrong for hikers who are ill-prepared for the conditions. Tales of fly-by-night operators with leaky tents and unwashed sleeping bags leaving slower hikers behind are common from visitors deceived by their lower prices.”

“With nearly 20 years managing adventure travel in Guatemala, you can trust our team to keep you safe, satisfied and smiling.”

Review Roundup of Acatenango hike tour with Trek Guatemala

Was an absolute blast with Mario being an experienced and great tour guide. Fernando did a great job in leading the group up to the summit and carrying up food and sleeping bags. Has top equipment, considers different levels of fitness and provides lip-smacking comfort food. Murphy’s trips We initially booked a private tour with the caveat that if others wanted to join us they could. We were delighted when we receive a partial refund from Trek Guatemala to have Bethany and Laurie join us for the climb. Mario our guide was simply Awesome, not only knowledgeable on the trail and volcanoes but also providing information on flora and fauna as well as local culture along the way. And it must be added that Hyme our porter provided incredible assistance, support and motivation as well. Mike2018Roatan Trek Guatemala was prepared with a great guide who spoke Spanish, English, and French. The provided equipment, and rental gear if needed, was all new and of very good quality. The food was very good and our guide prepared lunch, dinner, and breakfast that other hiking groups were jealous of. Our guide made guacamole with tomatoes and onions at the stop. There were tortillas, chips, pastries, apples, bread, and refried beans. Dinner was sliced bread with tomato topping and a bottle of wine to start with. The entree was bow tie pasta, tomatoes, salad. Top off with S’mores at the end. Breakfast the next morning was after the ascent and included strawberries, granola, yogurt, apples, coffee and tea. The food was excellent and I may have missed a few items, but you won’t go hungry…Our tents were set up when we arrived and a nice touch was the thermarest chair made out of the sleeping pad. The only improvement I would suggest at camp would be to have a few log benches at least to sit on because it’s all lava rock. Hadfun2018  The whole process was awesome from the booking to completing the hike. Billy was our guide and spoke great English and his knowledge of the area was great. The experience was unreal from the change climate as you get higher on Acatenango from the fresh food we are along the way. I would recommend these guys to anyone that want to experience Acatenango as they had the best spot at base camp for viewing the eruptions. Jayn86 Review Sources: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295366-d12527594-Reviews-or5-Trek_Guatemala-Antigua_Sacatepequez_Department.html#REVIEWS

Go to Trek Guatemala Site

Acatenango Hike Tour with Tropicana Tours

If you want to hike Acatenango with a company that has lots of experience, Tropicana Hostel may be the choice for you. They have led over 10,000 tours up Acatenango volcano. They offer hikes every Saturday, throw in a free breakfast, and offer vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant options for their meals. All meals are vegetarian/plant-based.

Tropicana helps support the local community in La Soledad by hiring local guides, enabling them to stay in their communities instead of traveling to the city for work. They pay they above average and also equip them with good boots and cold-weather gear.

Another bonus with Tropicana is that they now have wooden cabins which will keep you out of the wind and cold.

Their guides are not bilingual, however. If that is important to you, you may wish to choose a different company.

$67 per person to join the Saturday group hike

Gear Rentals for the Acatenango hike with Tropicana

Choose any 3 items for 3 usd ($3 deposit), any 1 item for $7 ($15 deposit).

• Running Shoes

1 item for $3 ($5 deposit)

Tropicana acatengango hike includes:.

• Sleeping bag, mat, and wooden cabins with views of Fuego
• Local Community Guide
• Breakfast before the hike
• 3 vegetarian meals (vegan, gluten-free, lactose intolerant options available upon request)
• Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
• One glass of wine
• Marshmallows to roast at the campfire.
• Roundtrip Transportation to and from the trailhead
• Free storage at the hostel
• Free shower and towel at the hostel after the trek, at no extra cost.
• Backpack/Cold-weather Gear/Walking sticks
• Non-English-speaking Guides
• Tropicana leads hikes every Saturday, but may have hikes on other days (inquire)
• Arrive at the hostel at 8am for the free breakfast
• Shuttle departs at 9am
• Campfire and marshmallow roast included
• Pet friendly
• Family friendly

“To make your excursion unforgettable, we will send you a packing list, conduct a pre-trip in-person briefing, serve you delicious meals, and make sure you are safe and satisfied.”

Review Roundup for Acatenango hike with Tropicana Tours

Struggle but definitely worth the hike. Great team and amazing guides (Cristián, Jairo y one more) highly recomendó it. Havannah C They have the best view of the Fuego volcano, incredible guides, good food, and the price is accessible. Luis G This trip was totally amazing, the hike was spectacular, I went with my kids and Tropicana made everything so easy, the food, the gear, the guides, the wooden cabins (that btw were just perfect for this kind of overnight), we definitely recommend it for all ages. Beth Smith Went on here to find a tour company, everyone raves about Tropicana. Chose them. Yes, some of the food and location are fantastic. That’s about it. Arrived at the hostel, and you’re treated as a resource immediately. No intro, nothing whatsoever. Just follow the herd! …Guides didn’t speak any english, but this isn’t on them — Tropicana should provide a translator as every.single.sign at their location is in English. Tsk tsk Tropicana. Tsk tsk. Onto the hike with lots of breaks. Good job here… Stunning lava explosions. Wow. I mean wow! You’re so close!!! Back in Antigua, Tropicana again treated us as an ATM. Gave out 3 free beers (out of 19 travels) in order to entice us as a group to stay there and hash out our adventures together (it worked, we were tired and ready to sit back and laugh and drink beers and gin’n’tonics). James M A must-do hike. I was advised by a friend to book the trekking with Tropicana and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. Booking was easy. Despite booking the wrong day, the agency changed the date only charging me for the wasted food. They offer rental of any gear you might need, peace of mind! Once on the field we had the two awesome guides Edwin and Juan. Lovely, kind and patient, making the whole experience even more special. They looked after us at all times, giving us generous breaks in a not easy hike. They served us dinner and we had a nice cabin (instead of rival companies tents) with comfy beds. Fire volcano didn’t stop spitting lava all night, so great for pics but bad for sleep. Bring earplugs! Next morning, after being up the crater, we had a nice breakfast and back to the starting point. I cannot stress more to advise you booking the hike with Edwin & Juan. What a nice couple of guys! Joan S Unique experience to watch the lava eruptions of Volcan fuego from Volcan Acatenango. After some recommendations, we went with the agency of Tropicana hostel, and would definitely go with them again. Great base camp, comfy sleeping, lots of food and some other surprises. Jairo was a great guide and served us riddles on the way to take our minds off the hard and steep hike??saludos from Annike – Noruega. Beatrice_Roma187791 Review Sources: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295366-d1997239-Reviews-Acatenango_Volcano-Antigua_Sacatepequez_Department.html#REVIEWS

Go to Tropicana Tours Site

Acatenango Hike Tour with Balam Tours

Balam Tours is another great Acatenango hike tour company. They have high ratings for their hand-picked, safety-conscious guides, quality gear, and good food. They offer vegetarian and vegan menu options and include extra bonuses like wine, hot chocolate, and a campfire. Unlike other tours, they offer to pick you up right from your hostel (as long as it’s in central Antigua).

They are currently offering private tours (2 person minimum).

Cost of hiking Acatenango with Balam Tours:

$55 plus Q50 ($6.50 approximately) for entrance to the park.

• Roundtrip transportation from central Antigua to the Trailhead
• Walking stick
• Boots (limited sizes, check with them beforehand)
• Backpacks (limited quantity available)
• Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, and a bonus evening snack at the campfire, plus wine and hot chocolate
• Stay in a four-season camping dome with a cot, sleeping bag, pillow, and extra blanket
• Private toilet (clean, secluded, and with a view)
• Guide Gratuity
• Snacks during the hike

Important Info about Balaam Acatenango hike:

• 8:30-9am Shuttle Pickup at hostels in central Antigua
• Sunrise at the Peak

It’s time to remember what it’s like to feel alive. Experience nature displaying its true beauty with the tour of a lifetime.

Review Roundup for the Acatenango hike tour with Balaam

Amazing trekking on Acetenango. Warm coats, gloves, hats and extra blankets were provided. Great food, also vegetarian. Best guide ever. We were 8 people and we had an amazing guide in Isaias. Very caring, attentive and cheery; waking us up with a bright Hola hola. And even carried one of our group down when her knee ‘gave up’. Views were magical, also from the basecamp. We could see El Fuego from quite close by. The tents were strong and decent and we slept on camping beds. Great experience with this tour company! Yessica Y Our guide Jamie was wonderful and the food was excellent. We were given jackets, gloves, poles, rain ponchos, really good sleeping gear up the mountain, and a fantastic view of Volcán Fuego from our campsite. Balam was an excellent company to use and the experience was our best in Guatemala. Wendy W We did this hike with Balam tours and I would highly recommend them. The hike is challenging so having a tour company that makes it easier is key. Our guides Johnny and Otta were outstanding and couldn’t have been more helpful. The food and accommodation was fantastic. We had one girl who injured her ankle at the end of the hike and they handled the situation brilliantly. Lindsey C Definitely a highlight trip. Although the hike up was difficult, once we arrived to the already set-up campsite everything was totally worth it. We went through Balam Tours which we booked through Three Monkeys Hostel for 400Q. The tour guides were great, they gave surprisingly accurate time estimates to the next stops or when the track would not be so steep which I really appreciated. They provided jackets, gloves and beanies if needed but you had to supply 4L of water, 3L for you and 1L for them to cook with – so the backpack felt pretty heavy going up! But super easy going down as the backpack was super light. The campsite up the mountain was pretty cool – it looked directly at Fuego – which was very active and just incredible to see both in the day and at night time. The two tents were secured down and blocked a lot of wind. If you choose the bed next to the door, it is a lot colder so just warning! It was really cold when we went so I would recommend bringing a lot of warm clothing. Aleisha W https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295366-d1997239-Reviews-Acatenango_Volcano-Antigua_Sacatepequez_Department.html#REVIEWS

Go to Balam Tours Site

And there you have it!

This isn’t a complete list, but it covers the best-known Acatengango hike tour operators out of Antigua. Other companies in Xela and Panajachel also offer excursions to Acatenango, so there are plenty of options if you want a tour based out of another location. If there’s enough interest, I may expand this list to include more tour companies, including more budget options such as Guate Valley.

If you haven’t already done so, learn everything you need to know about hiking Acatenango Volcano !

Looking for more volcanoes to climb? Check out my post on climbing San Pedro Volcano in Lake Atitlán , or choose one of these awesome Pacaya Volcano tours from Antigua .

*** GUATEMALA TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE *** Should I buy Guatemala travel insurance? YES  — Personally, I always travel with travel insurance because it gives me extra peace of mind.  SafetyWing  is an excellent travel insurance company that’s quite affordable. Plus, if you travel longterm, it’s a snap to renew on a month to month basis. You can keep renewing for up to a year and still pay the same deductible. Where’s the best place for finding cheap flights to Guatemala? When I purchase a ticket, I always search several different sites.  Kayak  and  Expedia  are great places to start running a search. Spirit is usually the cheapest carrier, but American Airlines and United also sometimes offer excellent deals. What’s the best way to book my Guatemala accommodations? I recommend  booking.com  for finding and booking hotels in Guatemala. For vacation rentals, I recommend  VRBO.com  — it offers beautiful and unique spots to stay. What’s the best way to book Guatemala tours? Viator  is a great tour booking site with several excellent options available in Guatemala’s main tourist areas including Tikal, Atitlán, Antigua, and Acatenango. There’s a nice range of prices and options available. Can you drink the water in Guatemala? No – Don’t drink the tap water! Instead, buy purified water from any corner store or grocery store in Guatemala. Be sure to brush your teeth with that water as well to avoid getting sick. And hydrated, especially when traveling to high elevations. Do I need a visa for Guatemala? Probably not — Visitors to Guatemala from “Category A” countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and most European countries are automatically given a 90-day tourist visa (in the form of a passport stamp) when entering Guatemala. This visa is valid for Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador. At the end of 90 days, it can be renewed once at Guatemala’s Migración without leaving the country. After 180 days, you will have to travel outside of Central America before returning. Check to see  if you need a visa . Will my phone work in Guatemala? It’s possible, but check with your provider in advance to see if Guatemala is covered. If not, you can easily pick up a local SIM card. There are essentially only two carriers in the country: TIGO and CLARO. Both have good coverage.

Yvonne McArthur is a writer, word-lover, and adventurer born and raised in Guatemala. Since starting her niche travel blog in 2021, she's helped thousands of people discover Guatemala, from top tourist attractions to far-flung destinations.

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Acatenango Volcano Hike – An Experience of a Lifetime

Acatenango is a stratovolcano whose moon-like crater rises to 13,045-feet above sea level, making it the third highest peak in Central America. Getting to the top is a physical and mental challenge worth tackling, especially if you like to push yourself to the limits of endurance, experience nature in its raw glory, and climb higher than the clouds.

FIRE VOLCANO

Your best option to hike the Acatenango

Soy tours is the main local guide agency for excursions to the acatenango volcano and volcán de fuego in antigua guatemala., when it comes to climbing the acatenango, we are proud to say that we are different. we offer a special experience that leaves traces in time., what are you looking for.

Texto de referencia

Conquer the most spectacular volcanoes in Guatemala with a human team that will accompany you at your own pace.

All our guides have been certified by INGUAT, to guarantee your safety and take care of you at every step.

Discover the tour that best suits your needs. 1 day, 2 day, night tours, private groups, couples

When you hike the Acatenango with us, you actively contribute to support our community. Learn more about our work.

Our philosophy is framed by the respect of all those who, like you, dream of reaching the top of the Volcano. We are always ready to complete this adventure with safety  and respect for nature.

What our customers says

Joyce Verduyn

Soy Tours Antigua is the best pick to do this! The trekking is hard but they take enough rest, meals are good and the guides know what they are doing. When I got supersick the brought me down in the night because I needed to go down. Down I could take a shower and they gave me bed to sleep in untill the group was back. I am super thankfull that the took care of me so well.

David Angove

My trek with Soy Tours Antigua is one of the best experiences I have ever had. The guides were fantastic, the meals were really tasty and filling. Everything is set up at base camp by the time you get there, so you don’t need to worry about that. I’m super unfit but I did it, and the views of Fuego erupting and the sunrise from the summit of Acatenango made it 100% worth it.

Go with Soy Tours Antigua, it was the most incredible experience of my travels to date. The guides were amazing and organized, our tents to be set up by the time we reached base camp (a real benefit not having to carry tents) as it is a tough hike, but the views are more than worth it! Everything was really well organized from start to finish and I couldn’t recommend him more. The money also goes back to advancing the community.

“Once you start it, the trip never ends, it is repeated again and again in silent rooms. The mind can never disconnect from the journey.”

“In twenty years you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the ones you did. So untie the ropes and sail away from the harbor. Catch the wind with your candles. Explore, Dream, Discover.”

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@soytoursantigua.

Ultimate Acatenango Volcano Hike Guide: Best Tours and Trekking Tips

The Acatenango Volcano hike is a challenging and rewarding trek not far outside of Antigua, Guatemala .

This hike is one of the best things to do in Guatemala as it boasts views of its noisy neighbor: Volcan Fuego. This means, from the top of Acatenano you get one of the best views of shooting lava erupting from Fuego every 10-20 minutes.

We experienced the ups (and downs) of the hike firsthand and will share everything there is to know about hiking Acatenango in this post.

Volcanos Near Antigua

Antigua is a special city as it is quite literally surrounded by volcanos. These are:

• Acatenango Volcano
• Fuego Volcano
• Pacaya Volcano
• Agua Volcano

Quick Facts About Acatenango

• Location: Acatenango is an active volcano located in Guatemala just outside of Antigua.
• Elevation: The volcano has an elevation gain of 13,045 ft (3,976 m).
• Weather: The weather around Acatenango can vary from wet and foggy at the base to cold and snowy near the peak.
• When to Hike: The best time to hike Acatenango is between December and February when temperatures are relatively milder.
• Last Eruption: 1972. However, Fuego Volcano erupts approximately every 10-20 minutes, which can be seen from Acatenango.

Best Acatenango Hike Tour Operators

1. ox expeditions.

Ox Expeditions are one of the best volcano tour operators in Guatemala offering hikes, biking and volunteer opportunities. While they are a little more expensive than going with smaller tour operators, Ox's English-speaking guides really know what they are doing. We opted to go with Ox and were very happy we did.

• Day Hike: $59 USD
• Overnight Hike: $89 USD

2. Wicho & Charlie's

Wicho and Charlie's is a sustainably-minded vegan tour operator in Antigua. Had we known about them while choosing our tour, we definitely would have given them a try.

• Overnight: From $97 USD

3. Old Town Outfitters

Old Town Outfitters is one of the top-rated tour operators in Antigua. While we didn't hike with them, they have fantastic reviews and sound like a great choice for trekking Acatenango. They have tiered pricing, which varies on dates and the number of hikers.

Note: It is customary to tip tour operators in Guatemala.

10 Tips For Hiking Acatenango Volcano

• Wear appropriate and comfortable footwear with a good grip. Hiking boots are best suited to the harsh terrain. This is especially true when coming down the Volcano. We had a number of our group slip on the steep dusty declines.
• Take necessary precautions against Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS). Seek medical help in case of any symptoms.
• Research tour operators to ensure safety and comfort on the trail and find the right tour that fits your needs. See our recommendations in this article.
• Pack layers of lightweight, weatherproof clothing since temperatures can vary greatly between night and day on the volcano. Trust us - it gets very cold at night.
• If necessary, consider hiring local Sherpas who are experienced guides to carry your gear, so you can concentrate more on your trekking journey with minimal fatigue. Just remember to tip!
• Bring along a fully-charged camera or phone as you will pass through breathtaking sights like forested areas, terraced farms, unique wildlife, and vibrant wildflowers en route - not to mention the awe of Fuego erupting in the distance!
• Stay hydrated throughout the hike by bringing at least two liters of water per person each day to prevent dehydration or altitude sickness caused by the extreme heat and altitude gain of Acatenango Volcano.
• Have enough food supplies as there are limited stores during the hike, especially when reaching higher altitudes where most energy should be conserved for summiting the volcano itself. Depending on our tour, food may be provided.
• Utilize an organized pace when climbing steep areas so as to not overwork yourself quickly or cause accidents from moving too quickly on steep surfaces such as rock faces or lava fields around the summit crater lake.
• Follow Leave No Trace ethics by respecting the environment including animals and plants on the mountain, disposing of all waste properly and preserving historical sites around Acatenango Volcano as well as campsites used throughout your journey.

Common Questions About Hiking Acatenango

How difficult is hiking acatenango volcano.

Acatenango is a surprisingly tough hike due to its high altitude and steep upwards climb. While it can be hiked in a day, the trek is challenging and can even be dangerous due to altitude sickness. We both experienced AMS symptoms during this hike, especially in the first hour, which caused us to stop and rest for a period before deciding to continue on.

When is Acatenango predicted to erupt next?

As Actenango is still considered an active volcano, the volcano could potentially erupt at any time. However, its eruption history suggests it has erupted approximately every 100 years with its last confirmed eruption in 1972.

Can you hike Acatenango without a tour?

The short answer is yes, it's possible. There are no restrictions for anyone who wants to hike Acantenango, or Fuego, on their own. In fact, we looked into doing this ourselves before we decided to book with a tour company. We originally chose a tour company for two reasons: we did not have warm clothing (which the company provided) and two: we wanted to sleep on Acatenango and we did not have camping gear. If we had had these things, we might have ventured alone.

However, returning from Fuego to Acatenango in the darkness, we stumbled across multiple people lost. Some had perched a tent in the day and now were completely lost in the darkness. It was impossible to help these people find their way, too late for them to hike down, and the temperature was dropping rapidly. Make no mistake, Acatenango can be a dangerous hike if not properly prepared - with or without a guide.

Is hiking Acatenango worth it?

In short, yes! The hike is tough, but its once-in-a-lifetime views of erupting Fuego are absolutely worth it. If you decide to do the hike we recommend you do the overnight tour for the best possible sight of Fuego. If you have the energy, make the trek across to Fuego too for an absolutely incredible sunset and front row seats to one of the best shows on Earth.

Hiking Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala is an amazing experience that will give you a unique perspective on nature and beauty. This dormant volcano offers stunning views of its neighboring volcanoes, including Fuego and Agua. From the peak, visitors can get an unforgettable glimpse of some of the most majestic volcanic views in Central America. Additionally, hiking the volcano you'll be surrounded by beautiful forests, vibrant local communities and diverse flora and fauna. When preparing to hike Acatenango, it's important to pack the necessary supplies (food and water) as well as bring sturdy shoes, warm clothing and flashlights. Despite being quite strenuous due to the altitude change and slippery slopes, this rewarding adventure will stay with you forever. Climb Acatenango and marvel at its natural beauty today!

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Acatenango Overnight Hike

• Acatenango Hike
• Volcano Tours

The Acatenango Overnight Hike is such a special adventure and currently Antigua, Guatemala’s most popular among travelers. Volcan Acatenango is the beautiful beast that started it all for OX back in 2004.  With an elevation of 3976 meters it is the third highest volcano in Central America. This epic hike takes you to the summit of the most beautiful volcano in Guatemala with incredible views of the active Fuego volcano.

Acatenango hike: Overnight

The Acatenango Overnight Trip is for many travelers the highlight of their tour through Central America. Although big and a challenging hike the reward of staying in comfortable wood cabins with stunning views of the active Fuego Volcano is simply amazing. 

Our professional guide team and organized procedures work hard to manage the unpredictable chaos of mother nature to provide a high quality experience. It’s all about the details. We want each and every client to have an enjoyable time no matter where the adventure takes us. Another thing that sets us apart is we really care about the environment. We try to minimise our impact on the fragile volcanic ecosystem that we love so much. The wood used for our campsite came from a sustainable source, we transported it all up the volcano and didn’t use any of the  trees growing on the volcano.  We are also committed to reducing the amount of litter on the volcano in general and offer our clients the opportunity to earn a free T-Shirt if they help use collect litter from the trail on the way back down the volcano.

ACATENANGO OVERNIGHT HIKE : TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Without doubt the most epic part of this adventure camping experience is watching the Fuego Volcano erupt with lava and a boom from the comfort of your wood cabin!

CRATER RUN CHALLENGE:  Win a Free T-Shirt!    More Info

Acatenango Overnight Hike: Best time to climb

At OX Expeditions we run the Acatenango Guatemala Overnight trip all year round. In Antigua, Guatemala there is a 6 month dry season from November – April, and a 6 month wet season from May – October. However this does not guarantee that you will have great weather in the dry season and bad weather in the wet season! We think it is great to do the Acatenango climb all year round but from Nov – Apr you are more likely to have clear views and less likely to get wet. Having said that in the rainy season it usually is clear and sunny in the morning, clouding over at midday and rains for a couple of hours in the afternoon and then clears up again in the evening. This is why we leave Antigua earlier than other Acatenango tour companies; so we can get to the campsite before the time it usually starts to rain.

Acatenango and Fuego hike: The Double Whammy

Want to combine the Acatenango Overnight Hike and Fuego Hike?  Then the Double Whammy is for you! We hike to our Acatenango base camp, have a quick rest, leave our camping gear and then head over to Volcan Fuego. First we descend the slopes of Acatenango to the saddle in between the two volcanoes, then we head up onto the shoulder of Fuego volcano. We get as close as is safely possible and weather permitting have a coffee or some wine on the knife-ridge watching the eruptions up close! We then retrace our steps to base camp for some well earned dinner! The next morning we hike to the summit Acatenango for amazing 360 degree views and then head back down to base camp and from there back to base of the volcano.

Book Now, Deposit $29

Acatenango Overnight hike: Temperature

The temperature on the Acatenango Tour can vary greatly as can Acatenango’s weather. It can be 20+ degrees Celsius (68+ Farenheit) in the day as you hike up and get down to below 0 degrees Celsius (32F) at night. The coldest (and clearest) months are generally December to February but due to Acatenango’s elevation of 3976m it is cold all year round in the upper parts of the volcano. For this reason we recommend using a 3 layer system and always bringing warm clothes. We can lend you warm clothes if you need them at no extra cost! On our Acatenango Volcano Day Hike   the temperature variation is less and you don’t need as many warm clothes, although we still recommend taking a warmer layer for the time we spend at the summit.

Acatenango Volcano Hike: Difficulty

The Acatenango Overnight Hike is difficult. One of the biggest challenges is the elevation; altitude sickness whilst normally not severe can make hiking that much harder. We always recommend being in Antigua Guatemala or a similar elevation (1500m) for at least 48 hours before doing the tour. This will give you body enough time to acclimatize and will make the climb significantly easier. If you are in fairly good shape, have acclimatized and have a good attitude you should be able to do this tour!

You hike for around 4-5 hours on the first day and reach an elevation of 3400m at our Acatenango base camp. Here we rest for the remainder of the day (unless you opt to do the Double Whammy ). The next day we get up before down to hike to the summit (1-2 hours) where we take in the amazing views, then it’s back down to base camp for breakfast and finally back to base (3 hours hiking). You are usually back in Antigua, Guatemala at about midday.

The Acatenango Day Trip   has a higher difficulty level than the overnight trip as we hike up and down all in the same day; we do however take a different route to the overnight hike. We also leave much earlier (5AM) to give you plenty of time to summit and return before night falls. The whole trip including the shuttle to and from Antigua, Guatemala normally takes 10-12 hours.

Acatenango Overnight hike: Pre trip meeting

For all our Acatenango Overnight tours we have a pre-trip meeting at 5 PM the day before the tour (3 PM on Sunday). This is the perfect opportunity for you to meet your guide and fellow hikers and ask any questions you may have. At the meeting we will explain everything about the hike; what you need to bring, what to expect in terms of weather, volcanic activity etc. It is a vital part of our preparation process and ensures you a ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Acatenango Overnight, Fuego Overnight and Double Whammy tours: What´s the difference?

The Double Whammy Tour is a combination of our Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike and our Fuego Overnight Hike . On any of these trips the first and last parts are the same. To start with we all hike to the camp site together; this takes about 5-6hrs and we arrive at around 2 PM. Then the people doing the Fuego Overnight or Double Whammy head over to the shoulder of Fuego and come back to the camp site for dinner (3-4hr round-trip). We all have dinner and wine together and sit around the campfire! Early the next day those doing the Acatenango Overnight or Double Whammy hike up to the summit of Acatenango for sunrise (this is truly magical). Then they come back down to camp and we all have breakfast together, break camp, and head back to the volcano to take the shuttle back to Antigua arriving at about 12:30 – 1 PM.

If you are booked for either the Acatenango Overnight Hike or the Fuego Overnight Hike you can decide to upgrade to the Double Whammy when you get to our camp site. This gives you the opportunity to see how you a feeling physically and mentally after you have complete the first part of the hike and if you feel up to the challenge! You can pay the difference when you get back to our office in Antigua, Guatemala.

Acatenango last eruption?

The Acatenango volcano has not erupted since circa. 1925 but it’s noisy neighbour Volcan Fuego is constantly erupting with the last major eruption being on June 4th 2018 tragically killing hundreds of people in some of the villages on the volcano’s lower slopes.

Acatenango weather forecast

The weather here is very unpredictable and the forecast in the rainy season (April – October) is nearly always thunderstorms and is often wrong. Each of the volcanoes has its own micro-climate and it is not uncommon for in to be raining in Antigua and not on Acatenango or vice-versa! For this reason we only cancel our Acatenango Volcano Tour if there is a tropical storm or severe weather forecast warning.

Acatenango deaths

On January 8th 2017 6 people tragically died of hypothermia on the Acatenango Volcano. It was reportedly due to mix of factors: the weather on Acatenango changed dramatically for the worst and the hikers were said to have been ill prepared (lacking the correct equipment and knowledge to deal with the inclement weather). It was a terrible accident made all the worse as it could have been prevented. This is why we always stress the importance of doing the trek with a reputable tour company.

 ** Please note that this itinerary can change depending on a variety of factors (weather conditions, group ability etc). Your professional guide will always prioritize the safety of the group. 

5 PM: Pre-Trip meeting the day before (3 PM on Sunday)

6:30 am – 7 am: meet at ox and packing, 7 am – 8.00 am: breakfast and coffee, 8.00 am – 9.00 am: transport from antigua to acatenango volcano, 9:00 am – 1.00 pm: hiking, 1.00 pm – 1.30 pm: lunch, 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm: hike to campsite, 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm: relax, 6.00 pm: dinner, 9:00 pm relax with a view.

4 AM – 5.30 AM: Hike to the summit

5.30 am – 6.00 am: enjoy the views, 6.00 am – 8.00 am: hike back down to base camp and breakfast, 8.00 am – 10.30/11.00 am: hike back down, 11.00 am – 12.00 am: transport back to antigua.

Acatenango Hike

• Couple Package – Private Tour for 2

Group Sunrise Tour

Group day tour.

• La Aurora Airport La Aurora International Airport serves Guatemala City, Guatemala. It is located in Aurora, 15 Calle B 7-24, Guatemala City, 25 km from Antigua Guatemala
• Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlán is a body of water in a massive volcanic crater in Guatemala’s southwestern highlands. Ringed by steep, verdant hills, it’s known for its Mayan villages and volcanoes. We have shuttles to the most beautiful Mayan towns at the lake which are 2:30-3:30 hours far from Antigua, Guatemala.
• El Paredon Beach El Paredon is the most popular beach town on the Guatemalan Pacific Coast and has made a name for itself as one of the top surfing destinations. It is located:
• Flores Péten Flores is a town in Guatemala’s northern Petén region. It’s on an island on Lake Petén Itzá, linked by a causeway to the town of Santa Elena. Flores is known as a gateway to nearby Mayan ruins. These include the national parks of Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo, with its migratory birds, and Tikal, with its towering temples.
• Lanquin/Semuc Champey
• Chichicastenango market Thursdays and Sundays, this mountain village is transformed into the world’s largest handicrafts market, where you’ll find pottery, colorful textiles, carved wooden masks, flowers, incense and other Mayan goods for sale.
• Quetzaltenango Xela Quetzaltenango is a city in Guatemala’s western highlands. It’s set against a backdrop of volcanoes, including towering Santa María with its active Santiaguito lava dome. Overlooking Central America Park, Espírito Santo Cathedral has a baroque colonial facade and a 20th century interior. The city is known for its neoclassical buildings.
• El Salvador
• La Antigua El Aeropuerto Internacional Aurora sirve a la Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala. Ubicada en Aurora, a 25 km de Antigua Guatemala, Ciudad de Guatemala se encuentra en Ciudad de Guatemala.
• Pacaya Volcano
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Acatenango Tours

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Packages to Acatenango

Hike around Guatemala – Acatenango Volcano Hike! After organizing more than 10,000 hikes we like to call ourselves experts in hiking Acatenango volcano one of the best hikes to do around Guatemala. We provide professional local guides, camping gear, fresh made food and a private Tropicana campsite, with arguably the best view of Fuego volcano. You don’t want to miss watching the Fire Volcano explode all night at almost 4,000 mt.

Families are welcome to join us in the Acatenango Volcano Hike. We are happy to answer any question you might have on our online chat or via email.

Unleash the adventurer within on our overnight Acatenango hike! Experience the thrill of witnessing Volcan Fuego erupting lava under the night sky.

Not enough time to do the overnight tour? Enjoy amazing views of Fuego with our Group Day Tour.

Hike Acatenango Volcano at night, to see Fuego Volcano and Sunrise at almost 4000 meters.

Couple Package – Private Tour for 2

Our Acatenango trek is the ultimate experience for adventurous couples who love to witness mother nature in all her glory.

Local Guides

For those who work as guides for Tropicana the tour now provides about 50% of their total annual income and has significantly changed the community as now the men do not have to leave to find work like they did before.

Items Available

Tropicana Tours offers you all kinds of clothing items to make sure your warm and cozy during you hike. Each item requiers a small fee and deposit. You will recieve your deposit back on items returned in fair condition.

Cabins for your comfort

• 6ta Calle Poniente 2, Antigua Guatemala Phone: +502 7832-0462

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Tour with CA Travelers - Acatenango Volcano

• Central America    
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• Sacatepequez Department    
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Tour with CA Travelers

We did the Acatenango Tour with CA Travelers and it was amazing! We were a group of 8 people and had a very nice local guide. The tents were really good and we had a sleeping bag and a blanket to keep us warm in the night. We had more than enough food (chicken+rice, Spaghetti, breakfast, hot choclate...) Also included were gloves, headlamp and a warm jacket. We paid 300 Q (+ 50 Q entrance fee). So if you want to do the tour i would defenitly recommend CA Travelers :)

When I decided to go to Antigua I asked around with friends who went there before and lots of them told me about this hike to do there, I researched a bit and they were right about the experience with this Agency; is the best! I didn't imagine how hard was going to be but it0s totally worth it! The best part of this is their amazing campsite you will get too have Fuego Volcano right infront of you, you are going to have an amazing sunset and despite the cold up there, if you effort better and go to the summit you will have the best view of your life, you'll feel like flying above the clouds! I loved it.

After some research, my boyfriend and I chose to do the overnight hike with Wicho & Charlie's tour company. We chose Wicho and Charlie's due to previous good reviews, their charity work in the community, and the price. Our experience was absolutely incredible and I'd recommend them to anyone. Their guides were personable and spoke multiple languages, the food was plentiful and delicious, and they have without a doubt the best base camp on the volcano. Additionally, we had some special requests regarding luggage storage and they were incredibly accomodating. Truly, they went above and beyond. If you choose to do the overnight hike, the best advice I have that isn't already written here is: -don't underestimate the cold -bring extra socks -you can hire a porter from the village if you wish. We did and it was worth every penny -stay positive! It's a difficult hike, but the with determination and a good attitude most moderately fit people should be fine.

I booked through Tropicana and used a porter-they have a wonderful team to be proud of. The climb up to the camp including the breaks was about 4 hours (I think). This was just an adventure for us. Our guides do it multiple times a week, braving harsh, unpredictable overnight weather to support their families and make this breathtaking tour possible. Visitors have froze on Acatenang and village locals burned by its sister peak, Fuego. We are privileged to be able to come and go as we please under their guidance. Tip your guides/hired porters and do not take the warnings to dress warm lightly. Down and wool are a must. The night winds are tougher than the hike

Just went on this trip yesterday and it was tons of fun. Our tour guides Brandon (tupac) and Leo where very knowledgeable and it made the tour that much more fun. They are truly passionate about their work and their country and it shows. Excellent service at the agency. Dedicated staff, I communicated back and forth with David prior to the tour logistics and he was prompt in his responses and very accommodating! Wicho and Charlies includes everything, nutritious and enough food, delicious fresh fruit, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, dinner , all the things you need for the cold weather and an awesome basecamp with Fuegos view. Overall the tour ran very smoothly and was well worth the price. I wish I could rate this Volcano hike more than 5 stars!

Firstly, do not underestimate climbing this thing! It is very steep in places, with dusty and rocky paths. So, bring a buff or something to cover your face so you can breath a little easier! We booked with Gilmer Soy Tours and they were absolutely fantastic. Our group was lovely and small (7 people) all with varying abilities, however the guides looked after everyone amazingly and even carried a couple of the girls bags when they were unable to! They cooked us lovely and large meals and there was enough for all of us to go up for seconds! It was incredibly tough, but the view and experience is so worth it! Book with Gilmer Soy tours and you will be taken care of! Book with