Amazing experience: climbing the volcano Acatenango & Fuego in Guatemala!

Acatenango: one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Guatemala. We climbed the volcano Acatenango and also the volcano Fuego, both amazing experiences. In this blog, I will tell you everything you need to know about climbing the Acatenango volcano in Guatemala!

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How to hike to the top of volcano Acatenango in Guatemala?

Acatenango is one of the highest volcanoes in Central America, almost 4000 meters high. It is an active volcano, but the last eruption was in 1972. Right next to the Acatenango is the volcano Fuego, literally translated as the fire volcano. This is a lot more active, and it spits every 20 minutes ash, rock, and lava. Both volcanoes are close to Antigua and are popular for climbing.

Antigua as a base for a volcano hike

Antigua is a good base for a hike to one of the surrounding volcanoes. You can book a hike in various places in the city. Usually, booking just a few days ahead is more than enough. You must do the hikes in good weather. On the one hand, because otherwise, you won’t see much because of clouds or rain, on the other hand, because it can also be dangerous to climb the steep volcano in bad weather.

Which tour operator to pick for a volcano hike to Acatenango?

We had been uncertain for a while about the company where we would book this volcanic attraction. In the end, we were very happy that we booked at Wicho and Charlie’s (this blog is not sponsored). Below is information about the different organizations where you can book.

Local tour operators €

On every street corner, there is a booking office where you can book a two-day hike. Normally, I always try to book at a local company; this way, the money goes to the local population. However, we heard and read too many bad things about the treks at these local tour operators. Tents that leak, which are broken or blow away in the middle of the night, dirty sleeping bags, and barely food. This did not sound very attractive, and we decided almost immediately not to book with these offices.

Costs for a trek with a local tour operator are between €50 and €80 per person.

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Booking through Get Your Guide is also an option. See here the overview of all tours to the Acatenango volcano.

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Old Town Outfitters €€€€

We have heard good stories about Old Town Outfitters. Before booking, we read a lot online about them and thought for a long time this the only company that offered a safe and good option when it comes to climbing the Acatenango volcano. We spoke to several people who were very enthusiastic about this company. However, we found the price too high and when we finally heard of an alternative, we decided to go for that.

Costs for a trek at Old Town Outfitters are (depending on the number of participants) between $140 and $245 per person. In addition, you have to carry your tents and gear yourself, but you can hire a carrier for $65 per person.

Wicho and Charlie’s €€

We heard good stories about Wicho and Charlie. The tents were good, the food more than adequate, and the people themselves fun. On these recommendations, we visited their office (which is also a hostel), and after half an hour of chatting, we decided to book here.

How do you sleep on top of the volcano Acatenango?

The hike at Wicho and Charlie’s is slightly more expensive than at a local street operator, but in our opinion, it’s more than worth the money! During the hike, we got more than enough to eat (also options for vegetarian, vegan, and people with nut allergies), and the tents where we slept in were large and firm (nowadays they have cabins instead of tents). The guides we had with us were experienced, but pretty young. The latter is something we had to get used to; it feels crazy to trust boys of 16 with a difficult hike like the Fuego, but afterwards, this went fine. This is something that is the case with all companies, we heard from other travellers.

How big is a group to climb volcano Acatenango?

Our group was quite large, 30 people with four guides, but we split up into two groups, and that was nice because of the pace. In high season, such a large group is normal; in low season, you often deal with smaller groups.

We paid $129 per person. It contained all the food, the guides, transport, and some basic clothing pieces (hat, scarf, jacket, and gloves).

Are there any extra costs for climbing a volcano?

If you don’t have certain hike stuff yourself, you can often rent it with your tour operator. For example, we rented a trekking pole (Q40), and Ries rented a thick sweater, hat, and scarf (Q20). You can also rent shoes, clothes, lights, etc. Ries paid for the extra trip to the Fuego volcano for Q200. Finally, we gave the guides a tip afterward.

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What do you choose: a one-day volcano hike or a two-day hike to Acatenango?

It is also possible to walk the Acatenango in a day. You won’t sleep on top, and you will not experience sunset or sunrise. At some companies, it is slightly cheaper to do the one-day hike.

We didn’t speak to anyone who did the one-day hike, but for us, the choice was very easy. I found camping on the volcano very special. In addition, it is worthwhile to be at Acatenango at night because you see the Fuego spitting much better. During the day, the red lava is not visible, only when it is dark.

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Any other cool volcanoes in Guatemala?

It is also possible to climb the Pacaya vulkaan. This is a one-day hike, but in the future, there will also be two-day hikes where you will stay on the volcano. Finally, it is possible to climb the Tajumulco volcano. It is located near Xela, about three hours away from Antigua, and is, with its 4220 meters, the highest mountain in Central America.

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Packing list for climbing a volcano! What to bring to volcano Acatenango?

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Click here to see what is in our camera bag while traveling!

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Is it difficult to climb the Acatenango volcano?

It is certainly not a small, easy hike that you do, but on the other hand, if you are in good condition and you like to hike, then this volcano is super doable. We hike a lot ourselves, but we were quite a bit frightened by all the horror stories. This would be a horrible, heavy hike. Well, it was not as bad as we thought. Up to the base camp, you walk for about four hours with a regular break. The road is steep, and especially during the first part, the guides take their time. You will have enough time to catch your breath with every 20 to 30 few minutes of rest.

The difficult part: from base camp to the top!

From base camp to the top, I found it a bit more difficult. You are now at a high altitude, and I noticed that very good. I didn’t suffer from altitude sickness, but it got lighter in my head. I was sometimes dizzy and had a bit of a headache. It takes about an hour to walk to the top. When we arrived there, the wind blew incredibly hard, but this is not always the case. The way back was completely in the dark, super quick, but for me, at least as hard as the way up.

How high is the Acatenango volcano?

The top of the Acatenango volcano is at 3976 meters altitude. However, you will stay here for a while, as the base camp where you sleep is at an altitude of 3600 meters.

The Fuego volcano is 3763 meters high. If you climb the Fuego volcano, you will not go to the top. Because the volcano is active, it is too dangerous to get close to the top. That is why there is a considerable distance from the top. Keep in mind that when you climb Fuego, you first walk to base camp (3600 meters) from Acatenango, then you descend, and then you ascent to climb Fuego. Not much later, you go back again to this whole track. A physical challenge!

Can you get altitude sickness on the Acatenango volcano?

Yes, you can suffer from altitude sickness during the ascent of the Acatenango volcano. Altitude sickness can occur from 2500 meters, but usually only occurs at an altitude of 3500 meters. Because base camp is just a little above this limit and because the top is even higher, there is a chance that you will get altitude sickness.

You cannot predict whether or not you will get altitude sickness in advance. Much is still unknown about altitude sickness, anyway. To prevent you from getting it, it is important to drink plenty of water and walk slowly. Listen carefully to your body, take enough breaks, and get symptoms (always headache plus a stomach, shortness of breath, tiredness or dizziness), then do not ascent any further. Sometimes a break can help, sometimes it won’t. Are you no longer walking straight (feeling like you are drunk), or are you short of breath even at rest? Then go directly to a lower height!

But having said all this, the chances are not that you will get altitude sickness. You can feel it a bit, but because you only stay one night on Acatenango, it is not so bad. Of the group of 30 people with whom we went upstairs, one person suffered from altitude sickness. In addition, some people did not feel 100% themselves but found it not too bad. So don’t worry too much!

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Here, you can read the diary blog I wrote about the Acatenango and Fuego hike!

And what was our experience climbing the Fuego volcano?

Ries hiked an extra volcano, the Fuego. Here, you start around 16.00 from basecamp. You first walk down part of Acatenango, and then in a straight line up the Fuego. This takes about 2.5 hours. After an hour of taking pictures and waiting for eruptions, you hike back in complete darkness, another 2.5 hours.

This is a very heavy hike. Ries has a good physical condition, sports five times a week on average, and has done marathons and other heavy runs in the past. He thought this was one of the toughest things he ever did. In addition, climbing the Fuego is not without risk. This is the volcano that erupts every 20 minutes and has caused many deaths in June. On the other hand, it is spectacular to walk across a rumbling volcano and to see eruptions just above you.

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