This is the most popular hike in Guatemala, and for good reason. It’s challenging and has incredible views of the active volcano, Fuego.

Basic Info

With an elevation of 13,045 ft (3,976m), this volcano is the 3rd tallest in Guatemala. The ascent is roughly 5,000ft (1,525m). Hiking takes you through farmland, tropical cloud forest, high alpine forest, and volcanic terrain. Typically people do this hike over the course of 2 days. However, it’s normal to see people walking (or even running) the route in one day. I recommend doing it over 2 days because the views from the camp spot at night are unreal. You can see Volcan Fuego go off every 15 to 20 minutes. While you can see it erupting from Antigua as well, nothing compares to the view from Acatenango. I was truly in awe. 

How We Did the Hike

My dad and I hiked with a group using Tropicana Hostel. I highly recommend them as a tour company. Their $65 package includes transportation, the entry fee, meals, and helpful guides. Before leaving, they made sure we had proper attire. Rental items were available if anyone needed anything. Tents were supplied and set up for us so we only had to carry clothing layers, water, headlamps and snacks. They also made a fire for us at night (complete with wine and marshmallows for roasting) and in the morning (with coffee and banana bread). They provided all vegetarian meals, including a full breakfast at the hostel before we left. I wasn’t hungry at all during the hike.

There are many travel companies to book with at varying prices, but I really liked Tropicana because we didn’t have to carry or bring our own camping gear and they made everything really easy for us. If you don’t want to go with a group, it will be cheaper. However, it is still recommended to hire a guide for both safety and respect reasons.

Things to Know Before Hiking the Volcano:

• Consider the altitude! If you’re just flying into Guatemala from a lower elevation, it might take a few days to adjust. And during the hike, make sure to stay sufficiently hydrated. 
• Pack appropriately for weather! Bring a hat, gloves, and warm jacket and wear moisture-wicking clothing. The temperatures at the top, especially before sunrise and with the wind, can be really cold. People have died from hypothermia overnight on Acatenango. But temperatures can also be really hot during the day, so make sure you have adequate layers and sunscreen/sun hat.
• Rent a walking stick if you don’t have hiking poles! They are available at the base of the volcano when you start your hike. They cost 5q and really helped us on the way down because it was steep and dusty, making it easy to slip. A lot of us slid or fell down but the sticks added stability.
• Keep in mind the time of year you go! I went on February 2nd during dry season when temperatures are generally cooler. I’m glad I went then because the sunrise and sunset were both clear and we lucked out with a pretty warm day. But you can get clear days during rainy season and rainy days during dry season, so I recommend bringing a lightweight rain coat regardless of when you hike. 
• It will be crowded! Especially if you are doing this on the weekend, there will be a lot of other people getting up to hike at around 4am from their camping spots to the summit to see the sunrise. There is plenty of space at the top, but we had to stop a lot waiting for other groups on our way up, as the trail is so narrow. 
• It is physically challenging! Parts of the route are pretty steep, but don’t let that discourage you. My 70 year old dad made it up (wearing jeans nonetheless) and he loved it. The guides were really good about making sure the pace worked for everyone, and we took lots of breaks. But if you want to adequately prepare yourself for the physicality of Acatenango, incorporate strength training in your routine leading up to the hike. And don’t forget to book a massage for the day or 2 after to help your body recover. 

Have you hiked Acatenango?

If yes, let me know about your experience in the comments and add any additional tips. If not, ask me any questions you still have about how to best prepare for this experience. And if you’re interested in planning more hikes in Guatemala, be sure to check out my volcano guides for Pacaya and Tacaná!