Everything You Need to Know Before Climbing Acatenango Volcano
Gloria’s view of Volcan Fuego from Summit
Climbing Acatenango is one of the most popular (and challenging) hikes in Guatemala — and for good reason. From the summit, you get front-row views of the active Volcán de Fuego erupting just across the valley. But this isn’t a casual stroll up a hill — it’s a tough, high-altitude trek that requires preparation. This climb was a tough feat but extremely worth it and one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had the opportunity to embark on.
Sam, Wu Xiao, myself, & Gloria !
For anyone considering climbing, there are a few things you need to know before you go. Below you’ll find what to pack, how to dress, how to choose a tour (highly recommend), what the hike is really like, and how to prepare for the cold, the altitude, and the unpredictable weather. If you’re planning to take on Acatenango, this guide will help you do it smart, safe, and well-prepared.
March 2023 I decided to last-minute join a friend’s trip to Antigua and I was so excited to be heading on a chill beach trip. Little did I know that she meant Antigua, Guatemala and not the island Antigua. I was in for a trek of a lifetime - seeing a live volcano erupt and feeling the earth shake beneath me. I swapped my flipflops for Merrell hiking shoes and my bikini for a down jacket.
Landing in Guatemala City, make sure to have transportation pre-booked to Antigua to be safe!
You will want to stay in Antigua for a few days to acclimate to the elevation before heading on the trek. This city is nestled in a valley surrounded by three volcanoes – Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. It has such an incredible charm to it - colourful cobblestone streets with an old-world vibe. Let’s not forget about the unreal views paired with amazing food and coffee culture.
What is the trek like?
Acatenango is 3,976 meters tall, and the higher you climb, the colder it gets! You will need more layers than you think, especially when sleeping at basecamp so pack accordingly. Also be sure to pack a hat.
The trek is difficult mentally and physically, with a steep incline that is a challenge for both experienced and inexperienced hikers. Note that this climb is not on a mountain, it is a dormant volcano meaning you are climbing through volcanic sand instead of solid ground….
The hike is broken up into two days - 6 hours to basecamp where you have dinner and rest, and then another leg to summit starting at 3AM to watch sunrise as Fuego erupts. The distance end to end is 18 kilometres.
You can choose to stay at basecamp as the views of Fuego are incredible from that point, but summit is an added experience to see an active eruption during sunrise! The hike from basecamp to summit is the toughest as it is in complete darkness, on very little sleep, and an already sore body.
Is it worth it to go with a guided tour?
The trails are not marked and it is much safer to do the hike with experienced guides, so I’d highly recommend booking the trek with a tour company. With a guided tour, you have a solid basecamp, meals prepped for you, and the ability to hire a porter who will even carry your bag up the volcano. The tour we used was Wicho and Charlies, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. All the logistics are handled from the start, and you really just have to show up ready to climb. Wicho and Charlies even provides extra gear if you forgot any, such as headlamps and hiking poles. I’ve done many strenuous hikes on the west coast, but because of the volcanic sand, do make sure to have hiking poles!
A few tips:
Tours will provides bottles and clean water to fill up before embarking on the trip. It is recommended to take 5L per person, and you will need it. There is no water on the way to basecamp.
Altitude sickness pills or anti-nausea/anti-diarrhea are VERY helpful on hike
Take the porter service if you need it (they can carry up to 25 pounds). It doesn’t make you look weak, it is a matter of safety and your ability to do the hike without injuring yourself or others!
Meals are provided with a tour (pasta salad lunch, lentils + rice for dinner, and a breakfast burrito the next morning). Vegetarian, protein packed, and nourishing to fuel your day. However, bring a few granola bars or extra snacks to keep you going! My fave are RX bars (clean ingredients, protein, no BS).
crew mid-way to basecamp!!!
My last two tips are very important and in true Nikita fashion…
1) Invest in staying at a nice luxury hotel after the trek
This may be too much info but I had dirt coming out of my nose for a week after climbing Acatenango. You will have volcanic sand in places you never thought possible, and you will need a nice shower to thoroughly get everything off. Laundry service is not needed but a spectacular bonus to arrive back home squeaky clean. We stayed at Porta Hotel Antigua!
2) Plan to go out for drinks with all your new trek friends!
Trek friends!