Who wouldn’t want to climb an active volcano?! I had no idea it was even possible until I was in Antigua, Guatemala, and randomly met someone who mentioned they had just hiked Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes.
So, with some hastily done, last-minute research, I found myself 24 hours later on the side of a volcano, in a leaky tent perched on the edge of a recent landslide, during a lightning storm, watching Waiting, and being startled every few minutes by the explosions from Fuego erupting. You don’t want to do that, I promise.
Since then, I’ve hiked Volcano Acatenango in a much more planned and comfortable way. In this post, I’ll share my itinerary, photos, costs, and what it’s like to hike next to one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Volcano Acatenango Tours & Groups
During my first hike, I booked a random Volcano Acatenango tour with a small company that cost around $30. I don’t remember the name, and I wouldn’t recommend them. While it was nice that it was just me and a young local guide, the “camp” they had set up was absolutely terrible.
I wouldn’t recommend cutting costs when booking a tour—my second hike was much better and well worth the extra money, so I’ll use that one as my reference.
I went with OX Expeditions on my 2nd hike & highly recommend them.
OX Expeditions is a bit more expensive. However, you are going with a smaller group and have access to small cabins vs most of the other tours are in tents and can be in very large groups. It really makes a difference.
Cost per person: $99
Process Of Hiking Volcano Acatenango
So, what is the process of hiking Volcano Acatenango actually like? I won’t get into every little detail but will give you a rough guide and a general idea of what to expect. So, let’s dive into it.
- Day 1: Pre Meeting Hike
- Day 2: Breakfast, start hike & get to base camp.
- Day 3: Summit & return to Antigua around 3pm
Pre Hike Meeting
This only applies to OX Expeditions. I can’t vouch for other companies or whether they hold a pre-trip meeting. My first hike didn’t have one (with a random company), and I would have greatly benefited from knowing what I was about to get myself into.
You will meet the day prior at the OX Expeditions for a briefing of the hike & have any of your questions answered. During this time they will go over the trail, give advice, and set up your expectations.
The Meeting wasn’t mandatory but I highly recommend attending. Plus you get to meet who you will be hiking with!
First Section: Farm Land
The first section of the hike takes you through steep farmland and is deceptively tough. I’d argue that it’s the hardest part because you’re not warmed up yet.
During this time you will be slowly hiking through corn fields while taking in incredible views of the valley below.
After about 45 minutes you will end up at a small tienda selling food, coffee, water, and more. Here is where you will take your first break.
Second Section: The Cloud Forest & Alpine
During the second section, your group will hike through two different environments: the cloud forest and alpine. In this part of the hike, the terrain changes into a thick haze of fog. You’ll notice many new plants and trees greeting you as you make your way, step by step, up the volcano.
Once in the Alpine section of the hike, the team will stop and have the prepacked lunch provided by the OX team. Or obviously you can choose to eat what you brought. I did both.
Third Section: Base Camp
During the third and final section of the day, you’ll make your way to more level ground as you approach base camp. This will be your first glimpse of Fuego, as you haven’t seen it at all during the hike so far.
Once you’re at base camp, the OX team will provide a meal, and you’ll have plenty of time to rest and watch Fuego erupt every few minutes.
I can’t begin to explain how amazing it is to be that close to an actively erupting volcano. The feeling you get in your body when it erupts loudly is something primal. Your body and mind are torn between wanting to run down the mountain as fast as you can and staying mesmerized by the sight.
OX does a Double Whammy hike where you can also hike to Fuego itself after reaching basecamp. I did not do that, so I have no experience to speak from.
However, I’d do it if I ever go back.
Last Push: Summit Acatenango
Reaching the summit of Acatenango begins with a crisp alpine start at 3 AM. As you venture into the darkness, guided only by the glow of headlamps, the soft slush of volcanic scree underfoot will greet you with each step.
As you begin to gain altitude, you’ll notice the temperature dropping rapidly. At this point, you’ll likely need to put on gloves or an extra jacket to stay warm.
Once at the peak, you’re greeted with a breathtaking sunrise view of Volcano Fuego, Volcano Agua, small towns below, and, on a clear day, even the Pacific Ocean in the distance.
Be prepared—it’s extremely cold at the summit of Acatenango. If I could go back in time, I’d definitely bring much warmer gloves and a thicker jacket. But hey, I survived!
Returning back to Antigua
After about 30 – 45 minutes at the summit, the group will begin the decent down back to base camp. This is pretty easy as you are pretty much surfing down volcanic scree.
Be prepared to have your shoes filled with rocks.
Luckily our group was game to run down the mountain, so that’s what we did. I believe we made it down in just a couple hours and was back in Antigua by 3pm.
Final Thoughts
I would absolutely, without a doubt, do this trek again. As a fit person, I didn’t find it too challenging. However, some people did throw up, and others chose not to summit due to exhaustion. So, be aware—this is definitely not an easy hike. But if you’re in shape and have good cardio, you should have no problem.
If you find yourself in Guatemala with a few spare days, do your self a favor and experience this unforgettable trek.
When was Acatenango’s last eruption?
Acatenango hasn’t erupted since around 1925, but its active neighbor, Volcano Fuego, erupts frequently. Fuego’s last major eruption occurred on June 4th, 2018, resulting in a tragic loss of 201 people in villages on the lower slopes.
However, our guide explained that this didn’t affect anyone on the base camp side as the tragedy was a result of pyroclastic flows which fell down the south side of the volcano.
Can Volcano Acatenango Erupt again?
Yes, Acatenango is considered a dormant volcano, but that doesn’t mean it’s extinct. While it hasn’t erupted since around 1925, there’s always a possibility that it could erupt again in the future, though it’s not currently showing signs of imminent activity.
Scientists monitor volcanic activity in the region, so any significant changes would likely be detected in advance, allowing time for warnings or evacuations. However, the risk of an eruption from Acatenango is currently considered low, especially compared to its active neighbor, Volcano Fuego.
