If you are planning your trip to Guatemala, then you’ve probably heard by now that doing the volcano hike is a must! This is the type of activity you must prepare for, and reading this article is the first step you should take for that matter. If we had read this article before doing the Acatenango volcano hike, our experience would have been better. This will be one of the most incredible moments of your life I can tell you! Now let’s find out everything you should know before doing this hike:

1. Acatenango hike difficulty: Am I in shape enough to do this hike?

• 1.1 It is a very difficult hike
• 1.2 The hike is for everyone
• 1.3 Different guides for different paces
• 1.4 Ways to make the hike easier: $$

2. What you MUST bring for this hike

• 2.1 Clothes – Variation of temperature
• 2.2 Hydration
• 2.3 Day backpack
• 2.4 Food
• 2.5 Shoes – Do I need hiking boots?
• 2.6 Medication – Altitude sickness
• 2.7 Hygiene comfort
• 2.8 Flashlight/Headlamp

3. Is it worth it to do the extra Fuego?
4. Do I need to go up with all my things? Where do I leave my stuff?
5. Our completely transparent experience – What could have been better?
6. How to book the excursion/Prices of the activity
7. Hike/Trip breakdown booking with Selina 
8. Sunrise hike

BONUS: Our favorite pictures of the hike & our TikToks about Acatenango

Acatenango hike difficulty: Am I in shape enough to do this hike?

1.1 It is a very difficult hike

We had no idea of the difficulty since we did no research at all. While waiting for our shuttle at the entrance of our hostel, a girl came to us asking if we were on our way to the volcano hike. After she heard our answer, she gave us a small speech, basically saying we were about to do the hardest physical challenge of our lives. She also said that it was going to be worth it, but it might not feel like it going up. It had been three days since her hike and her body was still recovering. I need to mention she was in amazing physical shape.

1.2 Now, our honest opinion: This hike is for EVERYONE

I(Jezabel) consider myself in amazing physical shape. I go to the gym 5 times a week and my legs are very strong for a 5”1 woman. Yes, it was the hardest physical challenge of my life, but anyone can do it and the main reason for that is: there is no rush! 

I can tell you from our experience that there is a big diversity of people doing this hike. From all ages to all different body shapes, the only thing all people had in common was determination.

1.3 Different guides for different paces

Our group had 5 guides and at a certain point, they all got separated. The group is mainly divided into three smaller groups: the fast ones, the in-between and the slower ones. At no point, we felt pressure to go fast. We honestly took our time, never really having to push through the pain. We were in the “middle group”.

1.4 Ways to make the hike easier : $$

There’s no way for you to grow better legs in a day to do this hike. What you can do is either pay for a guide to bring your backpack to the top or even pay for a horse to go all the way up. 

We did not do either of those options but we asked questions to give you an idea of the price. From what we understood, prices vary depending on the guides and also the size/weight of your bag. You don’t have to pay for them to carry your bag all the way up, you can do your best and pay, for example, for the last 2 hours of the hike. That’s what the girl we met did. 

Price examples: With a pretty big bag and 2 hours of the hike left, she paid 200Q which is around $35.00 CAD. Going from all the way down to all the way up Acatenango on a horse is around $75.00 USD. You can also go up by car which is apparently around $500.00 USD for 4 people. Continue to read for more information about going up in a car.

What you MUST bring for this hike

2.1 Clothes – Variation of temperature

When starting this hike, you’ll be very hot and sweaty. The more you go up, the colder it will get. I suggest you have many layers of clothing. Start with shorts and a camisole/T-shirt but make sure you have long pants, leggings for example, and a long-sleeved shirt to change. You will also need a vest or hoodie. 

When they tell you it is cold at the top of the volcano, it is. And I’m Canadian so trust me! At the top, you would need a winter coat, winter hat, gloves and even warm boots. Realistically that is not what you will have. What is interesting is what you can borrow/rent from the tour companies.

Renting/borrowing warm clothes: What you get will vary depending on the company you are booking with, but they all offer to rent you warmer clothes. For us, they automatically gave us a coat, which is more of a spring coat than winter, a thin pair of gloves and a winter hat. I do know that most companies offer you to pay to get more things so definitely check out your options.

Extra socks: Make sure to bring at least 2 or 3 extra pairs of socks because first, your feet will get disgusting and also in case they get wet. Bonus point is that you can double-layer your socks to help you warm up.

2.2 Hydration

Again, I am not sure how all companies work. For us, and I think for most companies, we had to bring our own water. There is no water on this volcano for you to consume. You need to bring 3L of water per person. It is very important! 

2.3 Day backpack

If Osprey is out of your budget, I only suggest you have a backpack that has the same qualities: comfortable, lightweight, space for a hydration bag is a huge plus.

Since Leo and I shared the day backpack, she had to do the hike with her big Osprey 55L backpack. It was not horrible so you could always do that. The only downfall is that she had to leave everything from her bag at the hostel and that was not ideal. Her bag was obviously heavier so that is something to consider depending on your physical health. 

2.4 Food

Food will be included in your guided tour BUT I extremely, highly, very much suggest you bring extra food. Your body is your engine and without fuel, it cannot go very far. If only we had had extra granola bars or little nut bags, our experience would have been completely changed for the better. I will tell you more in the section: “Our completely transparent experience”.

2.5 Shoes – Do I need hiking boots?

The truth is that hiking boots are clearly better than regular sports shoes. If you have them, wear them. If, like us, this is not something you have or brought on your Guatemala trip, you will not die having only regular sports shoes. What might happen though, is falling on your bum a couple of times. The hike can be very slippery but I don’t consider it dangerous. Leo and I fell many times and apart from our ego, we weren’t hurt.

2.6 Medication – Altitude sickness

You will sleep on the top of a volcano… It’s not the right time to have belly problems. Bring diarrhea medications and classics like Advil and Tylenol. 

Altitude sickness : 

At an impressive height of 3976 meters (13 045 feet), with this incredible experience comes the challenge of acclimating to the Acatenango elevation. The first step to help is definitely to stay hydrated and eat well. Then comes the option of medication. You need to get it at home before leaving for Guatemala. It takes a little bit of time to get it so if you are last minute you might not be able to get some. 

Symptoms of altitude sickness: headaches, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.

Not getting any medication? It can go both ways, maybe you won’t have any symptoms like Leo, or maybe you will suffer a little bit like I did.

2.7 Hygiene comfort

The toilet situation itself is quite terrible. Bring extra toilet paper and wet wipes. You won’t have what it takes for a whole skincare up there, bring the basics only. Toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes for your face, wet wipes for your feet and wet wipes for down there.

2.8 Flashlight/Headlamp

A flashlight is a must since there’s no electricity at the base camps on Acatenango. BUT more importantly, if you’re planning on doing the extra Fuego, you absolutely need a flashlight because you’re going to walk in the complete dark.

Is it worth it to do the extra Fuego?

I sincerely think there is no right or wrong answer here. I will tell you about a couple of different things you need to think about to help make that decision.

1. You will have to pay an extra 200Q which is around $36.00 CAD.
2. It is an extra 4 hours of hiking, always extremely steep, right after doing the Acatenango hike which is between 5 to 6 hours of hiking.
3. You might not have the time to eat dinner before doing Fuego. That means you will do 10 hours of hiking with a breakfast and lunch that is definitely gone by the time you start this second hike.
4. When you get to the top of Acatenango, you might start having the symptoms of altitude sickness. If you do have them, you will suffer a little extra doing this second hike.
5. Compared to the first hike, you don’t have the luxury of taking your time. This is a much smaller group that has to stay together. When they move, you move. This hike might be done completely in the dark depending on the company you book with. You really cannot be left behind.
6. You cannot get back on a horse. If you start this hike, you have to finish it.

What about the view?

The view from the base camp is beautiful. Our group arrived on top around the sunset. The biggest downfall about doing the extra Fuego, in my opinion, is that you lose this view during all 4 hours of hiking. While you are struggling physically and mentally, people that stayed at the camp are seeing 10 to 20 times the number of volcano eruptions you are going to see. 

You will get to see the eruptions much closer. The experience, of being so close to an active volcano, is something words could never explain.

The ultimate question you have to ask yourself is: 

Would you rather struggle less physically and see a lot more eruptions but from a further distance OR struggle physically like you never have before, pushing through your limits, seeing a way smaller amount of eruptions, but be so close to it that you wonder if your life is even real?

Do we regret doing the extra Fuego?

Never. The truth is I wish I could’ve had it all! I wish I could’ve stayed at the base camp, staring at that view and enjoying the moment 100%. At the same time, I don’t regret achieving this extremely hard physical challenge, leaving me so proud of myself, and having the chance to live this experience from up close.

Do I need to go up with all my things? Where do I leave my stuff?

NO!!!!! We saw a couple doing the hike with all their travel luggage, and we were shocked! They were extremely struggling. Hostels and hotels in Antigua are very used to tourists doing this hike, and it is very common to leave your things at the accommodation. Even if you don’t stay the night! They will probably have a lock room with space for you to leave your bags there, and if they don’t, leave everything at the tour company shop. I promise there’s a place for you to leave your things. Oh, and it’s free!

Our completely transparent experience – What could have been better?

This experience will be engraved in my memory for my entire life. It was the hardest physical challenge I have ever done but also the most fulfilling. The feeling of accomplishing this hike, of pushing your limits and being rewarded with such a unique view is speechless. 

What could have been better?

Our group was the last group to finish the hike. I wish we had booked with a company that is one of the first to arrive on top of the volcano.

I wish we had brought extra food. I barely ate during this entire experience which left me so weak I couldn’t even spend energy talking. 

I would have the altitude sickness medicine. I was unfortunate compared to Leo who had no symptoms at all. My lungs felt like they were going to explode, I never had such a hard time breathing. Know that only a minority of people will experience that struggle.

How to book the excursion/Prices of the activity

*It’s important to note that each company/accommodation has different inclusions in their prices. Take the time to check what is included in their prices and what isn’t.*

Fees for everyone : You have to pay a government fee of 100Q for Acatenango and the extra Fuego is 200Q. These prices are not included in the tour you are booking unless they tell you so. Make sure to ask before booking.

There are multiple options to book the excursion:

1. Your accommodation

Most hostels offer an excursion trip to Acatenango. We booked our adventure through our hostel, Selina. It cost us 70$ CAD for the whole trip (Roundtrip private transportation, the hike, accommodation at the top of Acatenango, and 3 meals). We were told that our company was the cheapest one for the Acatenango hike. That’s why we were the last ones to start the hike. We were also the last ones to get to Fuego so keep that in mind if you wish to book with Selina!

It’s quite simple to book the trip. We went to our hostel’s reception and asked what their options were for the Acatenango hike. In a couple of minutes, we were all set up for the next day. 

Booking through your accommodation is a good option if, like us, you are at the last minute. Since all the companies we went to were fully booked, we had no other choice but to reserve through our hostel.  

2. Company Tour

We heard excellent reviews from 4 different company tours, so here they are: 

*since we didn’t book with them, I have put a link to their website if you’re looking for more information*

OX Expeditions: 4.6 ⭑ on Google

2 options: Acatenango Overnight Hike (99$ US/136$ CAD) or Double Whammy Volcano Tour (139$ US/190$ CAD).

“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.” Click here to learn more!

“The Double Whammy Volcano Tour involves hiking Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes. It gives true adventure seekers the chance to knock out two birds with one stone; the exquisite high elevation views of Volcan Acatenango (3976 meters) and the heart racing proximity to the summit of an angry beast, active Volcan Fuego (3763 meters).” Click here to learn more!

Location of their shop in Antigua: 2a Calle Poniente #23, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala 

Tropicana Tours: 4.8 ⭑ on Google

Acatenango Volcano Hike (85$ US/117$ CAD): “Unleash the adventurer within our overnight Acatenango hike! Experience the thrill of witnessing Volcan Fuego erupting lava under the night sky.” Click here to learn more!

Group Sunrise Tour (300$ US/412$ CAD) *price for a group of minimum 5 people* : “Hike Acatenango Volcano at night, to see Fuego Volcano and Sunrise at almost 4000 meters.” Click here to learn more!

Location of their shop in Antigua: 6a Calle Poniente 2 Antigua, Guatemala 03001, Guatemala 

Wicho’s and Charlies: 4.7 ⭑ on Google

2 different options: Shared Cabin from 2 to 8 people or Acatenango 4×4 off-road up & down 3400m.

Shared Cabin (from 119$ US/ 164$ CAD to 170$ US/ 234$ CAD): “Join us on one of the most unique hikes in the world to an active volcano. The new price and season brings many upgrades: the best is that we carry your backpack up and down 80% of the way, lucky the 80% is all the hard elevation part.” Click here to learn more!

Acatenango 4×4 off-road up & down 3400m: “The part you will avoid is all the altitude climb on the hike that starts at 2400m elevation to the parking lot that sits at 3400m elevation. Our 4×4 runs everyday and has space for 4 people that would like to skip the hike upwards that usually takes about 3.5 hours up and 1.5 hours down. You will skip almost all elevation getting to 3400 masl and you would have to hike 45 min to basecamp from the parking lot with only 100m gain, making it accessible to almost everyone.” Click here to learn more!

Location of their shop in Antigua: 2 calle Oriente 22, Antigua, Guatemala 03001, Guatemala

Chabad Antigua : 4.8 ⭑ on Google

This company was recommended to us because of their jeeping tour.

“Take a jeep up to Acatenango and spend the night watching Volcan Fuego erupt under the stars 🌋and the breathtaking sunrise! The Jeep tour cuts the 6-8 hike into a 45-minute walk and allows you to meet your friends at the top! Price Q.1500 (265$ CAD)” Click here to learn more!

Location: 5 Avenida Sur 38, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Hike/Trip breakdown booking with Selina

This is just to help you visualize the timeline : 

1. A breakfast at Selina’s restaurant was included so we made sure to get ready earlier to have it.
2. You will get picked up by a shuttle at the address you gave, in our case the Selina hostel.
3. The shuttle will go around Antigua to pick up other people.
4. You will stop at their little shop where you will get your three meals, a coat, a winter hat and gloves. You have to carry those yourself.
5. From there it will take around 1-1:30 hours to get to the start of the hike, the bottom of Acatenango.
6. You will have the option of renting walking sticks for a certain price. If you can afford it, I suggest you get them to make the hike easier. We didn’t get any and still survived but it is helpful. 
7. The group will stop 2-3 times for a break. One of them will be the time for you to eat your lunch.
8. It takes between 5 to 6 hours to get to base camp. Each tent fits 6 persons and yes you will be matched with strangers. They normally don’t mix genders unless you are comfortable with it.
9. If you do the extra Fuego, you will have around 30 minutes to have a break before leaving again. If you don’t do the extra Fuego, you will watch the sunset and eat dinner eventually. 
10. Fuego is 2 hours to go, watch eruptions for 30 minutes or more depending on your group, and 2 hours back.
11. When you get back you will eat a warm dinner before going to bed.
12. Sunrise hike : You have the option of doing a sunrise hike. When booking with Selina, it is free. More information on it down below.
13. For the others, we wake up with the sun, go get our breakfast and leave pretty early.
14. Going down is way easier and faster than coming up. It will take around 3 hours. 
15. Same ride from the start bringing you back to Antigua. With all that you should be back at noon maximum.

Sunrise hike

It is not only available with Selina, the only thing I know is that it’s free with them and sometimes not with other booking companies.

Should you do it?

If you did the extra Fuego, were completely destroyed, and went to bed around 12 pm like us, the sunrise hike around 4am was impossible. I wished we had the strength for it but we did not. Not at all… What we heard is that the view is speechless. One guy was crazy enough to do both Fuego and the sunrise hike and said it was even more amazing. If you can do it, you definitely should.

Our favorite pictures of the hike

Here are our favorite pictures of the whole experience.

*Those are all raw pictures without filters and modifications from our cellphones and our Canon camera. That way you can see the true colors of Acatenango*

Our TikToks about Acatenango

Here are the links to our TikTok videos:

• Hiking an active volcano: click here!
• Selina Hostel: click here!
• Our way down of the Acatenango volcano: click here!
• How many days to plan for the hike: click here!