How to Hike the Acatenango and Fuego Volcanoes in Guatemala
Embarking on a hike to Acatenango and its active neighbor, Fuego, offers an unforgettable adventure. Here's a guide based on previous journey up the volcano. A journey that I can say was the toughing thing I have ever done. But I did it!
1. When to Go
The best time to hike Acatenango is during the dry season from November to April when the skies are clearer and the paths less slippery. Less slippery does mean more dusty tho. I went in April towards the end of dry season and there were some cloudy days but they usually cleared up when the sun is at its peak. We did encounter a quick wind storm and were unable to see the close up during the Fuego hike but I will get to that later. The hike is accessible year-round​ and there is really no way of determining the weather so I wish you the best of luck.
Embarking on this hike is not just a physical challenge but a mental challenge as well which we will discuss in the "What to expect" section. Be sure to choose a reputable tour operator, prepare adequately, and you're sure to have an experience of a lifetime and memories that will never fade.
2. Finding the Right Tour Company
Research is key when selecting a tour company for hiking Acatenango and Fuego. Look for operators with excellent safety records, knowledgeable guides, and positive reviews from previous hikers. I suggest starting your research on social media so you can really see how the hike was for different types of viewpoints. There are thousands of videos out there to help you out. I chose SOY TOURS ANTIGUA. They seemed like they had the best positive reviews and was highly recommended by most for their local community contributions and experienced guides​.
3. Cost
The cost of the hike can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $20 to $150, depending on the tour's inclusiveness and the services offered like tints vs cabins and food choices. Some companies include meals, camping gear, and even transportation from Antigua but one thing I did notice is that most of the companies have tons of gear to rent.
And its dope gear too that actually fits well. Thats means you dont have to pack all that camping gear and go over weight on your luggage! Just make sure you do bring boots tho. There were people struggling in tennis shoes and some people even had flat bottom all stars on but hey they made it! Lets face it we were all struggling a little bit but its better with some boot tread.
​All in all I paid 200 Quetzal / $25 USD for the hike, 200 for the additional hike to Fuego, 400 for a courier to carry my camping bag up and down since I had my photography backpack.
Thats a total of 800 Quetzal or $100 bucks. Plus I rented a walking stick, backpack, hat and gloves for an extra total of 100Q or $25 bucks making my total trip up the mountain $125 USD.
4. Additional Options
You can take an additional hike to the base of Fuego which is the erupting volcano at night to get a peak of lava up close. The hike is about 2 hours there and 2 hours back. Mind you that you are doing this hike after hiking 5 hours up Acatenango. My advice is that if you havent hiked anything like Acatenango then chill out and dont do Fuego because its a tougher hike and at night when the first hike pain starts to set in. Some people did it no problem but a lot of people struggled.
There is a 50/50 change of seeing Fuego due to inclement weather so make sure you understand that. The SOY basecamp offered the best view so that is why we chose them!
5. Length and Duration of the Hike
The typical Acatenango hike is a 2-day affair, covering an 18-kilometer round trip with significant elevation gain. It's a strenuous hike, often starting early in the morning and including an overnight stay at a base camp​. We started our journey from the SOY office around 11am and it took us 5 hours and 30 minutes to get to basecamp. We stopped every thirty minutes to adjust to the altitude. People were moving very slow towards the end due to the oxygen and duration but everyone was still excited and energetic vocally.
6. What to Bring or Purchase and How to Save Money
Pack light but bring essential items such as warm clothing, a head torch, and a good pair of hiking boots. You can save money by borrowing equipment from your tour company instead of buying new gear. Also, consider packing your snacks to avoid higher prices at local stops along the trail​ (Jonny Melon)​​ (Matt's Next Steps)​.
7. What to Expect
I cant stress enough how tough this hike is but its is worth every drop of sweat. You will go through a variety of environments, starting with some urban vegetation, moving on to farmland, then going into the depths of the jungle and transitioning into pine forests before reaching bald volcanic landscapes.
One this for sure is to bring sunscreen, snacks, tons of water and candy to get a quick boost of energy. I went through a whole bag of dried mangos in a few hours followed by a bag of yogurt covered pretzels all before lunch time. Lunch was provided by SOY and it was a really good flavored piece of chicken with some white rice and and some veggies. I love rice and this wasn't nearly enough for someone my size so make sure you eat good the night before or the morning of the hike. I ate a whole pizza!
You will be burning through the carbs so dont worry about your wasteline. I burned a total of 8,000 calories per my fitness app over two. Oh that reminds me... I lost 3 pounds from this hike and you probably will too.
There are places along the way where you can purchase coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks but only for the first half of the hike. you will encounter hikers coming back down from the previous day so there will be dust being kicked up and times where you have to step aside to allow them to pass. that will also only last for the first half of your hike up and the second half of your hike down. I say that to say bring a face mask.
8. Sleeping Arrangements
Accommodations are typically in tents at designated base camps. Some companies may offer upgrades to cabins for additional comfort​. I definitely opted for comfort and got a cabin which came with a sleeping back on a mat. I knew it got cold at night but after a long hike you feel even colder since your body goes into recovery mode. That was probably the only thing I really didn't like was that I thought i was prepared for a cold night but I wasn't prepared enough. I was freeeeezing, hungry and thirsty all night, but also excited because fuego was going off every 15 minutes and it turned into the clearest night to see the volcano erupt.
also this picture above was taken from a profesional camera using a 400mm lens but you can also take great pictures with your iphone using the night mode function.
9. Preparation
Physical fitness is crucial, so consider training before your trip. I did the stair master but I was still not prepared. The change in altitude can also get to you so make sure you have some attitude sickness pills which you start taking a day prior. Other than that enjoy the hike and email me with any additional questions.