1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike from Antigua in Antigua Guatemala – A Comprehensive Guide

Do you have a day and a half free to explore the beautiful landscape of Antigua Guatemala? If so, a 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike from Antigua might just be the perfect choice for you. Our team has put together this comprehensive guide to get you prepared for your one day journey. We’ll discuss important information such as the significance of the volcano, requirements and tips, tips for booking, and much more.

What is the Acatenango Volcano?

Acatenango is one of the highest volcanoes in Guatemala, standing at 13,042 feet (3,976 meters) tall. This means that it is the third highest peak in the country and only two volcanoes, both in Mexico, are taller within a 350 mile radius.

Acatenango is an active stratovolcano, located near the city of Antigua Guatemala. It is 12 miles (19 kilometers) away from another active stratovolcano named Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes. In fact, it is Fuego’s frequent eruptions that give Acatenango its unique atmosphere and energy.

Requirements and Tips for Hiking Acatenango Volcano

To ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the beauty Acatenango has to offer, here are a few things you need to bring when embarking on this hike:

• Sun protection: A sun hat or sunglasses are recommended, as you are likely to be exposed to strong sunlight on your journey.
• Waterproof clothing: The weather at the top of the volcano can be unpredictable, so it is recommended to bring a raincoat, windproof jacket, and/or waterproof pants.
• Hiking gear: You will need hiking boots or shoes, comfortable clothes appropriate for the terrain and weather conditions, and a plastic or metal water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Snacks: Make sure to bring enough snacks that are high in energy such as energy bars or cereal bars.
• Camera: There is beauty everywhere at Acatenango, so don’t forget your camera!

It is important to note that this hike requires some physical preparation. You should be physically active and have experience with hiking and trekking. The volcanic slope is steep and rocky in some parts, so good outdoor footwear and practice hiking on steep terrain is essential. It’s also recommended to take acclimatization breaks every 30 minutes when hiking up, as the altitude changes will impact your ability to breathe normally. Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip; if the sky appears to be overcast or there’s strong wind predicted on top of the volcano, it is recommended to refrain from climbing as it can be dangerous.

How to Book Your Acatenango Volcano Hike

Acatenango volcano hikes usually take one full day from Antigua Guatemala and depart around 6 am in the morning, returning around 5 pm in the afternoon. There are various tour operators that offer this experience; however, we recommend booking with GetYourGuide. GetYourGuide takes customer safety seriously and offers reliable services with knowledgeable guides who are passionate about helping customers explore the beauty of Acatenango. They also offer a range of prices depending on your needs i.e private tours starting from around US$230 per person or group tours starting from around US$75 per person.

If you are looking for an even more unique experience, you can try their private tour package. This package offers an experienced guide that will give commentary and tell you stories about Acatenango as well as magical sunset views on the hike. Furthermore, they provide private transportation and all necessary equipment like warm clothing and powerful lighting on request.

From our own experiences we can highly recommend GetYourGuide’s tours; not only do they provide experienced guides, but they also go above and beyond when it comes to customer service. We had no difficulty booking our trip and gotten great support along the hike. In all, their tours are an excellent option for exploring Acatenango in a safe and organised manner.

Hitting the Trails at Acatenango Volcano

Acatenango is an incredibly unique place to explore; it contains lush trees on either side of the rocky path and a diverse array of wildlife such as foxes, coyotes and birds that often appear along the way. The hike itself provides an incredible challenge for both new and experienced hikers alike.

The trek starts out with a 700m climb up to La Cumbre; it is a steep but short journey that offers stunning views that are worth every step of the way. From there it is another 500 m up to El Puhkinai; this part of the climb is more gradual and provides some respite from the previous ascent. The summit area is usually cloud covered; that means that arriving at the intersection between night and day will greet you with clear skies and views of the surrounding landscape including Fuego and Aguanondondo Volcanoes rising in the horizon.

The effort required for this hike is rewarded with an incredible experience that leaves no one unaffected; after descending back down tired but delighted, many trekkers feel energised with a sense of accomplishment.

Conclusion

A 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike from Antigua Guatemala is an unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list! It is a great way to explore a stunning environment while pushing your limits. We strongly suggest that you book through GetYourGuide and take advantage of their fair prices and excellent customer service. Good luck and have fun!

If this guide has inspired you we recommend you book your 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike from Antigua now!