How to Plan Your 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike from Antigua

If you’re planning to visit Antigua, Guatemala, and want to experience hiking on a volcano with breathtaking views, then the 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike is the perfect adventure for you. Summit the 3rd highest volcano in Guatemala, walk through forests, and barren terrain that will change with different microclimates. Watch the nearby volcano Fuego erupt from afar and spend a night camping under the stars. Here’s how to plan your 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike adventure:

Experience

The 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike provides an adventurous, challenging, and scenic experience for all outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some highlights of the tour:

• Summit Guatemala’s 3rd highest Volcano
• Walk through a maze of corn old growth forests and a barren summit of scree
• Watch the microclimates and terrain change around you in this diverse ecosystem
• Enjoy breathtaking 360° views of all that Guatemala has to offer
• Spend time watching nearby volcan Fuego erupt (4km away)
• Spend a night under the stars in a beautiful campsite overlooking the active volcan Fuego

Booking the Tour

You can book the 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike through the following link: book the tour here. Make sure to bring your ID card, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and pack enough water and snacks. The tour starts at 5:00 am, and it’s advisable to have your breakfast beforehand.

The Tour Description

The tour begins at the tour operator’s office in Antigua, where you can fill up your water bottles and purchase any additional gear you might need. After you’re well-prepared, we’ll drive for about an hour from Antigua to La Soledad, a sleepy mountain village located on the ridge of the Pacific slope of Volcan Acatenango. The start of the hike is at this small mountain village where it gradually becomes steeper as we progress up the volcano.

The trail up Volcan Acatenango has four distinct microclimates, each taking about an hour to traverse. We’ll begin by walking up a steep trail through local farm fields, which leads to the first cloud forest. Then, we’ll hike through the dense old-growth forest, which marks the second microclimate, and after which we’ll reach the third microclimate – the alpine zone. Here you’ll witness the dramatic scenery, including barren terrain and rocks. Walking up the fourth microclimate requires lots of strength and endurance as you’ll hike your way to the summit of Acatenango at an altitude of 3,976 meters above sea level.

Once you reach the summit, you’ll have a fantastic panoramic view of the three volcanoes near Antigua: Fuego, Acatenango, and Agua. Volcan Fuego is the closest and most active of the three volcanoes, so you’ll get an excellent opportunity to watch its eruptions from a safe distance.

After you’ve rested and taken all the photos of this fantastic view, the descent back begins, which is a bit faster than the ascending route. What would be climbing for six hours gets cut to 3 hours as you slide down through the scree – an incredibly fun experience. Once you reach the base camp, you’ll pitch your tent and settle for the night as you enjoy the beautiful stars and the view of the nearby volcan Fuego.

What to Bring

Here’s what you’ll require for the 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike:

• ID card
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Warm clothes as the temperature drops at the summit
• Sufficient water and snacks
• A small backpack for carrying the essentials
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect you from the sun
• Bug repellent
• Personal medication if required

Tips for Hiking Volcan Acatenango

Here are some tips to make your 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike experience the best:

• Train and get in shape before the hike. The hike can be strenuous and challenging, so being fit can help you hike efficiently.
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the hike.
• Wear comfortable and high-quality hiking shoes that have a good grip as the terrain can be unstable at times.
• Go with the right mindset: hiking the Acatenango volcano will be a great challenge, but the view at the top is worth the effort.
• Do not carry more than the required – packing light means you can hike easily.
• Stick with the group and follow the guide’s instruction to avoid getting lost.

Closing Remarks

The 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike is a challenging and rewarding experience for all outdoor enthusiasts. The hike offers an exceptional view of the three volcanoes around Antigua, including the active one, Fuego. It’s advisable to get prepared beforehand and bring all the required gear and personal medication. In addition, ensure that you follow the rules and regulations put in place, such as sticking with the group and the guide’s instructions. Book the 1 Day Acatenango Volcano Hike here today and get ready for an unforgettable experience.