Acatenango Overnight Hike: Tips for an Incredible Climb

If I had a nickel for every volcano I hiked in Guatemala, I’d have two nickels – which isn’t a lot but it’s CRAZY it happened twice (in the wise words of Dr. Doofenshmirtz).

Climbing the Acatenango Volcano hike is one of the most popular things to do in Guatemala. And it’s no surprise why. Imagine yourself triumphantly climbing Volcán de Acatenango – one of Guatemala’s most difficult volcanoes to hike – as its explosive neighbor, Fuego erupts in a violent BOOM that shakes the ground beneath your feet. Tears of joy stream down your face, mirroring the flaming lava rolling down the face of the ashy peak.

I’ll never forget the euphoric excitement I felt as I trudged the final steps up to Acatenango base camp while thick plumes of smoke rose over Fuego in the cloudless blue sky. If hiking Acatenango isn’t already on your bucket list, you’ll want to add it to the top, especially now that Fuego is explosively active. 

Few travelers have the opportunity to climb Acatenango, and even fewer make it to the summit. I’m still erupting with shock over the fact that I made it up wearing an old pair of AF1s! Anything is possible – even summiting Guatemala’s most challenging volcano hike – with a pair of your most comfortable shoes and an I-can-do-anything attitude. 

This detailed Acatenango hiking guide will discuss everything you need to know before trekking up Guatemala’s most difficult volcano hike, including my recommendations for Acatenango guide companies, essential items to pack for the Acatenango overnight hike, and my top five tips for a safe adventure. 

If you’re an avid hiker or a lover of outdoor adventures, the Acatenango overnight hike is the perfect adventure activity to add to your Guatemala itinerary! Read on to learn more about hiking Acatenango Volcano!

Where is the Acatenango Volcano?

Acatenango is a monumental, inactive volcano that towers over the historic city of Antigua. Part of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Guatemala, which includes the nearby sister peak, Fuego, Acatenango Volcano is approximately 3,976 meters. 

The Acatenango trailhead is about 29 km from Antigua and takes approximately 50 minutes to reach (or more with traffic).

Travelers from all over the world visit Guatemala to catch a glimpse of this formidable giant. If you don’t plan on hiking the Acatenango Volcano, you’ll be able to see the prominent volcano from the city of Antigua. Book a hostel with a scenic terrace like Bloom Hostel (my TOP hostel recommendation in Antigua!) for incredible rooftop views of the Acatenango and Fuego.

How to Get from Guatemala City to Antigua for the Acatenango Hike

Most Acatenango hiking companies are based out of the historic city of Antigua, which is just over 40km from Guatemala City. If you plan to join an overnight Acatenango hike, you’ll want to spend several days in Antigua before you make the trek, in order to acclimate to the elevation, which increases SIGNIFICANTLY over the course of the hike to Acatenango basecamp. 

There are several ways to get from Guatemala City to Antigua for the Acatenango overnight hike. Here are my top recommendations:

Shared Shuttle

The best way to travel around Guatemala is to reserve a shared shuttle. There are a collection of different shuttle companies operating in Guatemala’s major cities (Guatemala City, Antigua, Panajachel, Flores and MORE!). GuateGo and Get Your Guide are two reliable options for budget travelers.  

These shuttle buses are comfortable and safe, and can seat up to ten people (sometimes more depending on the company you book with). A shared shuttle is an affordable “luxury” – you won’t be stuck at the back of a crowded bus, sweating as you try to keep track of your stuff. 

I traveled from Guatemala City Airport (Aurora International Airport) to Antigua immediately after landing in Guatemala. My shuttle provider, GuateGo, picked me up directly from the airport so I didn’t have to worry about transferring to another bus stop in the bustling city.

Traffic in Guatemala City can get very hectic, slowing transfer times and creating anxiety-inducing frustration, so having the ability to get picked up from the airport was a HUGE WIN after two connecting flights. 

The drive from Guatemala City to Antigua is about 40km. Depending on traffic conditions, you’ll arrive in Antigua in about 1-2 hours.

Traveling from Guatemala City to Antigua for the EPIC Acatenango Volcano Hike? Book your shared shuttle HERE 🌋 🚐!

Tips for Booking Shared Shuttles in Guatemala

Book in Advance

In most cases, shared shuttles booked online must be reserved at least 12 hours in advance. 

I learned this the hard way trying to book a shared shuttle from Panajachel to Guatemala City just hours before I was set to depart (which just so happened to be at 4:30am). 

Online booking platforms for local shuttles close earlier than you think…a detriment to spontaneous travelers like myself. Nevertheless, you’re never truly stuck – simply message a few shuttle companies via WhatsApp to see if there is last-minute availability. 

Every hostel I stayed at in Guatemala had recommendations for reliable shared shuttle operators. Each option recommended was perfect for my travel needs. Hostels not only provide epic, budget-friendly activities, they also offer affordable shuttle services usually departing from the doorstep of the hostel.

Guatemalans move fast…especially the shuttle drivers. You’ll need local currency, Guatemalan Quetzales, to pay for your shared shuttle if you didn’t already pay online.

When I traveled from Guatemala City to Antigua, I booked and paid for my shuttle with Get Your Guide (operated by GuateGo) in advance so I wouldn’t have to worry about finding an ATM after landing at the airport. Once you do arrive in Antigua, you can visit a local ATM to get local currency to pay for hostels, restaurants and souvenirs.

Private Transfer or Uber

If you’re in a time crunch or haven’t booked a shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua, the home base for hikers planning to traverse Acatenango, a private shuttle or an Uber is an alternative option to a shared shuttle.

Antigua private transfers or Ubers are usually more expensive than a shared shuttle, however they provide more flexibility for travelers with unique itineraries or spontaneous schedules. Most private transfers have a minimum number of travelers required, so solo travelers should opt for a private shuttle or alternate modes of transfer. 

Families or large groups traveling from Guatemala City to Antigua might benefit from booking a private transfer. Although, shared shuttles are a great way to meet other travelers.

Want to Book a Private Shuttle from Guatemala City to Antigua? Book Your Private Shuttle HERE 🌋👯‍♀️?

Chicken Bus

You won’t truly understand what a “Chicken Bus” is until you see one in Guatemala!

Named after the unique method of transporting chickens and livestock around Central and South American countries, Chicken Buses are colorful, decked-out school buses used for local transport around Guatemala. This affordable method of transport is a unique way to experience Guatemalan culture.

Chicken buses are great for short-term travel, but require a skilled level of Spanish to navigate the unregulated transport network. These vibrantly illuminated buses are not as safe or comfortable as shared or private shuttles, but are a fun adventure for travelers who want to experience a snippet of a day-in-the-life of a local.

How Difficult is the Acatenango Hike?

Coming from the Mile High City, Denver, I thought I had a “level up” on other hikers visiting Guatemala from around the world. Living at 5,280 feet, I was already used to the elevation in Antigua. 

How hard could the Acatenango Volcano hike possibly be for an outdoorsy Colorado gal like myself? 

As I began the steep ascent up the loose volcanic stone trail, I realized that living in Colorado would provide little more than a slight leg-up for adjusting to the elevation. I wasn’t at all prepared for the steep, slippery terrain or the rapid elevation gain that awaited me on the ~8km trek (4.8 miles! I tracked it!) up to Acatenango base camp.

Even before our first break, I was breathless and moving at a much slower pace than I expected to hike at. I kept good company with the “slow” group of hikers, watching as the “fast” hikers chased each other up the trail like cheetahs racing after prey.

I couldn’t stand a chance against the free divers (breath control, amirite?) and nearly-climbed-Everest seasoned hikers. But even at my slow pace, I still made it up to Acatenango! A monumental feat I’ll always remember proudly.

The Acatenanngo hike is extremely difficult because of the slippery, loose volcanic sand trail and rapid elevation gain, which climbs over 1,200 meters from the starting point of the trek to Acatenango base camp. I won’t sugar coat it: this hike is EXTREMELY HARD. Way more difficult than I expected it to be.

Most guide companies will only recommend the trek to Acatenango base camp for capable hikers. If you don’t feel confident hiking up the steep trail to Acatenango base camp, there are options to drive up with a 4X4 vehicle.

Can Anyone Hike Acatenango?

My life motto: If you can dream it, you can do it. 

Most anyone can attempt the hike to Acatenango base camp, though it is not recommended for people with heart conditions or significant injuries.

Local guide companies recommend you have some level of fitness before attempting the hike up Acatenango. If you’re like me and you don’t like working out, I’m here to affirm that once-a-week reformer pilates is “enough” as long as you have a persevering mindset – at least I thought so.

Mindset is EVERYTHING. Acatenango will leave you breathless, send you sliding down the loose volcanic trail, and have you wondering why you paid to “torture yourself” on the seemingly endless Stairmaster. Keep reminding yourself that you are capable…it doesn’t hurt to speak your words of affirmation while you hike. 

Even when it feels impossible – and believe me, there were times when I thought it so – don’t let yourself quit. Climbing the final steps up to Acatenango base camp had me feeling on top of the world (literally!)…like I could conquer any mountain (or volcano!) and do ANYTHING I set my mind to.

Best Guide Company for Acatenango Overnight Hike

There are several incredible options for Acatenango guide companies including Wicho and Charlie’s, Trek Guatemala and Quetzal Trekkers. Many hostels in Antigua also organize group guided hiking tours up Acatenango. If you’re a devoted user of Get Your Guide like I am, book this guided trek up Acatenango on the app. 

Here’s a breakdown of my top recommendations for the best guide companies for the Acatenango overnight hike:

Wicho and Charlie’s

A sustainability-focused trekking company that offers comfortable base camp lodging, vegan meals, and moderate group sizes. After researching the best Acatenango guide companies, I booked my hiking adventure with Wicho and Charlie’s favoring their sustainability efforts and continued support for the local community in Antigua.

Quetzal Trekkers

Guatemala’s only non-profit, volunteer-led hiking organization that focuses on giving back to local communities. 100% of the profits from these volunteer-led treks are donated to Escuela de la Calle in Xela. Conquer Acatenango and feel good about supporting local children.

Trek Guatemala

A company founded by a pair of avid American hikers who devote themselves to exploring Guatemala on foot. This duo focuses on sustainability and giving back to local communities in Guatemala. Trek Guatemala offers smaller group sizes and “safari-style” glamping tents for a comfortable yet rugged base camp stay.

Get Your Guide

Every experience I’ve booked on Get Your Guide has been unforgettable and this overnight Acatenango guided hike is no exception! Like most Acatenango guided hikes, this activity includes a guided trek up to base camp, plus the option to hike up Fuego volcano and summit Acatenango the following morning for sunrise. Get Your Guide offers hassle-free booking and refundable options, up to a certain date.

How to Choose a Great Acatenango Guide Company

Choose Sustainability

The most important thing I looked for when choosing an Acatenango guide company was to understand their sustainability efforts. Most companies prioritize earnings over environment, however a select few – including Wicho and Charlie’s, the company I booked my Acatenango hike with – are actively giving back to local communities and making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

Follow the Locals

Can we truly say we immersed ourselves in the local culture if we aren’t actively supporting local businesses? Choose a guide company run by locals…it’s a great way to practice Spanish!

Be Mindful of Group Size

There are pros and cons to hiking with large and small groups. Large groups offer more friendship opportunities: the more people there are in the group, the more friends to be made. However, for large group sizes, you’ll likely find yourself sharing a cabin or a tent with multiple other travelers. Smaller group sizes allow for a more personalized hiking experience. However, you won’t meet as many travelers with small groups.

Acatenango Overnight Hike: Timeline and Route

Depending on the guide company your book your Acatenango overnight hike with, the schedule might change slightly. Here’s an approximate look at how you’ll spend your overnight adventure climbing Acatenango:

Day 1

6:30-7:00am – Meet at your guide company’s headquarters (usually in Antigua)

7:00-7:30am – Determine what you’ll be packing for the Acatenango overnight hike, get some helpful tips from the local guides, eat a hearty breakfast (usually oats, bananas and Guatemalan coffee!)

7:30-8:30am – Determine your Acatenango packing list and rent any necessary gear, ask your guides any last minute questions you might have before departing Antigua

9:00am – Depart Antigua and drive 50-60 minutes to the start of the trek! Make sure to hydrate before starting the hike – the trek begins at an altitude of 2,400 meters and skyrockets even higher

10:00am – Begin the ~8km trek to Acatenango base camp, taking breaks along the way to catch your breath and drink water

12:30 – 1:30pm – Stop for lunch break (~30-45 minutes depending on guide company and group pace)

3:30 – 4:00pm – Arrive at Acatenango base camp, enjoy views as Fuego erupts

4:30pm – Optional sunset hike to Fuego begins – bring your headlamp! (NOTE: some guide companies will depart for Fuego later as the sun sets, our group left before sunset to watch the sun fall below the horizon from the Fuego ridge); If you don’t choose to hike to Fuego, you’ll eat dinner as the sun sets

8:30pm – Arrive back to Acatenango base camp, enjoy a relaxing dinner with hot chocolate

Snapshots from Day 1 of the Acatenango overnight hike

Day 2

3:30am – Wake up call for Acatenango sunrise summit (optional)

7:00am – Return to Acatenango base camp for breakfast before descending 

7:30am – Descend Acatenango

10:30 – 10:45am – Complete the INCREDIBLE Acatenango overnight hike! Woohoo!

11:00am – Drive back to Antigua

12:00 – 12:15pm – Arrive back at your tour operator’s headquarters, return any rented gear

1:00pm – Indulge in a juicy American burger at Pappy’s BBQ in Antigua (my tradition!)

Snapshots from Day 2 of the Acatenango overnight hike

What to Bring for the Acatenango Overnight Hike

3 – 4 Liters of Water

Most guide companies will recommend you bring 3 liters of water for yourself and an additional 1-2 liters for the guides to use for dinner and other uses on base camp. 

The hike to Acatenango base camp is incredibly strenuous, especially for travelers not used to high elevation. Staying hydrated is crucial for preventing altitude sickness. The first day of the Acatenango overnight trek, I found myself guzzling water at each break to make sure I didn’t suffer from altitude migraines. Over the course of the two day trek, I drank over 3 liters of water. 

For an extra hydration boost, I recommend bringing a packet of electrolytes or purchasing electrolyte drinks from local supermarkets.

Hiking Poles

I’ve never used hiking poles until the Acatenango overnight hike. However, with each step I took with the support of my hiking poles, I was incredibly grateful that I rented them. Hiking poles are a NECESSITY on the Acatenango trek because they provide stability on the loose volcanic sand trails and can reduce the strain on your knees as you traverse the incredible landscapes. I couldn’t have completed the trek without them.

Fleece-lined Hiking Pants

I was bold to assume that my favorite pair of fleece-lined hiking pants would sit heavy and unused at the bottom of my 50L backpack. My thermal pants were a godsend as we continued to climb higher and higher up Acatenango.

The temperature drops significantly the closer you get to base camp. Combined with chilly wind gusts and below freezing temperatures on the Fuego ridge, I likely would have frozen if it weren’t for my trusty fleece-lined hiking pants. Most Acatenango guide companies offer base layer clothing rentals, but few offer warm fleece-lined, sweat-wicking pants that will keep you warm beneath your sleeping bag.

Anker Power Bank

If you’re like me and you’re desperately clinging to your old iPhone model, with its near-useless battery for amateur photography, you’ll want to bring a reliable power bank to charge your devices along the trek.

I bought this lightweight Anker power bank for my 12-day horseback riding trek in Kyrgyzstan and it has proven to be one of my most essential travel items. From Kyrgyzstan to Guatemala, Anker has proven to be an incredibly reliable power bank to carry in my day pack. It has charged drones, phones and smart watches, all within a single charge.

Hand Warmers

Never have I ever wished for a pair of hand warmers than when I stood perched on top of the Fuego ridge, freezing as I watched the hot lava spew from the crater. The gloves provided by my guide company did little more than keep the sun from burning my hands during the day. Pack a small pair of hand warmers to put in your gloves before you begin the climb up Fuego. You’ll thank me once the sun sets!

Warm Clothes

Every traveler I met in Guatemala told me to pack EVERY warm layer I brought with me for the trek to Acatenango and Fuego.

I didn’t think it would be as cold as it was at Acatenango base camp. My knowledge of the tree-less, windy trail conditions on Fuego didn’t stop me from wondering why people recommend you bring multiple base layers, warm coats and wool hats for the after-sunset optional hike. It was FREEZING at Acatenango base camp and on Fuego after the sunset. Bring every warm layer you packed or rent as much warm gear as possible.

Comfortable Shoes

Do I need hiking boots for Acatenango? I kept asking myself this question when packing for Guatemala. I didn’t (and still don’t) own a pair of hiking boots and I wasn’t planning on buying them specifically for the overnight trek.

The short answer is this: you don’t NEED hiking boots to climb Acatenango. In fact, I wore a dirty old pair of AF1s…the same pair that got me up the loose gravel of Ala Kul in Kyrgyzstan. The trail is steep and therefore slippery, even for people with fancy hiking shoes. Bring your most trusted tennis shoes if you don’t own a pair of hiking boots.

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My Top 5 Tips for Hiking Acatenango Volcano

More photos from my incredible adventure hiking Acatenango and Fuego!

1. Rent Hiking Poles (If You Don’t Own Them)

Perhaps the most essential item I brought with me on the Acatenango overnight hike was a pair of sturdy hiking poles.

My hiking poles were my biggest supporter (literally!) – I leaned on them as the climb became strenuous and used them for balance on the slippery descent. If you don’t already own a pair of retractable, lightweight hiking poles, do yourself a favor and rent them before hiking Acatenango. Most guide companies will rent them for 80 Quetzales (~$10 USD).

2. Hire a Porter on the Way Down if Your Energy is Low

Most guide companies will transport your large backpacks – the heavy packs which include your extra layers and large water bottles – most of the way up Acatenango. However once you climb 80% of the way up to base camp, you’re required to carry your large backpack the rest of the way unless you hire a porter. 

This final route is *mostly* flat. I carried my large backpack the final 20% of the trek on the way up to Acatenango base camp, however the following morning after struggling to sleep and feeling beat with exhaustion, I paid for a porter to carry my large backpack down to the backpack drop-off stop, the place where 4X4 vehicles can’t go any further up and will collect your backpacks and drive them down.

If you need to hire a porter it will cost 100 Quetzales (~$13USD) on the way up and 150 Quetzales (~$20USD) on the way down.

3. Hydrate A LOT More Than You Think Necessary

As you trek towards Acatenango base camp, hydrate A LOT more than you think you need to. The rapid elevation gain in combination with the intense exertion of the hike will require you to drink more water than you’ll deem necessary. Hydration will prevent altitude sickness and help with recovery after the hike.

4. Acclimate in Antigua Before Making the Trek

I was shocked when I met a traveler on the way from Guatemala City to Antigua who was planning on hiking Acatenango the following morning.

Antigua is a high elevation city and the Acatenango elevation soars even more as you ascend the giant inactive volcano. If your itinerary allows it, spend two to three days in Antigua before your overnight Acatenango hike. This will reduce the likelihood of getting altitude sickness if you’re visiting Guatemala from sea level.

5. Get To Know Your Fellow Hikers

A larger group size isn’t all bad, especially for solo travelers hoping to meet like-minded individuals and build life-long friendships. My hiking group was a lucky mix of persevering, strong-willed individuals from unique backgrounds. Several of us followed each other from Antigua to Lake Atitlán, enjoying local villages with our newfound travel groups. When you’re not out of breath, take time to mingle with your fellow hikers! You might just meet a future hiking partner!

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers to Common Questions