Hiking Acatenango has got to be the most rewarding hike I have ever done, and certainly one not to miss if you are in Guatemala. Yes, it’s pretty gruelling- It’s the third highest volcano in Guatemala standing 13,000 ft at the summit. Many times throughout the hike you will think ‘why did I put myself through this?’ but believe me, when you reach base camp to the view of Volcán Fuego erupting lava before your own eyes, and then the summit, you will not regret your decision.
I decided to hike with a local man called Gilmer Soy. His tours to Acatenango are highly rated, and it was great to hear that a lot of the profits from this trip go towards helping to improve his community (they are currently building a play area for the children in the village). I could not recommend him highly enough to take this tour with. From start to finish his team were fantastic. The tours are 400Q per person plus 50Q entrance fee and Gilmer can be contacted on sologui5630@gmail.com or WhatsApp +502 41692292.
The Hike
It was an early start. 7.30am I heard the driver calling my name at the front of the Hostel. I stumbled out of my room, a little shocked at how heavy my bag was and unsure how I would lift it onto the top of the van let alone hike up the volcano with it on my back.
We were taken to Gilmer’s house, near to the base of the volcano and greeted by Gilmer and his friendly team. Here we were able to borrow warm jackets and backpacks, and hire hats/scarves/gloves for a small fee (10-20Q each). We were given a small package with our lunch and breakfast in and jumped back into the van to the volcano.
After renting walking sticks from the locals at the bottom of the volcano (5Q), it was time for a much needed motivational speech by Gilmer before we started our ascent.
They didn’t lie- there’s absolutely no easing into this hike. The first hour is seriously steep. Only 10 minutes in and my legs already begging me for a break, I wondered if arriving at base camp before dark would be possible, let alone consider that it could be done in 5 hours.
But with my trusty walking stick, a great supportive group, 4 guides, lots of breaks and a few rumblings from Volcan Fuego keeping us motivated to keep going, we made it to our lunch stop and then to base camp iin just over 5 hours!
With the tents already set up and the fire already going (thank goodness), all that was left for us to do was wrap ourselves up in our many layers and gawp in awe at the magnificent views. Queue sound effects ‘oooo’ ahhhhh’ and ‘woooaah’ whilst watching plumes of smoke mushroom out of Volcán Fuego. It wasn’t long before sunset was upon us and thick plumes of smoke turned into lava spewing out and rolling down the volcano- the most incredible sight to see.
The evening was spent re-fuelling with a tasty dinner cooked by the guides and plenty of toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate before getting an early night ready for our 4am wake up call.
I think the group would all agree that the hike to the summit was the most challenging part: two steps up, one slide down for a little over an hour. But again, the views are so worth it and we were all please to reach the summit in time to enjoy the beautiful sunrise, all huddled up like penguins for extra warmth.
Next came the fun part- sliding back down to base camp! Although a little sore on the knees, the way down the volcano seemed like a breeze in comparison the the upward slog. After breakfast at base camp and around 2 1/2 more hours of sliding, we were all pleased to be back at the base of the volcano being congratulated by Gilmer for surviving, and looking forward to a nice hot shower and some well earned rest.
All in all, a trip of a lifetime.
My top tips for hiking Acatenango
- Make sure to take at least 3L of water and some extra snacks to keep you going. I found nuts, bananas and cereal bars were handy
- Nb check with your tour company what food you will be provided as some companies only provide sandwiches and pot noodles. With Gilmer we had a lunch consisting of chicken, rice, salad, bread and an apple. Dinner was stir fry, mashed potato, frijoles, a boiled egg and tacos, and Breakfast included coffee, cornflakes and milk. Not forgetting the marshmallows and hot chocolate by the fire in the evening!
- Take a portable charger. For me listening to music on the way up helped a lot and having my charger meant I didn’t need to worry about battery life.
- Hire a walking stick– It’s only 5Q and that stick will quickly become your best friend that you will be well and truly gutted to part with on your return.
- Take a headlamp for the early morning hike and of course when taking the short walk to the toilet in the night
- Don’t wear warm clothes for the hike, but have a warm jumper handy- I was a comfortable temperature in shorts during the hike but it’s amazing how cold you get when you take even the shortest of breaks.
- Bring lots of layers– you absolutely need plenty of layers plus gloves, a scarf and a hat. Once you reach base camp you will be very grateful for this and if you hike to the summit it is essential as the winds are brutal.
- Consider taking Aspirin and Ibuprofen with you- Our group was lucky and nobody seemed to suffer too badly with altitude sickness but I am told aspirin and Ibuprofen can be useful for those who do.
- Take it at your own pace and don’t forget to enjoy it! If you need to have a break, take a break, you’ll thank yourself later and probably others will thank you too!
- Check the weather before you go- We were lucky and had perfect weather but it’s not guaranteed and just a few days before we went it had been raining and snowing, reducing the visibility (I used mountain-forecast) beforehand.
We would love to hear your thoughts on hiking Volcán Acatenengo, leave your comments and any questions in the comments box below.
Couple of Explorers 