Experience the ultimate high-altitude adventure with an overnight trek up Acatenango Volcano. These guided tours offer front-row views of the active Fuego volcano, complete with included meals and camping equipment.
Hike up Acatenango Volcano for an overnight camping trip with views of the active Fuego crater.
Free Cancellation Spend the night on Acatenango volcano and watch the active Fuego volcano erupt from your campsite.
Watch Fuego erupt from our campsite on Acatenango, featuring insulated cabins and local guides from San Jose Calderas.
Free Cancellation Hike Acatenango and watch Fuego erupt from a new, well-designed camp with hearty meals and front-row volcano views.
Free Cancellation Summit the 4,000-meter Acatenango volcano on a guided two-day trek with meals, gear, and transport from Antigua.
New Trek to 3,976m for an overnight glamping experience with direct views of Fuego Volcano’s active lava eruptions.
Free Cancellation Summit the 3,976-meter Acatenango Volcano on a guided 6-hour hike or via 4x4 vehicle for panoramic views.
Immerse yourself in local culture and tackle a challenging 5-6 hour mountain trek through variable terrain.
Ride 4x4s to a base camp facing Volcán de Fuego and stay in insulated cabins with meals and professional guides.
Trek up Acatenango to a private campsite for an overnight stay overlooking the active eruptions of Volcán Fuego.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Acatenango Volcano — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Climbing Acatenango Volcano is a challenging but immensely rewarding two-day expedition. You will trek through diverse ecosystems to reach a high-altitude base camp, where you can spend the night watching the neighboring Volcán de Fuego erupt against the starry sky.
Watch Volcán de Fuego erupt from the safety of your base camp. You will see glowing orange lava and pyroclastic material shoot into the sky every 15 to 30 minutes.
Wake up in the freezing early morning hours for the final 50-minute push to Pico Mayor. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Atitlán and surrounding peaks as the sun rises.
Experience a diverse physical journey as you climb. The trail transitions from agricultural farmlands to lush cloud forests, tropical alpine zones, and finally barren volcanic rock.
Spend the night at 3,600 meters in shared tents or cozy A-frame cabins. Enjoy hot meals and tea while staying protected from the freezing mountain winds.
For an extra fee, adventurous hikers can add a strenuous trek across the saddle. This brings you within 200 meters of Fuego's active crater to feel the raw power of its eruptions.
Climbing Acatenango is a serious physical undertaking that requires careful planning. Here is what you need to know before booking your expedition.
Most options are 2-day, 1-night guided group treks. However, you can also book premium glamping tours with insulated cabins, or a 4x4 vehicle tour that drives you most of the way up for a shorter, flatter hike to base camp.
The standard hike requires ascending 1,500 vertical meters over steep, loose volcanic sand. It is highly demanding and is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries, or anyone with cardiovascular issues.
While tour packages cover transport, guides, and meals, the park entrance fee is often excluded. Foreigners must pay Q100 (about $13 USD) in cash at the La Soledad trailhead, split between Acatenango and Alotenango municipal fees.
Temperatures at the summit can drop to -5°C (23°F). Most operators include basic winter gear like sleeping bags and mats in the tour price, but you will need to bring your own sturdy hiking boots and rent walking sticks locally.
Tours operate year-round but sell out quickly during the dry season from November to April. Book well in advance during these months to secure spots in the highly sought-after wooden cabins or glamping tents.
Policies vary significantly by operator. Some offer full refunds if canceled 24 to 72 hours in advance, while others have strict no-refund policies. Always check the specific terms before confirming your booking.
| Standard Overnight Trek | Comfort Glamping Tour | 4x4 Base Camp Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Days / 1 Night | 2 Days / 1 Night | 2 Days / 1 Night |
| Fitness Level | High | High | Moderate |
| Accommodation | Shared Tents / Sleeping Mats | Insulated Cabins / Glamping Tents | Shared Cabins |
| Price From | $85 | $129 | $255 |
Acatenango Volcano is technically open 24 hours a day for hikers. However, guided tours operate on strict schedules to ensure safety and coordinate logistics.
Most overnight tours depart from Antigua Guatemala between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. You will typically arrive at the La Soledad trailhead around 10:00 AM to begin the ascent. The descent on the second day usually begins after sunrise, with groups returning to Antigua by early afternoon.
The trailhead for Acatenango is located in the village of La Soledad, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Antigua Guatemala.
The best time to hike Acatenango is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During these months, the weather is stable and offers the clearest skies, giving you optimal visibility for watching Fuego's spectacular night eruptions. Be prepared for colder temperatures and stronger winds at the summit.
The worst time to visit is during the rainy season from May to October. Heavy rainfall creates muddy, slippery trail conditions, and dense cloud cover frequently blocks the views of Volcán de Fuego entirely.
Acatenango Volcano does not have wheelchair access or facilities for people with physical disabilities. The terrain features steep inclines, loose volcanic sand, and uneven rocky paths.
Elderly & Less Mobile Visitors: The standard 1,500-meter vertical climb is not suitable for older adults or those with cardiovascular issues. However, a private 4x4 tour option is available, driving visitors up a private road to reduce the journey to a relatively flat one-hour walk to base camp.
Children: The hike is generally unsuitable for young children. Operators like Wicho & Charlie's strictly prohibit children under 5. Kids aged 6 to 12 must be closely supervised due to steep, unfenced edges at base camp.
Facilities on Acatenango Volcano are extremely limited, as it is a rugged, high-altitude environment.
To ensure visitor safety and preserve the environment, several strict rules are enforced on Acatenango:
Acatenango stands at an elevation of 3,976 meters (13,045 feet) above sea level. This makes it the third-highest volcano in Guatemala and offers incredible views of the surrounding volcanic chain.
No, Acatenango is currently dormant and safe for guided tourism. Its last recorded eruption was in 1972. The active eruptions you see from the base camp come from the neighboring Volcán de Fuego.
Yes, hiring a certified guide is mandatory under local CONRED and INGUAT regulations. Booking a tour ensures you have a guide, proper winter gear, and pre-arranged transportation from Antigua.
The ascent to base camp usually takes between 5 and 9 hours, depending on your group's pace. From base camp, it takes an additional 50 minutes to reach the summit, and the descent takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Temperatures at the summit can drop to -5°C (23°F) with severe wind chill. You must pack multiple warm layers, including thermal underwear, a down jacket, and gloves to prevent hypothermia.
Most tour packages do not include the park entrance fee. Foreign tourists must bring Q100 (approximately $13 USD) in cash to pay at the La Soledad trailhead.
Yes, local porters are available at the trailhead to carry your gear up the mountain. The service costs between Q150 and Q200 (about $20 to $26 USD) each way and must be paid in cash.
The Fuego extension is an optional, highly strenuous add-on trek that takes you across the saddle to get closer to Volcán de Fuego. It costs an extra Q200 to Q250 and brings you within 200 meters of the active crater.
There are no developed restrooms or running water on the volcano. The only facilities are basic latrines located at the base camps, so you must bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Because there are no water sources on the mountain, you must carry all your drinking water. Tour operators recommend bringing at least 4 liters of water per person for the 2-day trek.
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This trek takes you up the slopes of Acatenango, one of Guatemala’s highest peaks. The route passes through several distinct microclimates, starting in local farmland before climbing through high-altitude cloud forests and volcanic terrain. You will navigate steep trails as you head toward the base camp located near the summit. At camp, you will spend the night on the volcano’s shoulder. This location provides a clear view of the neighboring Fuego Volcano, allowing you to observe its regular activity from a safe distance. The trip offers a direct look at Guatemala's volcanic landscape and a chance to sleep at high altitude under the stars.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This overnight trek takes you up the slopes of Acatenango, one of the highest peaks in Central America. From our base camp, you’ll have a direct line of sight to the nearby Fuego volcano, which frequently erupts with plumes of smoke and glowing lava throughout the night. The OX team handles the logistics and equipment so you can focus on the climb. We guide you through the various microclimates of the volcano and ensure your stay at camp is comfortable. Our goal is to provide a seamless experience from the initial booking until you return to our office in Antigua.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This all-inclusive trek takes you to a campsite positioned directly across from Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes. From this vantage point, you can watch Fuego’s frequent eruptions and, on clear days, see the nearby Pacaya and Agua volcanoes. The tour is operated in partnership with the CAT local guide cooperative from the community of San Jose Calderas. Overnight stays are in shared cabins that accommodate four people. To ensure warmth and comfort at high altitude, each guest is provided with a pillow, a -6°C rated sleeping bag, an extra blanket, and a 12cm thick mattress. The cabin floors are lined with waterproof carpeting to insulate against the cold ground.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
Our camp, IXCANUL, is a newly constructed site on Acatenango designed to provide a front-row view of the active Fuego Volcano. The name comes from the Mayan word for the internal energy of a mountain, reflecting the power of the landscape you will be overlooking. We chose this specific location to ensure guests have a clear vantage point of the eruptions while staying in a well-maintained, thoughtfully laid-out environment. Because the hike up Acatenango is physically demanding, we provide large portions of sustaining, high-energy food to help you recover and stay warm. We built this camp to offer a higher standard of service and comfort than traditional setups, allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than the logistical challenges of high-altitude camping.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day expedition begins with a one-hour drive from the meeting point in Antigua to the village of La Soledad. From there, you will begin a guided ascent to the 13,000-foot (4,000 m) summit of Acatenango. The hike generally takes around four hours, though the pace is managed by your guide to ensure the group reaches the overnight camp comfortably. To prepare for the high-altitude temperatures, we provide all necessary sleeping gear, including tents, jackets, gloves, and hats. The tour price includes three meals: lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast on the second. Both standard and vegetarian meal options are available for all guests.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This overnight trek ascends Acatenango Volcano to an elevation of 3,976 meters (13,041 ft), departing from Antigua. The journey begins with a pre-trip briefing to cover safety and logistics before traveling to the trailhead. As you climb, the trail transitions through diverse ecosystems, eventually reaching a private basecamp positioned directly across from the active Fuego Volcano. Accommodation at basecamp consists of safari-style glamping tents outfitted with cots and mattresses for a more comfortable rest at high altitude. From this vantage point, you can observe Fuego’s frequent lava eruptions after dark. The tour includes all meals and round-trip transportation. The following morning involves a final push to the summit to watch the sunrise from the peak. After spending time at the top, the group descends back through the forest for the return trip to Antigua.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
English, French, Spanish
Ascend to the summit of Acatenango, one of Guatemala’s most prominent peaks standing at 3,976 meters (13,000 feet). This trip offers clear views of the surrounding volcanic chain and the highlands. The standard route involves a guided hike lasting approximately six hours, though the exact duration varies based on the group's natural pace. If you prefer not to hike, you can opt for a 4x4 vehicle transfer to the top for an additional cost. A professional guide accompanies you throughout the journey to handle navigation and provide information about the landscape. The tour is designed to be informative and accessible for different fitness levels and preferences.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour offers a unique opportunity to live alongside local communities while exploring the surrounding high-altitude environment. Please note that this activity is physically demanding; on the first day, you will complete a hike lasting approximately five to six hours, depending on the group's pace. Proper clothing is essential for safety and comfort. We recommend a three-layer system: a breathable, quick-drying base layer (including thermal underwear for the night), a warm mid-layer such as a fleece or wool jacket, and a high-quality waterproof windbreaker for the summit. For footwear, you must wear waterproof mountain boots with thick wool or thermal socks. Essential accessories include a warm hat, gloves, a neck buff, sunglasses, and a sun visor to protect against the variable mountain weather.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
English, Spanish
This tour uses maintained 4x4 vehicles to reach a base camp positioned directly in front of Volcán de Fuego. To keep you warm in the high-altitude climate, you will stay in insulated cabins specifically built for the volcano's low temperatures. Professional guides accompany the group to manage the logistics and share their knowledge of the area throughout the trip. Meals are provided with several menu options available to suit different preferences. We offer both group and private booking options. If you prefer a private tour for your party, please select the 1 person option under the private tour listing; otherwise, you will be placed with a shared group.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
English, Spanish
This overnight trek follows a trail up Volcán Acatenango to a private campsite built into the side of the mountain. The hike ends at a cleared terrace that offers a direct line of sight to the surrounding peaks and the valley below. At the campsite, we prepare hot meals while you observe the activity of nearby Volcán Fuego. As one of the most active volcanoes in the region, Fuego frequently ejects ash and lava, providing a clear view of volcanic eruptions and audible tremors from across the ridge.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
English, Spanish