Welcome to My complete guide to hiking Volcán Acatenango!
Hiking Volcán Acatenango is not only one of my favorite experiences in Guatemala, but one of my favorite experiences EVER!
First, let’s start with the logistics:
- We chose Wicho and Charlie’s as our tour guide company.
- The total cost of the excursion was $122.5 USD per person. The price was higher because we elected for the private cabin. The other option was a 6-person cabin for $54 USD per person.
- The climb is 3,976m high.
- The total duration of the excursion is roughly 26 hours, as you do camp overnight.
What is included in the cost you ask?
- Lodging! Wicho and Charlie’s provides cabins at base camp, while other tour companies only offer tents. This is a HUGE reason we chose Wicho and Charlie’s – we wanted 4 sturdy walls to keep out the wind
- In addition to the cabin, you get a sleeping bag and blanket per person
- Make-your-own trail mix is provided before departing for the hike
- You receive 4 meals – breakfast prior to departure, lunch and dinner that same day, and then breakfast the next morning before your descent
- You also have the option to rent gear from Wicho and Charlie’s, so if you are worried about not having proper gear, you can rent it for a small fee! I would, however, make sure you have proper shoes. A lot of people hiked in regular gym sneakers, so as long as you have those you should be good! Popular items you can rent are hiking poles, thermal layers, coats, and headlamps
- Another service that is not included but I would recommend investing in is a porter to carry your backpack during the trek. The cost of this varies based on weight, but we paid 35 quetzales for one backpack. NOTE: the porters only carry the bag on the way up, not on the way down.
What you need to bring
- Water bottles – Wicho & Charlie’s recommends 4.5 L per person
- Comfortable shoes
- Backpack to carry the many layers that you will need
- Hat, gloves, fleece, and winter coat (can rent these if needed)
- 2 extra pairs of socks
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Toilet paper roll!!!
- Snacks
Here is a brief overview of the itinerary, that will be detailed later on:
DAY 1
7:00 – 8:00 am – Arrive at Wicho & Charlies
9:00 am – 45 minute shuttle from Wicho & Charlies to the trailhead
10:30 am – The hike begins
11:00-1:00 am – hiking, with 10-15 minute rest stops every 30 or so minutes
1:00 pm – 45 minute stop for lunch
3:30 pm – Arrive at camp!
4:00 – 7:00 pm – Enjoy the stunning views of Volcán Fuego, while getting to know your group OR an optional hike to the summit of Volcán Fuego
7:00 pm – Dinner is served by the guides
9:00 pm – A good night’s rest
DAY 2
4:00 am – An optional 1.5-hour hike to Acatenango summit
7:00 am – Breakfast
8:00 am – Descent back to the trailhead
12:30 pm – Arrive at the trailhead, and hop on a shuttle back to Wicho & Charlie’s
The detailed version of the hike:
Shortly after waking up at our airbnb, we took an Uber to Wicho & Charlie’s to start our adventure promptly at 7am. Wicho & Charlie’s recommends being checked in by 8am. Once we checked in, we had time to mingle with other fellow climbers.
As soon as everyone piled in, we were given a brief overview of what to expect during the hike. We were offered rental gear, some of which was free, some of which was not. Items that are included in your flat rate include: hats, gloves, socks, buffs, and water bottle holders. Items available to rent include: hiking poles, backpacks, pants, and jackets. I highly highly highly recommend renting the hiking poles.
Once we grabbed our supplies, we were also given our lunch that we were required to carry. Dinner would be carried by the guides. While waiting for the rest of the group to gather their gear, we were offered breakfast which was bread with butter, jam, and hummus and coffee or tea. We also got to fill up paper bags and create our own trail mix.
After we got the rundown of it all, it was time to hit the road. We left Wicho & Charlie’s around 9:30am and arrived at the trailhead at 10:30am. We were introduced to our guides and were given the option of requesting a porter to carry our bags, which I definitely recommend. My friend and I combined all our goods into one bag so that we wouldn’t have to pay for 2 porters. This cost about 35 quetzales, which is well worth the price. Once that was arranged, we were on the ascent.
The sun was beaming during the first hour of our hike, but the weather was very comfortable. I was wearing a tank top and joggers to start, but as we entered the luscious forest, I put on a light rain jacket.
Shortly into the hike, we had our first rest stop which lasted about 10-15 minutes. We had rest stops about every 30 minutes. The stops are essential as the terrain is steep, so any opportunity to rest should be taken. Many people sat down, drank water, or had some snacks during these breaks.
Soon enough, it was 1:00pm and it was time for lunch. Lunch included vegan rice balls, and mashed potatoes. I should note here that all the food provided by Wicho & Charlies is vegan. I’m not sure what modifications can be made, however, I do know that any allergies will be accommodated for. The lunch break lasted about 45 minutes, then it was time to hike through a more forest-like terrain.
We had about 2 hours left of our hike from here. The hike gets easier as you go, and the last 1/3rd is majority flat.
2 hours later, we arrived at base camp!! Hurray!!! We were greeted by eruptions from Volcán Fuego. It was an exceptionally clear day, and the views were miraculous. We all marveled at the eruptions for some time.
Shortly after arrival, we were given the option to hike Volcán Fuego to its summit. We were told it would be a difficult trek and that it would last 4 hours. We opted out for this experience, as we planned to climb the summit the next morning. Only 4 out of 30 individuals from our group elected to partake in this climb. Of those individuals that did complete the climb to El Fuego, they said it was marvelous but indeed challenging. This group arrived back to base at around 10pm.
While a few of our friends were climbing Volcán Fuego, the rest of us gathered around the fire and enjoyed watching Volcán Fuego erupt every 15-30 minutes. At about 7:30pm dinner was served. We were given lentils. I must say all of the food was pretty tasty.
After dinner, we sat around the fire some more and made some s’mores! One of the fellow climbers in our group brought codenames so we gathered around a played for some time. Once we got tired, we headed to bed.
I went to bed with the intention of waking up at 4am to hike to the summit. I did, indeed, wake up, and started trekking up the steep path to the summit. However, about halfway in I was having a tough time breathing – mostly due to the exertion. It was also raining so it was difficult to see. My friend and I went back down and went back to bed.
We woke up as everyone was returning from the summit. Luckily for us, we made the right choice by going back down because Volcán Fuego was fully covered by clouds and was not visible.
Once everyone returned, we ate breakfast, gathered our gear, and headed back down to the trailhead. The way down was STEEP, and honestly, I found it more difficult than climbing on the way up. You need a lot of control when walking down, and that is something I will admit I am poor at. However, walking in zig-zags helps!!! And once again, the trekking poles help – do not, do not, do not climb without it. Another thing that helps is when the guides play Bad Bunny 
.
On the way down, you take short rest breaks, however, not as many as on the way up. After about 3 hours, we were at the trailhead. The guides thanked us for choosing Wicho & Charlies, and we parted ways. We arrived back at Wicho & Charlies and returned our gear. And just like that, we successfully climbed Volcán Acatenango.
Recap
As mentioned before, this is one excursion that you do not want to miss when traveling to Guatemala! It may be challenging, but it is also incredibly worth it.
In total, the length of the trek is 8.5mi, with an elevation of 5,308 ft. While the hike seems intimidating, I thoroughly believe that most individuals will be able to climb it, regardless of fitness level.
One last note: a huge thank you to our wonderful guides at Wicho & Charlie’s. Their energy kept us going!! Click here to check out their site!
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