I am glad I was able to hike #acatenango last month (in May) as there are reports of increase in eruption from Volcano #Fuego in July 2022
I hiked the volcano Acatenango
#Acatenango is a twin-peaked stratovolcano in #Guatemala, close to the city of #Antigua. Acatenango is joined with Volcán de Fuego and collectively the volcano complex is known as La Horqueta.
The Acatenango summit measures in at a whopping 3,976 m (13,041 ft) making it the third highest volcano in Central America.
The popularity of Acatenango as a hiking destination is directly related to its proximity to the #Fuego Volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
During this hike You’ll walk through a maze of corn, old-growth forests, and a barren summit of scree as you experience four distinct microclimates: Farmland, Temperate coniferous forest, high-alpine forest, and tropical dry forest.
The hike to the peak is considered as one of the tough hikes as it’s uphill the entire time. There is an elevation gain of 5150 ft. (1500 m) at an altitude of 13,000 ft and is a total distance of 11 miles (18 km) round trip.
how to get there
The best way is to get to the city of Antigua , Guatemala which is a 1 hr taxi / car ride from the capital Gautemala city airport. From Antigua there are several tour companies which offer various hiking tours to Acatenango. The most common one is the hike and overnight camping on Acatenango. This video shows what to expect in this tour
Here my Full video of the hike to check what to expect in this 6 hrs uphill hike - skip to 8 min marker for the views of fuego erupt with Lava
Tips and Tricks
Shoes - Yes, I definitely recommend good hiking boots. I saw many climbers using regular sport shoes / sneakers which is still ok but for the safety of your feet - try to rent or buy good hiking shoes.
Training - Trust me - it's a challenging hike. Most regular fit person can climb the volcano without any prior training , however if you are in an older age group or no hiking experience - start some basic training a couple of weeks before the hike - include hiking 2-3 miles, steep / high incline, weights etc
Backpack - you will need to carry your backpack during the hike and if you opt for the 2 day tour, it will completely fill up a 40L hiking bag so be prepared to carry about 3 L water and 18-20 kg in your backpack. Alternative, there is porter service who can carry your bag for you. This also supports the local economy as porters earn enough to support their families. Recommend to hire porters both ways. There is a false perception that it's easier on the way down - you bag may be lighter by now that you have consumed your water and food , but the steep downward incline needs more body resistant and your bag will add to the strength required to balance yourself , plus don't forget the fatigue with the climb from Day 1. So again, it's OK to use porter service both ways
Porter services are about 250Q one way and 500Q round trip
Hiking Gear - Most tour companies include all Hiking gear in their price and also provide optional items on rent. If you are unsure, carry some basic stuff
head lamp
Portable chargers
Beanie/ warm hat
Gloves
2L or more water bladder OR camelback
Nuts / bars / snacks
Hand warmers
Thermals
Waterproof hiking clothes
Medicines ( pain killer, fever reducer etc)
Also do rent the hiking sticks from the local kids ( at the start of the hike) it's about 10 to 20 Q
Altitude Sickness
The hike starts at 2500 mts, and you will feel some altitude sickness by the time you are halfway to the basecamp at 3600mts. The peak is at 3900mts.
Most tour Companies carry the altitude sickness medication - consult you physician and tour operator company.
It's also recommended you spend a couple Of days in Antigua Or any high altitude place before the hike
Hiking Tours
There are several tour operators to hike and visit Acatenango and enjoy the views of lava erupt from the neighboring volcano fuego. To make the best of your efforts and time , it’s important to select the tour that best serves your style. So let’s break it down the selection process
There are day tours ( start early morning by 3-4 am and return by evening). These tours are only good if you have time crunch OR do not prefer overnight camps.
This can be further broken down by either hiking/ climbing Acatenango by foot OR now a days there are a couple of tour operators who drive you up close to the base camp area in a 4WD in the early morning hours.
There are 2 day tours ( overnight camping at the base camp area) where you can enjoy the show - the Lava erupt from the volcano Fuego in the night and into the morning. There is also an optional climb to the peak of Acatenango at 4 am on day 2 ( weather permitting). to have an up close experience of the eruptions . This optional climb is a bit steep and harder that the climb to the base camp, however most travelers make it up
You have 3 options for this 2 day tours
Hike to the base and the optional hike to the peak by foot
Take a 4WD tour till close to base camp and take the optional hike to the peak by foot
Take a horseback ride till close to base camp and that the optional hike to the peak by foot - this is recommended only in extreme situations as it’s difficult for the horse to keep with the increase in attitude and carry the weight.
Most travelers opt for hiking on foot as it gets expensive to go by a 4WD and the fact that you miss out on the thrill of hiking acatenango
Selecting the tour company
If you have budget constraints- there are tour companies which will Charge $40-50 per person
basic tents with 10-15 people in a tent
Cup noodles for meals
Average view location
Less number of guides
ASOAVA is one of the local companies and tourist have found them to be nice and reliable. They will charge anything from 600Q or $85 per person and up
Tents shared between 3 people.
They also provide reasonable priced bed and breakfast for the prior day of the tour ( about 25Q per Person)
SOY tours is another local tour operators
The tents are shared between 2 to 3 people
You sleep in tents inside of a cavin so you're safe of rain and cold and wind
About $65 per person
If you desire good location, good food, all gear ( mostly) included and 2 people per tent - consider CA Travelers . Price is about $75 per
Person
For an great view - V-Hiking. They have a great location and enclosed tents. Price is about $70 per person
Wicho and Charlies is another popular tour operator. They have private tent options for upto 2 people as well as larger tents. Good food and good location. They charge about $90 per person OR $230 for 2 Person private tents
OX expedition is amongst the popular tour companies- they charge about $90 per Person
For 4WD tours - Getaway Adventures. They have the regular ( by foot) hiking tours as well. The prices vary and can be upto $250 per Person or more depending on the group size
Acatenan Go tours also offer 4WD tours
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