Though challenging, summiting Acatenango Volcano is a must while in Antigua, Guatemala. Going as part of this guided tour not only ensures your safety during the hike, but also removes the hassle of worrying about meals and equipment for the trek. Just bring personal essentials, your sense of adventure, and a camera to capture the amazing sunrise overlooking fuming volcanoes in the Ring of Fire.

Guided hike to the summit of Acatenango Volcano from Antigua
Guide leads the way, ensures your safety, and shares fun facts as you hike
All equipment for an overnight included, plus three meals
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Antigua eliminates transport logistics

What's Included

Hot drinks (chocolate)
Lodging in the cabins on the base camp, sleeping bag and mattress.
Professional guide and round trip transportation.
Lnch:Grilled chicken + mashed potatoes +greensalad-Dnr: Chop suey + rice-Brst: pancakes+honey+banana

Gratuities
Entrance fees (GTQ. 100.00 per person)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Union Tank
H749+3GC, 6a Calle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Tanque la Unión. 6a Calle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala . 7:30 AM - We ask for punctuality.

Start time

07:30 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Hike up an active volcano for sunset and sunrise views, and the chance to see eruptions from one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, on this overnight adventure with a small group from Antigua. Enjoy having all your logistics taken care of, including transfers, accommodations, three meals, and an experienced guide to ensure your safety.

Get picked up from your Antigua hotel in the morning for the drive to La Soledad to start the hike. Hike for around 5 hours and arrive at the base camp of Acatenango in time to see the sunset. Spend the night in a cabin or tent, with mattress and sleeping bag and dinner provided.

Wake up early for the 1-hour hike to the summit of Acatenango for sunrise. With luck you will see lava and large eruptions from neighboring Fuego, in addition to the smaller eruptions of ash that are more common.

Descend back to base camp for breakfast, then continue down to the village for the return transfer to Antigua, arriving around lunchtime.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
Bring: comfortable clothes, scarf, jacket or rain coat, gloves, hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, repellent,head lamp and personal aid kit
Not wheelchair accessible
Bring: Candy bar and 4 liters of water

Near public transportation
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 3 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 3 full days before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 3 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 3 full days before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Fiona_K

Melvin and Adan were amazing tour guides. This hike was tough but very doable if you’re in good shape. We took a lot of breaks going up the volcano and the views were breathtaking. Sunset was stunning and as soon as it went down the volcano lit up. A few important notes: -pick up is at the cafe at 7:30am and not from your hotel, this was a good spot for us to meet the other six people on the hike (total of eight) and the bus got there a few minutes late around 7:40 - bring lots of layers and plan to not sleep well. I don’t think it would be worth it to add the extra weight of a pillow but definitely an extra sweater and socks will go a long way - the morning hike SUCKS but is SO WORTH IT - you will get so dusty going up and down the volcano, especially down. You can buy a face buff before or bring your own and you’ll absolutely want it. Just prepare to be covered in dust after (I had a change of clean clothes and didn’t even use them because my other ones were already so dusty -wear hiking shoes, sneakers will be too slippery -don’t forget sunscreen, a lot of water, a hat and layers for the evening. Water is heavy so make sure you have a good bag (you can rent one on the day of as well) - the food was delicious, make sure to eat it all because you need energy at elevation -if you’re struggling a lot you can hire a porter to carry your bag up for a fee. You can also use hiking poles if you need This was a once in a lifetime trip, very challenging physically but again if you work out regularly or have hiked at elevation before you’ll be fine. Hydrate hydrate hydrate!!!! Such a good activity!!

Reviews

4.5

198 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 198 reviews

Don't bother

Emma_S, Apr 2024

Let's start with the good: the guide was great, everything ran on time and we had great views of the volcano. The bad: once we got to the top the cabins were not set up to accommodate guests. One was completely full of garbage. We had to clear them out ourselves to be able to sleep for the night. On top of this, the company promised me a partial refund because of this inconvenience, but it has now been two months and they have stopped replying to my messages, and I'm yet to receive my refund. Save yourself the trouble and just book elsewhere.

Craziest Physical Experience with the Greatest Guides and People

Kamryn_p, Apr 2024

Willie was the best guide any of us could ask for as well as Jimon (apologies for botching the spelling of his name) they cared about each one of us and made sure we were constantly okay making a difficult trek such as this. I couldnt have asked for a better experience. It was a great group and we all got along great sharing stories and laughing all day and night. It was a difficult hike made more enjoyable by Willie and Jimon with delicious food and constant fun. Be sure to pack extra warm clothes and maybe a heat pack for the sleeping bag and breathe when things get tough. The guides will do everything in their power to make sure you are okay! With Willie everything is possible because he creates the best experience!

Body was dying, mind was blown

Dominika_L, Apr 2024

It is impossible to find the right words to describe the experience we just had. This was by far the hardest, yet most memorable experience of our lives. We were taken care of every step of the way, the guides were kind and attentive, and cheered us on ever when we felt we just can’t continue. And made us delicious food! Be prepared for an extremely hard hike, rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise you will ever see.

Sensational

Tom_H, Apr 2024

No words! Best experience with the best guides! The knowledge and pure joy they bring to the experience made it! To start it’s a hike up to midway point with breaks throughout. One suggestion is to bring plenty of snacks! The hike and volcano itself was the best thing I’ve ever done! Our group were the first up to the sunrise whixh made a difference! Also the camp is the highest of them all! Would recommend to Eveyone ahah

Amazing experience

William_S, Apr 2024

A really amazing experience. They provided any equipment we needed so make sure you bring cash. Adan was an amazing tour guide. Be prepared for a tough hike but it was well worth it. Communication was pretty poor but make sure you bring layers and some snacks. I managed it in Salomon XT6 trail runners but would recommend hiking boots you can rent with them.

Do it!!!

Timothy_K, Apr 2024

Our guides were fabulous. - Everybody made it up to camp - The meals were great portions, sustaining, and delicious (something to be mindful of when you are shopping around for a tour to Acetenango. - There were some really thoughtful additions that made the experience even better, such as marshmallows, hot chocolates and a campfire - The guides had too many talents to count, and were extremely helpful, funny and patient If you are considering this tour, BOOK IT.

Breathtaking views of active volcano, difficult but rewarding hike

Warren_B, Apr 2024

We had an incredible experience with our guides Henry and Orlando! It was a tough tough hike mainly due to the altitude and volcanic sand you're walking up so be prepared for that, but the hike is so so rewarding once you get to the first views and even more so if you make it up to the summit in the morning. A few things to note - once you arrive at base camp you can choose to hike on to Fuego volcano, or you can also do a shorter hike round Acatenago for sunset which I'd definitely recommend. Also, the sunrise summit hike is very difficult, so account for this if you really want to do it (I'd recommend doing so over any other optional bits it's incredible!). And if you are veggie, make sure you request it in plenty of time as I did it too late and just had the meat option without meat! And finally, just know that they do NOT pick you up from the hostel, the pick up point is in the center of town. Henry and Orlando were lovely, knowledgeable and funny guides, would highly recommend them :) all in all one of the best trips I've ever done!

Memorable Experience With Caveats

LauraMarie_B, Apr 2024

The overall experience was memorable. The hike, the nature, the views. Would recommend going. However, service was adequate but not perfect. Communication could have been better because there was a last-minute update on the pick up spot and the materials to bring. Overall communication was weak. I was going at a slow pace because of my asthma. This resulted in one of the tour guides needing to stay back at my pace, while the other guide went ahead with the rest of the group. I could sense the frustration of the guide at my pace and even heard a few snarky comments. I would suggest that if you are not in the best condition, to go on the hike but be ready to get mocked.

Fantastic experience

Peter_R, Mar 2024

Fantastic time and wonderful experience with tour guide thanks for everything we loved the hiking and delicious food

Great guides, poor communication

Louise_P, Mar 2024

We booked this tour because we were booking last minute and all of the hostel recommended tours were full. The tour itself was great, our guides were lovely and helpful and the food was excellent, although you might still want to pack some snacks. That said, the tour operator's communication before the tour was extremely poor. We received no notice that the pickup location had changed on the morning of the tour, and had to walk to a new location in order to be picked up along with some others on the tour. Additionally, we received no confirmation that we had ordered a vegetarian meal and there was not one available when we showed up. It was only once we showed the message we sent to try to confirm that the organiser had received the order (they never replied) that the guides arranged an alternative. Ultimately, I would still recommend the experience, but be aware of the poor communication.

Amazing experience, great tour guides

Virmarie_R, Mar 2024

Had an amazing experience during this hike, the tour guides were great, especially Henry! Was really a unique experience, seeing the volcano erupt .

Incredible experience 10/10

Max_T, Mar 2024

10/10 one of the best experiences ever. Excellent guides- Willy and Orlando took such good care of our small group, we’re super knowledgeable, spoke English and we felt safe at all times. Food was great and optional hikes were well worth it. Rental gear was easy to use and worked well. So fun and well worth the trek!!!

Incredible Experience. Wonderful Guides

Ishmael_S, Mar 2024

The hike is hard, but you should expect that. The guides were absolutely awesome. They were patient, multilingual, knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and encouraging. They went above and beyond for me twice. First they helped me find my drone that fell out of the sky. The next morning a dog took one of my boots and they genuinely searched and searched for it. Never found it, but they helped me figure something out. They made us in credible hot chocolate at night. Dinner was hot. Breakfast was good. They have a combination of cabins and tents. They started a fire for us and pulled out smores. 5 star experience of a life time. Thanks, guys. - Ish

Experience of a lifetime

Imran_K, Mar 2024

Willy was a fantastic guide and very helpful. He took care of our group very well and the volcano was incredible. Definitely worth the difficult and strenuous hike up.

The tour itself, the...

Laura_P, Feb 2024

The tour itself, the guide, and everything we experienced was 10/10. Viator’s service however, absolutely terrible. I will recommend people to book through their contact and not Viator.

Best hiking tour to the volcanic mountain

Michael_S, Feb 2024

Our group tour guides Mel and Elder were fantastic. They were patient and kept us on track. They also prepared us delicious food when we made it to base camp. Bring your own water (even if it is heavy) you can also stop and buy some on the way. Have a big enough bag to carry your lunch and dinner to the top and don’t forget a headlamp.

Amazing experience !

Jessica_E, Feb 2024

Our tour guides Willy and Adan were amazing and made this experience extremely enjoyable! I loved how they made sure our whole group was safe, yet also having a good time! The hike itself was definitely challenging, yet sooooo worth it for the views of Fuego Volcano erupting at the top! Just a heads up, you have to fit the lunch and dinner they provide for you in your backpack :) I would highly recommend booking through this agency!

Willie was the best guide

Samuel_K, Feb 2024

Willie was our English speaking guide and he was the best. I would die for Willie. It’s a brutally hard hike but very worth it

Challenging, beautiful, worth it!!

Fiona_K, Feb 2024

This was awful organised! Choose another touroperator!

Vera_G, Feb 2024

There were 3 cabins who were not ready built and very dirty. After 6 hours of heavy hiking we helped the tourguide for 1 hour to make the place sort of sleepeable for the night. But for us the worst of all was the danger of falling down in the abyss. There was no fence to protect us. As you can see in the pictures the abyss was very close to our cabins and not protected like it was by all the other cabins uphill from the other touroperators. Also the tourguide was apologizing very often for the circumstances. In the end he told us his boss said we can get a refund if we don't leave a bad review behind... It's ridiculous! This 'boss' is earning money over the back/safety from other persons. I don't want to know what was happened when someone felt down in the abyss. Who is responsible for this? Please pick another touroperator to do this hike with!

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