Have you ever dreamed of climbing an active volcano? Acatenango is an active volcano that is almost 4,000 meters high. Located in Guatemala, about 45 minutes by car from Antigua, the volcano has different types of vegetation and breathtaking scenery. See, in this article, everything about the tourist activity in the Acatenango volcano.
Located in Central America, Guatemala is bordered to the west and north by Mexico, to the east by Belize and Honduras, and to the south by El Salvador. Situated in western-Central America, the country has territory subject to earthquakes and is cut by two mountain ranges, the Sierra Madre and the Cuchumatanes mountain range, with peaks and volcanoes that exceed 4,000 meters in altitude.
Guatemala today boasts three main attractions: The crystal clear waters of Semuc Champey, the mystical Lake Atitlán, and the main attraction: the Acatenango Volcano Trail.
Acatenango, Fuego, and Agua are the three volcanoes that dominate the landscape of Antigua, Guatemala’s beautiful colonial city. You can enjoy the view while sipping excellent Guatemalan coffee on the terrace of a historic building. You can also get up close to one of the most active volcanoes in the world and dawn in the crater of an extinct volcano.
Acatenango Volcano
Mount Acatenango or Acatenango Volcano is a volcano in Guatemala. It is an active stratovolcano that reaches 3976 m of altitude It is near the city of Antigua.
It has two peaks, Pico Mayor and Yepocapa (3880 m) which is also known as Tres Hermanas. Acatenango joins Volcán de Fuego in the volcanic complex known by the name La Horqueta.
Tourism in the Acatenango Volcano
Acatenango offers incredible views of the Fuego, an active volcano nearby. Because of this, it is an active volcano that is well known for tourism. There is usually an experienced bilingual guide to lead tourists on a climb of about 6 hours, passing through cornfields and a cloud forest before reaching the volcanic ash landscape.
Acatenango st is inactive but offers incredible views of Fuego, an active volcano nearby. There, you can enjoy a picnic at the top before descending, watching the smoke and lava of an active volcano.
It must be said that the hike to the top of the Acatenango is not easy and takes 6 to 8 hours. It is approximately 4 to 5 hours to the base camp and another 1 to 2 hours to the summit. This is a total ascent of 3976m above sea level. Several local agencies offer guide services, which vary between 30 and 60 dollars. An option for those who like more freedom is to do it on their own. But, you should look for a guide. It is a little more laborious to leave Antigua and get to the village near the beginning of the trail, but if you are in a group, you can share a cab, since riding the “chicken bus” is cramped and crowded.
What to bring to climb the Acatenango volcano
Climbers are encouraged to bring good shoes, a wool coat, raincoat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Socks, pants, snow jacket, windbreaker, cap, gloves, scarf. You must take all possible clothes to keep warm because in the crater of the volcano the temperature varies between -5 and -15 degrees.
How much does it cost?
Generally, the price is $69 for the 28-hour journey, including transportation, guides, overnight stay in a hut, real meals, water bottles, and headlamps. With the rental of extra items, the bill came to $90 for this unforgettable experience.
You also have to pay the entrance fee to the Acatenango Volcano regional park of $16. There is an optional trail for $25 to get closer to Fuego, which is decided at base camp – because it’s not always safe to follow and you don’t know what your mood will be before you arrive.
You can rent boots, trekking poles ($3), and a backpack ($7) at the agency.
Tips for Acatenango Volcano
Be prepared for altitude
At 3,976 meters, Acatenango should not be sniffed in terms of altitude. It is not uncommon to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. Try spending a few days in Antigua, which is at 1,533 meters, to help with your acclimatization. Take aspirin tablets to relieve the symptoms.
Take snacks
Buy energy-rich snacks before you go. Although some tour groups provide food, it is not enough to keep you active. Grab nuts and dried fruit for a healthy energy boost when you start to weaken.
Wake up early for sunrise
After a long climb, it may seem crazy to set an alarm for sunrise, but it’s worth it. You will need to make another short climb from the camping area to the summit, but the reward is a stunning view. If you are very lucky, the nearby Fuego volcano will erupt and you can watch the lava roll down the sides.
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Hopefully, after reading this text, you will be excited to climb the Acatenango Volcano. Tell us about your experience.