Climbing Volcan Acatenango, Guatemala
Volcan Acatenango (13045 ft / 3976m) is one of three volcanoes overlooking Antigua, Guatemala. It is joined to its nearest neighbour - Volcan Fuego (Fire Volcano) by a short saddle. Fuego is known for its frequent volcanic activity (both minor ash clouds and major eruptions) which can be clearly seen from the surrounding area.
To climb Acatenango we started at 6am from just outside Antigua, and quickly drove around the volcano to start the ascent from the far side. In the clear morning air we could see as far as the volcanoes around Lago Attilan, about 30 miles away.
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| Early morning start |
After a long, steep hike through farm land, jungle, and then into pine forest and up switchbacks, the path splits at a run down campsite where we took a short break. From here you can proceed straight up the secondary peak (Yepocapa 3880 m) and back down the other side, direct to Acantenango summit. Alternatively, you can take the easier route around Yepocapa and then head straight for the main summit. We choose the latter.
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| View towards Volcano Agua |
Rounding Yepocapa the grassland quickly changes to dust and then scree, and before you know it you are on the saddle and ready to tackle the summit ridge. All the time you are treated to panoramic views over Antigua and Volcan Agua across the valley, and down to the towns below - Antigua and Antigua Viejo.
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| Reaching the saddle |
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| Final scree slopes |
At that moment, just as we climbed the final scree slope and take Acatenago's summit, Volcan Fuego sent us a small reminder that this isn't the only volcano in the area....at this distance Fuego's ash cloud was already well into the air by the time the sound reached us. Fuego - only a few kilometres away - continued to belch ash at regular intervals the whole time we were on the summit (two weeks later it would erupt significantly, causing havoc in Antigua).
Acantenago's large summit plateau is a peaceful, barren place. It reminded me of Armstrong's words on the lunar surface - "It has a stark beauty all of its own". From the dusty summit there are spectacular views for miles and, of course, a close up view of Volcan Fuego. The altitude (13045 ft / 3976m) really becomes apparent for the first time - above the clouds, with unhindered views and cold air despite a fierce sun.
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| Acatenango's summit plateau |
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| Volcan Fuego erupting |
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| Volcan Fuego erupting close up |
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| Acatenango summit marker |
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| Acatenango summit (13045 ft / 3976m) |
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| Acatenango summit panorama: left Volcan Agua, right Volcan Fuego |
Comments from TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295366-d1997239-Reviews-Acatenango_Volcano-Antigua_Sacatepequez_Department.html
Did the hike with six friends from the Spanish school with two really good guides from the Old Town Outfitters (Arnold and Pablo).
The hike was during two days. Camping about 300 meters from the peak. Woke up at 4:30AM to climb to the top and see the sunrise above the clouds with the Vulcan de Agua in the middle!
BEST SUNRISE I SAW!!!
during the night we also witnessed 3 eruptions of the Fuego Vulcan which is active one, it was just amazing see that eruptions!!!!
The way is really beautiful with lots of flowers, plants, trees defiantly the most beautiful and impressive Vulcan I hiked (Hiked also the Telica, Mombacho, Maderas and San-Cristobal in Nicaragua, Baru in Panama)
So if you are not lazy and love challenges and nature it is for you!!
the best of the volcano is the view from the top and the fire from the fire volcano, i suggest to climb it at 12am from antigua and get on top at 05am! for sunrise, some times is cloudy!
Hiking Acatenango is one of my most cherished memories. It was rigorous and rewarding. Being able to see the sunset as Fuego was erupting in the distance was a memory I'll never forget! It's not easy - and going down can be more difficult than going up. If you have a lot of gear, I recommend hiring a local Guatemalan (at the bottom of the volcano) to help you carry it. It's fairly inexpensive and can make the experience a lot better for you and your friends/loved ones.
Climbing Acatenango is a wonderful adventure for an experienced hiker, but don't take it lightly. It is an all day hike, and is strenuous. We started at 6am and concluded about 5pm. Highly recommended for those who are in shape. If you're not in shape, enjoy the volcano from afar.
Don't miss the chance to climb Volcan Acatenango! I highly recommend the overnight trek with OX (Outdoor Excursions). The hike up is terrific, much through lush cloud forest (make sure you are in very good physical condition, though!). Above treeline is spectacular with incredible views of surrounding volcanoes. We summited at 4 am and were able to watch Volcan Fuego erupt and see the gorgeous sunrise. What an amazing experience! Our guide was great (and spoke English) and the food was very good as well (but bring snacks!). It's EXTREMELY cold at the top, however, so bring a down jacket and wool socks!
My husband and I climbed Acatenago in one day with the tourist agency just across from Ox. We paid $55 for transport and an additional $35 for a local guide (Spanish speaking only). Transport was on time picking us up at 5am and the local guide was ready when we arrived at the base. The local guide was very nice and patient with us, but I can imagine this could vary depending on who goes with you. (We did need the guide as the start is through a maze of fields).
It is a TOUGH hike up, especially in one day, and my husband and I both suffered from altitude sickness unsurprisingly. If you climb volcanoes and know what you are in for in terms of effort this is a must do, but likely better to do the camping option to ensure you adjust (although you have to carry all the stuff....so I guess have to choose the worse of two evils)
We were in the end glad we did it, but did suffer quite a bit afterwards both spiking huge fevers a few hours after our descent. It took us about 7 hours to climb (4-4.5 to get up and 3 to 2.5 hrs to get down). If you do do it, be sure to bring something warm it is COLD and windy on top and you want to make sure you enjoy the view!!!
Booked this with Ox basecamp Hostel, some of us took porters up to carry our bags as its a tough hike up as it is without the 30 pound bags, but we needed to carry them down (about 7 hrs up and 3.5 hrs down). We were lucky enough to get a clear view of Volcan Fuego and plumes of smoke, sunset was amazing. The hike up for sunrise starts at around 3am and as its in the dark need headlamps as these are not provided
If you're in Guatemala and enjoy outdoor adventure, then you must hike Acatenango! While the climb is difficult, it is worth it and the views from the summit are absolutely incredible. I would strongly suggest getting a guide and going up with a group, just as a safety precaution. Old Town Outfitters takes groups up to the peak every Friday and their guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and speak both Spanish and English. This is a journey you should not pass up!
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