The hike up Volcano Acatenango is a truly unique and incredible experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Why? Well it’s quite simply because you get to see a volcano relatively close up and live, spewing lava.

I myself have hiked up Volcano Acatenango twice. The first time was as part of a tour with a fairly large group. If you go up with a tour – which is the norm – you are provided with a tent, sleeping bag and food (dinner and breakfast for the next morning). You have to bring your own proper shoes, food for the journey, snacks, warm clothes and water etc. Like they did offer us warm jackets etc. before we set off. Nevertheless, it is neither guaranteed that everyone will get one, nor that you get what you need. Once everyone was set up, we set off in a minibus and drove to the ‘foot’ of Volcano Acatenango. From there, the hike up the volcano begins.
The hike is challenging, relatively strenuous and really long, but it also takes you through all kinds of vegetation and is really beautiful! Admittedly, it is mostly relatively steep with a few flatter parts in between and, depending on the vegetation, it also is more or less tough 😀 But! Of course, you make a few breaks in between where you can eat and drink something.
At some point the path straightens out and you pass some truly fantastic views 😊 The last part of the hike basically takes you towards Volcano Fuego, where you can already see the volcano spewing lava from a distance. Very, very impressive 😊
Once there, you have to set up your tent and get settled in. And then there’s dinner by the campfire. Probably with something like hot chocolate and marshmallows – at least in my case. The rest of the time you spent enjoying the place itself and the view, taking in the fact that you have a volcano right in front of you that spews lava at regular intervals. I mean, Hello?! It’s not something you see every day 😀
The next morning, if the weather permits it, you’ll tackle the last part of the climb. I can’t say what it’s like to go up there or being up there, because my group decided against the ascent due to the cloudy sky. For a brief explanation: when it’s cloudy you can’t see anything and the climb has a reputation for being really tough. Meaning: two steps forward, three steps back. At least that’s how it’s said to feel. I’ll be honest: today I do regret not going up, because a) the weather would have been good and b) how often do you get to be up there and have the chance to look directly at a volcano spewing lava? So even if it doesn’t look good, screw the weather, go up there and give it a chance – at least that’s my opinion 😀
And when descending from Acatenango: especially on the steeper parts it of course is a little easier than the ascent. However, at some point you will start to feel your knees, because it is really quite steep downhill for a long time.

A quick note on my second ‘attempt’ to climb Acatenango: I went with friends and one of them lives in Guatemala and therefore had tents etc. However, you should a) not attempt this without the appropriate gear and b) be sure that you can make a fire at the top for food etc. There is no electricity or anything like that.
Unfortunately, I got really sick overnight on my second attempt and was just glad that I managed the bloody descent thanks to an aspirin – we didn’t have anything stronger. Back in the hostel I literally fell into bed completely exhausted and was really sick and knocked out for a couple of days. Meaning I sadly never made it to the top.

Now, the question of all questions: go up Acatenango or not? It’s one of THE things that everyone wants to do, does and should do in Guatemala. Simply because it’s really crazy when you think about seeing a volcano spewing lava live from a safe distance. The climb is exhausting – yes – but it’s also 100% worth it.