Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike from Antigua with Camp

Summary

Antigua to Acatenango hike sunrise campfire stories and smoky air

You’ll start early from Antigua with hotel pickup, hiking up Acatenango volcano alongside a local guide who knows every turn of the trail. Camp overnight above the clouds, watch Fuego erupt across the valley, share hot drinks by the fire, and greet sunrise from nearly 4,000 meters up. It’s tough—but you’ll remember how it feels long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the crunch of volcanic gravel under my boots as we left La Soledad village behind. Our guide, Mario, handed out chocolate bars and grinned at us—said we’d need the sugar for the climb. The air was thick with woodsmoke from breakfast fires and honestly, my nerves were louder than any bird calls. I kept glancing back at Antigua shrinking below, wondering if I’d packed enough layers (spoiler: never enough). We moved slow but steady, stopping just often enough for Mario to point out wildflowers or laugh at our attempts to pronounce “Acatenango” like locals do.

By the time we reached base camp—somewhere around 3pm—the light had turned gold and my legs felt like noodles. Someone in our group managed to get a fire going (not me), and suddenly there was this smell of grilled chicken and mashed potatoes that made everyone forget how tired they were. The view? Fuego volcano spitting little plumes across the valley, like it was showing off just for us. It got cold fast; I pulled my scarf up over my nose and tried not to think about how early we’d be waking up again.

I barely slept but it didn’t matter. Around 4am, Mario woke us with hot chocolate—real stuff, thick and sweet—and we started climbing again in the dark. My breath came out in little clouds, headlamp bouncing off rocks. There’s something weirdly peaceful about hiking when everyone else is asleep below you. When we reached the summit of Acatenango just as the sky cracked open pink over Guatemala, I felt both tiny and lucky (and also really hungry). The pancakes back at camp tasted like victory—or maybe just syrup and bananas, but still.

The way down was muddy and full of laughter—someone fell (okay, it was me) but nobody cared because by then we were all friends in that tired, happy way you only get after sharing a freezing night on a volcano. I still think about that sunrise sometimes when I smell smoke or see mountains in the distance—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike from Antigua to base camp

• 7:00am shuttle from Antigua
• 8:00am arrive at La Soledad village
• 10:00am begin 5-hour hike
• 3:00pm arrive at base camp
• Watch sunset at base camp

Day 2 — Summit Acatenango and return

• 4:00am hike to summit
• Watch sunrise at summit
• 7:00am return to base camp
• Have breakfast at base camp
• 8:30am descend to village
• 11:30am arrive at village
• Transfer back to Antigua
• 12:30pm arrive in Antigua

Top questions

How long does it take to hike Acatenango from Antigua?

The hike begins after a shuttle from Antigua to La Soledad village; hiking takes about 5 hours up to base camp plus an additional hour to reach the summit for sunrise.

Is camping gear provided on the Acatenango overnight tour?

Yes, lodging in cabins at base camp is included along with sleeping bag and mattress.

What meals are included during the Acatenango volcano hike?

Lunch (grilled chicken), dinner (chop suey & rice), breakfast (pancakes with honey & banana), plus hot drinks are provided.

What should I bring for an Acatenango overnight hike?

You should bring comfortable clothes, scarf, jacket or raincoat, gloves, hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, headlamp, personal aid kit, candy bar and 4 liters of water.

Is hotel pickup included for this Acatenango tour?

Yes, round trip transportation with hotel pickup in Antigua is included.

What time do you see sunrise on Acatenango?

The final ascent starts around 4:00am so you reach the summit for sunrise before returning for breakfast at base camp.

Can beginners join this Acatenango volcano hike?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but requires good physical condition due to altitude and duration.

How high is Acatenango volcano?

The highest summit of Acatenango reaches 3,976 meters or 13,044 feet.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Antigua with round trip transport to La Soledad village; all meals—lunch on arrival day through breakfast next morning—with hot drinks like chocolate; overnight cabin lodging at base camp complete with sleeping bag and mattress; plus a professional local guide leading every step up Acatenango volcano before returning late morning to Antigua.