Acatenango Volcano: Overnight Hike with Fuego Views & Camp

Summary

Acatenango overnight hike with Fuego eruptions and sunrise camp

You’ll hike Acatenango with local guides from San Jose Calderas, watch Fuego erupt at sunset, share real Guatemalan hot chocolate at camp, and wake early for sunrise on the summit. Expect laughter, warmth (and cold), hearty meals included—and that wild feeling of standing above the clouds as morning hits.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound—low rumbles from Fuego volcano, like distant thunder that never quite stops. We’d just arrived at the Acatenango campsite after hours of steady climbing, legs burning, boots caked in dust. Our guide Luis grinned and handed out mugs of thick Guatemalan hot chocolate. The air smelled sharp and cold, but the chocolate was almost gritty and rich—real cacao, he said, not the sweet stuff I grew up with. I could see everyone’s breath in little clouds as we sat together in that wooden cabin, peeling off gloves to warm our hands.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a volcano hike. Luis cracked jokes in Spanish and English (sometimes both at once), teasing us about our slow pace—“No rush,” he’d say, “the mountain’s not going anywhere.” At sunset we all shuffled outside, wrapped in borrowed jackets, just in time to watch Fuego spit orange sparks into the dusk. It was weirdly quiet except for the wind and those eruptions—no city noise at all. Dinner tasted better than it had any right to after that climb; maybe it was just hunger or maybe something about eating together under so many stars.

Sleeping was… well, let’s say I was glad for the extra blankets and thick mattress they gave us (I’m not exactly built for cold). The tent inside a wooden cabin thing really helped. Sometime before dawn someone’s alarm went off and we all groaned but dragged ourselves out anyway—the summit push takes about an hour and a half from camp. My legs protested every step but reaching the top right as the sun broke over Pacaya and Agua volcanoes? That’s one of those views you don’t forget easily. I still think about how quiet it felt up there—just wind and a few shouts of “lo logramos!” from the guides.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike and camp at Acatenango Volcano

• Have breakfast at CA Travelers
• Shuttle pick up at CA Travelers office
• Prepare and pack at Supply Center
• Shuttle ride to Acatenango Volcano
• Start the hike with group introduction
• Stop for lunch break
• Arrive at CA Travelers Campsite
• Enjoy Guatemalan hot chocolate
• Watch sunset at Acatenango Volcano
• Have dinner and relax at campsite

Day 2 — Summit, descend, and return

• Hike to the volcano summit for sunrise
• Breakfast at campsite
• Pack and hike down from campsite
• Take after picture at volcano entrance
• Shuttle ride to supply center
• Enjoy smoothie at supply center
• Return shuttle to Antigua and drop off

Top questions

How hard is the Acatenango overnight hike?

The hike is challenging and requires a high level of physical fitness due to steep trails and altitude changes.

Is camping equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, tents inside wooden cabins, sleeping bags rated to -6°C, mattresses, blankets, jackets, gloves, raincoat, flashlight, and water are included.

Are meals included during the Acatenango hike?

Breakfasts at basecamp plus lunch and dinner on day one are included; breakfast is also served after sunrise on day two.

Do you see Fuego volcano eruptions during this tour?

Yes, if weather allows you can watch Fuego’s eruptions from camp at sunset or through the night.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at CA Travelers’ office near Antigua with breakfast before pickup.

How long does it take to reach Acatenango summit from camp?

It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the summit from campsite before sunrise.

Is there a shuttle back to Antigua after the hike?

Yes, return transport drops you off at your hostel in Antigua after finishing at supply center.

What’s included

Your overnight adventure includes pickup from CA Travelers’ office near Antigua, all entry fees and taxes covered, hearty lunch and dinner plus breakfast before and after your summit push. You’ll get preset camping gear—a warm sleeping bag liner inside a tent sheltered by a wooden cabin—plus jackets, gloves, raincoat if needed, flashlight for early starts or late-night volcano watching (trust me: bring extra socks). Three liters of water are provided in a Camelbak system so you don’t have to worry about running dry along those switchbacks.