Acatenango Volcano: Overnight Hike with Local Guide & Meals

Summary

Overnight volcano hike from Antigua with meals & guide

You’ll hike Acatenango Volcano from Antigua with a local guide who keeps things light even when the trail gets tough. Sleep near the summit with gear provided, enjoy three simple meals (vegetarian options too), and catch sunrise views you won’t forget anytime soon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell of pine needles underfoot—sharp and earthy, almost like someone had just cut fresh wood. We’d barely left La Soledad when our guide, Mario, grinned at us and said, “This is the easy part.” He wasn’t kidding. The trail up Acatenango starts gentle but gets steeper fast. I could hear my own breath mixing with the wind in the trees. There were a few moments where I wondered if I’d packed too much (I always do), but Mario kept us laughing—he even showed us how to say “volcano” in Kaqchikel, though I completely mangled it.

After about four hours (give or take—some folks were faster), we reached camp just as the light started turning gold. The tents were already set up for us, which felt like magic after that climb. Dinner was simple but honestly tasted better than anything fancy—maybe it was the cold air or maybe just being hungry does that to you. We sat around a little fire while Fuego Volcano rumbled in the distance; you could actually see sparks against the dark sky. It’s weird how quiet everyone got for a minute, just watching.

I slept surprisingly well considering we were at nearly 4,000 meters (the sleeping bags and jackets they gave us helped). Waking up before dawn was rough—I’m not a morning person—but seeing the sun come up over Antigua from that high up? I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home. Breakfast was hot coffee and bread with jam, nothing fancy but exactly what you want when your hands are cold and you’re above the clouds. The hike down felt easier somehow, maybe because we knew what waited at the bottom: warm air and real toilets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Acatenango Volcano Hike

• Hike Acatenango volcano summit

Day 2 — Overnight Stay and Meals

• Use provided sleeping gear and enjoy meals

Top questions

How long does it take to hike Acatenango Volcano?

The hike takes about 4 hours each way depending on group pace.

Is transportation from Antigua included?

Yes, pickup from a meeting point in Antigua is included.

Are meals provided during the overnight hike?

Yes, lunch and dinner on day one and breakfast on day two are included.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear?

No, sleeping equipment including tent, jacket, gloves, and hat are provided.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes, vegetarian food options are available for all meals.

What is the elevation of Acatenango Volcano?

The summit sits at about 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

A moderate level of physical fitness is required due to steep trails.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this hike.

What’s included

Your overnight adventure includes pickup from Antigua by air-conditioned vehicle to La Soledad village, all sleeping equipment (tent, jacket, gloves, hat), three meals—lunch and dinner on day one plus breakfast on day two—and guidance from an experienced local guide throughout your Acatenango trek.