Four collage images showing scenes of the acatenango overnight volcano hike in Guatemala. The images depict what to expect on this overnight hike( a sunrise view of the volcano, camping tents with the volcano view in the background, a female hiker with green mountains on each side and low foggy clounds in the background, and horses and porters carrying up hikers backpacks and other supplies).

Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike: Guatemala

To be honest, hiking Acatenango was THE reason I decided to book a solo 5 night budget trip to Guatemala! Thanks to the encouragement of a friend who moved to Antigua a few years ago, I went ahead and pre-booked my Acatenango overnight volcano hike and the rest is history. Keep reading to find out what to expect from the Acatenango Volcano overnight hike!

*This post is not sponsered- I just really loved this experience and hope others can have it too*

Where is Acatenango volcano?

Acatenango is located just about 18 minutes from the beautiful city of Antigua. Many companies leave right from Antigua so it’s great to spend a night there ahead of time in order to prepare.

What options are there to hike Acatenango volcano?

The most popular Acetenango overnight hike ( and the one I chose) is considered a two day, one night trek. This trek can be rigorous ( more on that), but it provides the opportunity to see TWO volcanoes in one hike( Volcan Acetenango and Volcan Fuego). There a few companies that offer hike packages with the option for a day hike or the overnight hike. I recommend booking with OX Expeditions which came highly recommended to me- so I’m passing it on!

Here’s a summary of what to expect when completing the Acatenango overnight volcano hike!

Debrief for the Acatenango Tour

The night before the hike, you’ll meet up in the early evening for a briefing. The guides will talk you through packing recommendations, what you can borrow from them ( the answer is pretty much whatever you need), and the general itinerary. After a 1 hr meeting, you’ll know what to expect for your Acatenango overnight volcano hike!

What to Pack for Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike

Layers! I completed the hike in July and the weather and temperature will likely vary with elevation, regardless. Depending on the time of year, the weather could be in the upper 60s at the base, and in the mid 30s at night! On Ox’s website, it recommends packing/wearing :

  • a synthetic base layer
  • fleece
  • rain jacket
  • leggings/shorts
  • a good pair of hiking boots
  • sunscreen

What’s included in your Acatenango tour?

If you too book through OX Expeditions, the follow ammenities are included:

  • rental gear
  • lunch, dinner + brekkie
  • coffee/tea
  • transport
  • a bi-lingual guide
  • free locker storrage for luggage

Additionally, budget a bit extra for gratiuity and the entrance to Acatenango ( about $ 13 USD).

Morning Departure for the Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike

You’ll leave early in the morning- between 7-8:00. Before departure, the guides review packing requirements and will distribute the communal items. Though I personally packed very light ( a change of socks, a new shirt, and an extra jacket), the pack I borrowed quickly became stuffed with the communal items that we all needed ( tent pieces, food, fuel, water, etc). With that in mind, even ” packing light” will probably mean that your backpack is much heavier then anticipated. No sweat though, porters are available to help with your bag for around $20 USD.

The author standing on the hiking path for Acetenango volcano with a view of the mountains in the background. This image shows what the hike acatenango volcano overnight nike trail looks like.
Porters and strong horses can carrying hiker's backpacks for the acatenango overnight volcano hike in guatemala.
Hikers can expect a mix of compact sand and dirt tracks on the acatenango volcano overnight hike in Guatemala.

Up and Up Acatenango Volcano!

The hike up is exactly that- a gradual uphill. There is a very clear, well marked, compacted dirt trail. As the elevation increases, the path becomes more gravely which makes the descent a bit slippery. The guide will offer plenty of breaks to refresh, and most importantly a very yummy lunch!

At the Top of Acatenango Volcano

Once at the top, the tents will already be up for you- super convenient! When I went in July (in the mist of the 6 month rainy season from May until November), it rained. When we reached the top, we were greeted with a heavy cloud of fog- and no volcano view.

Thankful for the overhangs on the trail when the weather doesn’t cooperate!
overnight hikers can expect a warm fire and a wooden shelter at the top of the hike at the camping site on the acatenango volcano overnight hike in guatemala.
The shelter at the camping site-complete with a cozy fire

What to Expect at the Top of Acatenango Volcano

You’ll be assigned a tent to share with a groupmate when you arrive depending on your group size. As you settle in, you’ll be greated with a warm cup of coffee/tea and a fire under a wooden structure. This is a welcome comfort after a few hours of trecking! It’s time to chill, chat with your groupmates, and unpack the communal supplies. The guides prepare an early dinner and it’s off to bed for a potential ( very early) start.

The early start to hike Acatenango Volcano?

Most trips will have a pre-sunrise start that leads to a very steep 1.5 hr-2 hr uphill hike. Unluckily (or luckily?) for our group, the weather didn’t look promising so the guide advised that we skip out on the 4:30am departure and enjoy the sunrise from our tents. After a fleeting moment of dissapointment, it was a quick blessing in disguise to have the chance to sleep in a little later. Either way, you’ll be greeted with a sunrise overlooking a volcano- not bad, right?

The author overlooking the acatenango volcano view during sunrise. The image shows the reader what they can expect to see as part of the volcano overnight hike experience.

Heading Down Acatenango Volcano

The walk down is much faster ( around 2.5-3 hrs). It can be steep and a bit slippery on the sandy path, but besides that, it is uneventful!

The Arrival

After the scramble ( or slip if you give into gravity) downhill, you’ll arrive at the base of the volcano before 11. There a shuttle bus will meet you to take you back to the office to unpack, return supplies, stretch out, and relax!

Other Considerations for the Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike

Is the Acatenango volcano overnight hike hard?

I wouldn’t say it is hard, but it is uphill! There aren’t any technical parts and there is a very clear path the whole way up, but it is steep!

Do you need hiking shoes for the Acatenango hike?

Proper hiking shoes would probably be best, but I hiked in trainers/sneakers. The hardest part without proper shoes is definitely the downhill because it can get quite slippery!

In a few minutes, you’ll find yourself scrolling through your phone with hundreds of images of an erupting volcano. How good is that?

You hiked a volcano, ate 3 meals, and camped for less then $100 USD. I call that a success!

Unsure about where in Guatemala to head to next? Check out this 5 night budget trip to Guatemala guide!

Now you know what to expect for the Acatenango Volcano overnight hike!

Looking for other recommendations in Central or South America? Check out:

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Welcome! We're Vic and Pat- 30 somethings that have accumulated 10+ years of international travel experience who finally have the guts to share their experiences. We focus on budget couple travel in unique locations that aren't necessarily on a "bucketlist." We don't believe in taking time for granted and we do believe in living our life on the move. Sometimes we have long weekends, sometimes we have a 2 week holiday, sometimes we travel and work remotely for 2+ months at a time. Regardless of what chapter of life we're in, we want to show you how to stretch your budget, maximize travel hacks, and create memorable experiences.