Acatenango — Local services in Alta Verapaz

Absolutely amazing, the most impressive volcano I've seen. The hike is around 4,5 - 5 hours, but it's definitely worth it! You will camp overnight overlooking volcano Fuego (it's constantly erupting). The hike is HARD, but doable, just go with an experienced guide. Our group was fairly inexperienced, some people fitter than others, but everyone made it to the top (even me haha). Take plenty of water and warm cloths, some snacks and invest in good hiking shoes. Some parts of the hike are more slippery than others and good shoes make a massive difference! The views are incredible, but remember it's a mountain, the weather can be unpredictable and Fuego might not always be visible due to clouds. I highly recommend booking through hostel 'Wicho & Charlies', the guides are very professional, they can lend you warm clothes (jackets, hats, gloves), the meals they provide are far better than what some other groups had. We had burritos, pasta, fruits, cookies (anything you can ask for). Best part you don't carry the tents (trust me that makes a massive difference). The tents are big and spacious, mattresses and sleeping bags provided. Just carry your food water and clothes. Their guide is a local, who's been climbing the mountain for 7 years. Really helpful, takes frequent breaks and looks after the group. We also had another guide, who's a traveler working for the hostel. Both guides were lovely and it was nice having one guide leading the way and one staying behind with the slower people (mostly myself). We did this hike during rainy season in October and the weather was just perfect not too hot and not too cold. For anyone hesitating don't worry just do it, it's safe just go at your own...

Very CHALLENGING hike but ABSOLUTELY worth it!! Hiking this volcano was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The views at the top are incredible and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. The pictures don’t do it justice. Being so close to an active volcano that is constantly erupting and sending out large plumes of smoke, lava, and loud shockwaves was just breathtaking. You have to go there and experience it yourself.

Again…the hike itself is challenging and you should only do it if you are in good shape, have the right gear, and enough water. I also highly recommend using a local guide service. I can’t imagine having done this hike without a guide. Not only do they ensure you take the right path and make it to the top safely, but they also ensure you have a meal and place to sleep at the top. Every guide service/outfitter has a designated “basecamp” with pre-built huts for you to sleep in. The outfitters also have gear you can rent if you don’t have everything you need. Here are some of the things I recommend having for the hike:

-Good hiking shoes (most of the hike is on loose scree) -2 liters of water per day -warm clothes for the top (it got to low 40s and very windy) -trekking poles (these we a life saver, especially on the way down, because of how steep and slippery it is) -snacks for during the hike -a good headlamp (this is a must for the pre-dawn hike to summit or the night hike to Fuego)

One thing to note, that we weren’t expecting, is that there are several local vendors along the hike selling water and drinks. So if you don’t want to hike with ALL your water, you can buy some along the way, but bring cash...

The Acatenango is definitely worth a visit, especially to see the Fuego! The tour can be done without a guide or group, the way up is exhausting (when it is dry it is sometimes very exhausting, as the ground is very loose), but apart from that not very demanding, if you are reasonably fit. For the tour, one should plan two days with arrival from Antigua, simply to enjoy sunset and sunrise. I recommend higher hiking boots (otherwise you will have the fine volcanic rocks in your shoes all the time), hiking poles, in the rainy season waterproof clothes, changing clothes, warm clothes (at night the temperature drops up to 32°F/0°C), and lightweight camping equipment. If you prefer a tour with a guide, don't rely on the statements of the tour sellers! The base camp is NOT always above the clouds, the weather is NOT always good, sneakers are NOT recommended for hiking and the Fuego is NOT always that active! So check the weather forecast and activity status of the surrounding volcanoes yourself! On the way to the summit we met some physically and mentally completely exhausted, badly equipped people, 4000m altitude are 4000m altitude, do not underestimate! The camps of the tour organizers are okay, tents waterproof, sleeping bags warm enough, you should also pack some food yourself. On the way up there are often, but not always people who sell food and drinks, but you should not rely on their presence....