Are you looking for an unforgettable hiking experience? A 3-day Antigua Volcano Hike is the perfect chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Coming from my recent exploits in Guatemala, this guide features functional tips to make the most of your visit to Antigua. Let’s get started.
Brief Information on Antigua Volcanoes
My hiking buddies were looking for a new challenge, and climbing an active volcano was too good to pass by.
The rustic Antigua town has several volcanoes within an hour’s drive from the town center, and this was the perfect opportunity to test our endurance as well as create new memories.
Our hike covered Antigua’s most famous volcanoes: Pacaya, Acatenango, and Fuego.
We settled for Pacaya on the first day because it was the easiest of the trio and could be completed in less than 6 hours. Besides, it also served to acclimatize us to Antigua’s high altitude.
For a wholesome experience, our tour operator suggested combining the Acatenango and Fuego hikes on the second day.
Fuego is an active volcano, so it is too dangerous to hike up to the 3763-meter-high peak. Besides, Fuego’s viewpoint is best accessible through a trail from Acatenango’s base camp.
Read next – Acatenango Volcano 2-Day Hike
The base camp sits at 3800 meters, so we had to first descend the Acatenango before ascending to the viewpoint.
Very demanding, but the view from the top was much more satisfying than we had thought. Fuego erupts after every 15-20 minutes, which was a delightful view in real-time.
We spent the night at the base camp before heading out at dawn for Acatenango’s summit for a breathtaking sunrise.
Draped in sweat and dusty heels, we returned to the trailhead just before midday after the rewarding overnight stay at Acatenango’s base camp.
To everyone’s delight, our transport had already arrived with fully stocked coolers in the vans. I don’t think anyone recalls our trip back to Antigua, as people drifted asleep as soon as we hit the tarmac.
Which is Better?
Things I Wish I Knew Before the Antigua Volcano Hike
Chilly and windy nights
Mountain tops are cold, but nothing could have prepared us for how chilly the night would be at Acatenago.
Everyone had to nestle around the campfire during dinner and tuck in soon afterward. Please pack layers of clothing to get you through the night and the early morning climb.
It was still a bit chilly when we came back to the base camp, and arriving in time for a hot breakfast was a welcome reprieve.
The Acatenago Hike is very demanding
Even as an experienced hiker, the Acatenago hike literally took my breath away. Acatenago will put your physical fitness and mental toughness to the ultimate test.
The gradient is steep with loose gravel, further compounding the strain. While hiking sticks are optional at Pacaya, you will definitely need one for this hike.
Acclimatizing with the altitude
You will be hiking at high altitudes, and getting your body ready for the excursion is essential.
It would be best to arrive in Antigua a day before your scheduled hiking day to get used to the thin air.
Explore this fascinating metropolis to build your endurance while at it:
- Drink plenty of fluids – water, fresh juices, electrolyte drinks
- Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages – they hydrate you faster
- Get plenty of rest – at least eight hours
These tips will help you properly acclimate to the altitude for a safe hiking experience.
If you have any underlying condition the altitude may trigger, taking Diamox helps make the altitude sickness symptoms less severe, but consult with your doctor first.
Best Places to Stay in Antigua
Since you will be spending some nights in Antigua, here are some of the best accommodation options which are close to all the things you want to see and do in this charming city:
- Luxury – Hotel Casa Santo Domingo (compare prices on booking.com and expedia.com)
- Mid- range – Porta Hotel Antigua (booking.com and expedia.com)
- Budget – Hostel Selina Antigua (booking.com and expedia.com)
What To Bring for the Antigua Volcano Hike
All these volcanoes are in national parks, so ensure you carry your passport and some money for entrance and guide fees.
If you’re planning to drive to the national parks, it’s also advisable to explore car rental options in advance to facilitate your transportation.
Additionally, don’t forget to prioritize your safety by considering appropriate travel insurance coverage before embarking on your adventure. Please do it before you book a flight.
Besides having a camera to document this incredible experience, here are other essential items to bring for the hike:
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Warm jacket and gloves
- Waterproof backpack
- Plenty of water and snacks
- Sunscreen
- Climbing stick
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Insect repellent
3 Day Itinerary
We will spread our hiking over three days to enjoy all the sites while minimizing exhaustion.
Pacaya is the more leisurely hike, so it goes first before an overnight stay at Acatenango’s base camp the next day.
Day 1- Pacaya Volcano Hike
Conquer Pacaya’s 2,552 meters (8,373 feet) altitude in preparation for the Fuego climb.
Morning
On average, the round trip to the summit takes 4 hours, so you can begin your hike at 9:00 am.
The terrain is quite steep on the onset but soon levels up at about 1800 meters. Take it slow, enjoying the beautiful countryside views and cooling volcanic rocks.
You can’t hike Pacaya and resist roasting marshmallows on the lava crevices. After enjoying your mallows, trek to the summit to enjoy hot fumaroles bubbling within the volcano.
Also read – Pacaya Volcano 2-Day Hike Guide
Afternoon
Begin your descent back to the trailhead stopping at the Lava Centre Guatemala for lava rock jewelry and handcrafted souvenirs.
Drive back to Antigua, where you can do some light exploration of the town before sunset.
Day 2 – Acatenango Base Camp and Fuego Viewpoint
Early morning hike to Acatenango’s Base camp before heading to Fuego for a magical sunset experience.
Return to the camp for a night under the stars.
Morning
Depart Antigua by 7:00 am for the 30 km (19 miles) drive to Acatenango trailhead, which takes around an hour.
Check if you have all the supplies before hiking to Acatenango’s base camp.
The terrain and altitude are quite challenging, which increases the frequency of rest breaks even if you are in peak physical condition.
With favorable weather, getting to the camp will take around 4 hours. As the night’s layover, set up your tent over the lunch break to lighten your backpack.
Only carry what you need (water, snacks, gloves, and a warm jacket) for the afternoon’s hike to the Fuego volcano viewpoint.
Afternoon
After lunch, depart for Fuego’s viewpoint at around 2:00 pm.
The trek takes approximately 2½ hours since you first descend Acatenango before joining a straight trail up the Fuego.
For the best picturesque views, stay until sunset as the periodic rumbling and eruptions add to the brilliance of the orange rays on the rugged outcrops.
You will return to base camp in darkness, so remember to bring your flashlight.
Evening
Soak up the beauty of the night sky with the campfire providing much-needed warmth.
Retire to bed early after dinner and a few folk stories since your penultimate day will start at around 4:00 am.
The night is surprisingly peaceful and quiet despite the Fuego constantly erupting a few miles away.
Day 3 – Acatenango’s Summit
Wrap up with a trek from the Base camp to Acatenango’s peak.
Return to the camp for belongings before heading back to Antigua.
Early Morning
Start the day early, preferably 4:00 am, if you want to catch the sunrise from Acatenango’s summit.
Warmly dressed and with a flashlight in hand, begin the 1½ hour hike to the volcano’s peak.
The air is thinner at the summit (3976 meters), and you may experience mild altitude sickness.
Take in the incredible sunrise and sweeping countryside views for an hour before beginning your descent back to base camp.
Mid-Morning
After a hearty breakfast, exchanging contacts and endless camera shutters, begin your hike back to the trailhead at around 9:00 am.
The trek will be slower with some heavy legs in the group, and hopefully, the summer sun willn’t be glaring at you.
From the trailhead, you can now return to your hotel or head to the airport after freshening up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Antigua?
Since it was the beginning of summer, the weather was pleasant and the temperatures mild.
However, the conditions can change instantly, especially in the afternoon.
Bring the proper clothing to adjust to the temperature fluctuations or in case there is an afternoon shower.
Which is the toughest Antigua Volcano Hike?
The Fuego hike has to be the toughest of the trio.
You must first go down the Acatenango from the base camp before getting the bearing to head to the viewpoint.
The round trip is even more taxing, with weary legs and pitch darkness creeping in.
Do you need a guide for the Antigua Volcano Hike?
While you can hike Pacaya Volcano independently if familiar with the route, I highly recommend a guide for the Acatenango and Fuego hike.
With the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, the guide’s knowledge and experience of the routes will be precious in case of poor weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Antigua Volcano hike fits the bill if you want a challenging but rewarding hiking experience.
It requires physical and mental toughness with the rugged terrain and peaks that are more chilly than most, which add to the exhaustion.
However, standing at the summit of these three stratovolcanoes is a satisfactory feeling on the backdrop of glistering views.
