Acatenango Volcano, Antigua: Hours, Address, Acatenango Volcano Reviews: 5/5
Acatenango Volcano
Acatenango Volcano
5
00:00 - 23:59
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
Tours & experiences
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The area
Address
Best nearby
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Attractions
4 within 10 kms
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Popular mentions
5.0
1,197 reviews
Excellent
1,050
Very good
123
Average
15
Poor
6
Terrible
3
LSUTGR1
Phoenix, AZ1,224 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
I did the trip to the Acatenango volcano as part of a guided tour (required) which included an overnight stay at the base camp, about 80% of the way to the top. The hike to the top of Acatenango is very strenuous, but the experience and views at the top are worth EVERY step and breath. One can see and hear the Fuego volcano erupt periodically into spectacular light and sound shows. The sunrise experience is like no other. Make sure to accept the walking sticks given to you at the start, you WILL need them. And, carry LOTS of warm clothing, for it is COLD at the top, no matter the season.
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lindsaysimonson
New Paltz, NY13 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
First off, we are experienced hikers and found this to be a TOUGH hike. Definitely allow yourself a day or two in Lake Atitlan or Antigua to acclimate to the elevation. Even then, you’ll almost definitely feel the effects of the elevation. It took us 4 hours and was almost entirely at least a 45 degree climb through fine volcanic stones. Second, definitely go with a guide. The trail forks off multiple times and without a guide we certainly would have gotten lost. The guide companies also have a shelter and campfire at base camp, both necessary and worth it because it will almost certainly be cold and raining during the afternoon and evening. That said, this is a truly remarkable experience. We had the most amazing views when the clouds cleared around 11pm and 3pm and could hear the volcano erupting all night. This volcano is extremely active, erupting about every 20 minutes. We did the hike to the summit in the morning, which also provides amazing views if you’re lucky with the weather. If the weather isn’t great, staying at base camp will probably afford you some spectacular views as well because the volcano is more likely to be clear. Definitely pack good hiking boots, extra socks, warm pants, gloves, hat, and rain coat for base camp and the summit. Hiking poles or sticks will save you. Take your time and enjoy!
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KristiDNYC
New York City, NY40 contributions
Apr 2022
Seeing an erupting volcano is amazing!!!
It's a TOUGH climb, and even though they say an 80-year-old could do it, you'd need to be quite fit. It's doable, though, and the guides make sure no one falls behind.
Don't be a fool---use a porter to carry your backpack during this 4-5 hour steep uphill walk. Not only will you enjoy your trek more, but you also support the community (the Q150-200 can feed the porter's family for a couple of days). Also, rent a Q5 walking stick, you'll especially need it when you walk down the next day.
And finally, set your alarm clock to watch the volcano erupt with glowing red lava during the night. In daylight, you'll only see smoke (which is cool, too).
It's a TOUGH climb, and even though they say an 80-year-old could do it, you'd need to be quite fit. It's doable, though, and the guides make sure no one falls behind.
Don't be a fool---use a porter to carry your backpack during this 4-5 hour steep uphill walk. Not only will you enjoy your trek more, but you also support the community (the Q150-200 can feed the porter's family for a couple of days). Also, rent a Q5 walking stick, you'll especially need it when you walk down the next day.
And finally, set your alarm clock to watch the volcano erupt with glowing red lava during the night. In daylight, you'll only see smoke (which is cool, too).
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Matt
Boston, MA20 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
QUESTION: Does anyone want to hike Acetenango on Sunday, 4/17 with a private 4 x 4 car? I have found a tour operator that offers this service, removing the need for the overnight camping and shaving the hike time down from 8-10 hours. They drive you 75% of the way up and then it's 1.5 hours of hiking, arriving in time for views of the volcano in darkness and then watching the sunrise. It departs from Antigua at 2 am, and you are back in town by 12 noon.
I'm looking for 2 more people to join us, as we'd enjoy the company and also want to share the cost!
Thanks,
Matt
I'm looking for 2 more people to join us, as we'd enjoy the company and also want to share the cost!
Thanks,
Matt
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gabriel M
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Friends
We didn't stay at Tropicana, but we did the acatenango tour. We heard beforehand that we needed to stay in a tent, which obviously wasn't great, but they provided us with any extra clothing/equipment we needed, free of charge which was great. Upon arrival of the campsite, we immediately noticed that the tent's zipper was broken. Even though the entire tour was organized very well and we had a great time, the tent situation definitely brought us all down a bit as it meant we basically slept outside.. We were cold the entire night as the wind came into the tent. Therefore wouldn't book again, as we were in disbelief how such a situation could happen when it's around -10 outside..
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Patricia
6 contributions
Nov 2021
My sister and I hiked Acatenango last November with Florencio, president of APRODE, and his son on a private route and we can't say enough about how special and unique the experience was.
We are not going to lie, the excursion is physically challenging, but we couldn't have had better guides. 100% local guides who know the volcano like the back of their hand and are very attentive to anything that comes up and you need.
Very different from any experience you can have with a tour operator and you make sure that the money goes to them and not to the tour operators (which is a moral obligation!).
Don't hesitate, you won't regret hiring APRODE, but whoever you go with, get fit beforehand and dress warmly! :)
We are not going to lie, the excursion is physically challenging, but we couldn't have had better guides. 100% local guides who know the volcano like the back of their hand and are very attentive to anything that comes up and you need.
Very different from any experience you can have with a tour operator and you make sure that the money goes to them and not to the tour operators (which is a moral obligation!).
Don't hesitate, you won't regret hiring APRODE, but whoever you go with, get fit beforehand and dress warmly! :)
Written 11 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anton G
2 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
So I booked the volcano tour with Tropicana Hostel Antigua and it has been soo good. The guides were super chill and the hike was for everybody because we took breaks every 30-40 min. The view of the volcano was super great from tropicana basecamp. The sunrise was epic too.
The only thing they cood improve is, that they tell you beforehand that there is the option for en extra trip too the lava, but the tour in itself is super good.
The only thing they cood improve is, that they tell you beforehand that there is the option for en extra trip too the lava, but the tour in itself is super good.
Written 9 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fabian
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Friends
Yoo awsome hike! Totally worth every penny, went with Tropicana and it was super good vibe and a cozy cabine with a fire where you can chill drink something warm and watch the volcano go crazy bananas
Written 9 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Urvi
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Solo
An amazing tour! The food provided by the hostel was really good and filling! Above all, our tour guides Miguel, Josue, Emilio and Manolo were the ones that made the hike a memorable experience for us. They were all so sweet, helpful and hardworking! They gave a heart warming good bye speech at the end of our tour that left me in tears. Definitely book with them and ask for these specific tour guides if possible
Written 30 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kunal Goel
4 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
I recommend the volcano tour with Tropicana hostel. It was very well organized and we had nothing to worry about as we were literally guided every step of the way. Tropicana includes 4 meals instead of 3 that most others offer (pre-departure breakfast), making the tour even smoother. They keep your bags even if you're not staying at hostel and offer free hot shower and towel after you come back. The guides are nice and friendly and good was decent for camping.
Gear is offered for rent if you need anything.
Tropicana's cabin tents are at the most awesome location compared to other camps with amazing views.
Some things that can be improved-
1. All 3 guides only spoke Spanish and hence, couldn't tell us more history about the volcanoes.
2. The hike is slow which is very good for slow hikers but for faster hikers it means many stop and starts. I was expecting if there are 3 guides, faster hikers can hike fast with one guide and others can come behind but the guides always wanted the whole group together
Gear is offered for rent if you need anything.
Tropicana's cabin tents are at the most awesome location compared to other camps with amazing views.
Some things that can be improved-
1. All 3 guides only spoke Spanish and hence, couldn't tell us more history about the volcanoes.
2. The hike is slow which is very good for slow hikers but for faster hikers it means many stop and starts. I was expecting if there are 3 guides, faster hikers can hike fast with one guide and others can come behind but the guides always wanted the whole group together
Written 21 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
deborah hong
Seoul, South Korea
Hi everyone!
Is there anyone who hike the mountain in Mid- June?
I have heard that June is very wet so it would be rainy.
Is it hard to see the volcano even when I am on the top?
Tiago A
6 contributions
It is possible to use mobile internet at the base camp or next to the summit?
hay salidas en 4x4?
Augusto P
1 contribution
Sinceramente yo no e visto, pero no hace falta 4x4 para llegar a la base. Y tampoco hay camino para travesía de ese tipo ya que es un parque y reserva
Chris A
Miami, FL1 contribution
What if the weather doesn’t cooperate? I’m planning to go next week and I’m seeing that there’s a thunderstorm happening during the days I want to go.. does it get canceled? Is it safe?
expatDubai
Sweden198 contributions
Sorry, I dont know how they do if weather is bad. But most likely you will will not have any problems with the weather. Enjoy!
Lorest7
Barcelona, Spain10 contributions
Hola! Alguien sabe si al contratar la excursión para el volcán Acatenango con una agencia (tropicana, Wicho&Charlie’s o cualquier otra) ésta incluye un seguro por si pasa algo durante la excursión?
eleanor-mia
Martock, UK47 contributions
I have hip problem and can only manage to walk about an hour. Is there an easy way to see this volcano?
alaplume1993
Shrewsbury, MA8 contributions
Yes, the camping area you will have a perfectly good viewpoint and can see and hear its eruptions. I have seen people take horses. The only unfortunate thing is the horses aren’t well taken care of so I’m usually against that. But thats totally up to you. Hiking wouldn’t be an option though, its between a moderate and difficult trek in my opinion and definitely not short.
Looks like tours are still going up Acatenango despite Fuegos violent eruption last year. Have things been safe since last summer when Fuego was erupting?
alaplume1993
Shrewsbury, MA8 contributions
Is anything really safe? If you mean would this activity be performed in the U.S? Definitely not. Did I feel safe? Absolutely! But what do I know? I don’t think any tourist in a tour group has ever died from Fuego’s lava and hundreds of people go up it every day. If anything is dangerous its Pacaya. You are close enough to the lava to throw rocks at it lol. But on Acatenango your on a completely different mountain, if anything I’d imagine its safer than being down below. Don’t waste your time questioning safety. If tour are going up and your seeing hundreds of happy people coming down then its safe. I would just recommend going with a reputable tour guide and not going by yourself. Or if you do, don’t go to the very top because of extreme weather and cold. The tours stop I believe about 900 feet below the summit.
Abhijit P
San Jose, CA10 contributions
How long in advance should one book the volcano hike? I would like do the hike between 23rd-27th Dec 2018. Is it possible to go to Antigua and book depending on the weather etc or you recommend booking in advance? I have read on a blog that prices can vary as much as 4 times between companies too.
Karla N
3 contributions
You must reserve with minimum time 15 days. especially for what you should bring with clothes or equipment and communication with your coordinator. The cost depends if you want to do private or collective tour. For December is a beautiful date.
There are many companies in old Guatemala that offer the tour and various prices. But few local organizations. I recommend you to Elvin and Aprode. good luck
johnnycamp83in
London, UK
Im the only one who has noticed that most of Tropicana’s reviews look really fake? I don’t understand why tripadvisor let’s this happen? Can we trust this reviews?
NicoQuebec
Quebec City, Canada27 contributions
All the tours offered in Antigua pretty much end up to be with a 2-3 companies. I booked the tour directly with Aprode through whatapps, and we were later join at the basecamp by a much bigger group of people that booked through various agencies. We paid just a few dollars more than them, but we got a much better service/meals/sleep. I highly recommend to just contact Aprode through Whatapps and skip the middleman-agencies.
Ignacio G
Buenos Aires, Argentina77 contributions
Fe de erratas: Precio 250 Q + 50Q de entrada
Frequently Asked Questions about Acatenango Volcano
- Acatenango Volcano is open:
- Sun - Sat 00:00 - 23:59
- We recommend booking Acatenango Volcano tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 15 Acatenango Volcano tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Acatenango Volcano:
- Overnight Volcano Acatenango Hiking Adventure (From €84.25)
- Acatenango Volcano: Visit Its Summit On a 4WD Vehicle in 1 Day + Meal at the Top (From €332.31)
- Pacaya Volcano Day Trip from Guatemala City (From €79.57)
- Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure from Guatemala City (From €276.60)
- Acatenango Overnight (From €83.31)
- Hotels near Acatenango Volcano:
- (15.36 km) Chez Daniel
- (15.85 km) Camino Real Antigua
- (15.56 km) A Place to Stay, Boutique Hostel
- (15.95 km) Meson Panza Verde
- (15.50 km) Hotel Posada de la Luna
- Restaurants near Acatenango Volcano:
- (15.94 km) 27 Adentro
- (15.97 km) Taqueria Doña Lupita
- (15.92 km) Once Once
- (15.94 km) Pappy's BBQ Antigua
- (15.86 km) Samsara