10 Best Tour Options For Hiking Acatenango, Guatemala

Make the trek up Acatenango Volcano a memorable adventure by booking the tour with an experienced provider. These are some of the top choices.

Volcan de Fuego and Acatenango in Guatemala

There is nothing quite as thrilling as touring a volcano. For many travelers, the trek and overnight camping experience at Acatenango Volcano is the highlight of their trip to Guatemala. There are few other places on Earth where travelers can safely view an active volcano erupting with their own eyes. To make the most of this incredible adventure, it’s important to book the trip with the right tour guide. Take a look at these options for guided and self-guided tours up to the Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala for an unforgettable view of Volcan Fuego. Many of these tour companies also offer excursions to other popular Guatemalan sites like the Mayan Ruins of Tikal or scenic Lake Atitlan.

Keep in mind that many tour companies do not include the entrance fee for the hike and camping which is approximately $12 USD (Q100) in their prices.

10 V-Hiking Tours

V-Hiking Tours is a family-run company in Guatemala that enables travelers to have a comfortable experience hiking Acatenango while supporting the local economy. Meals are provided and homemade by the company owner’s (Elvin) mom with local produce. Hikers can move at their own pace and bring less of their own gear since a lot of it is provided.

• Approximate Price:
  From $70

• What’s Included
  : Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Antigua, professional and licensed guides, park entrance, 2 breakfasts, coffee, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, snacks, camping equipment

9 Wicho & Charlie’s

Wicho & Charlie’s is a sustainable tourism company in Guatemala that is locally owned and run. The team offers both cabin and tent camping experiences on the stratovolcano, and gear is provided. Additional gear can be rented from the company as needed. Wicho & Charlie’s tour price includes meals all of which are healthy and plant-based.

• Approximate Price:
  From $97

• What’s Included
  : 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, snacks, camping gear, sleeping accommodation

8 Self-Guided

Travelers who are confident in their hiking abilities and have experience on multi-day treks in international settings may be able to do the hike on their own. It’s important to do appropriate research ahead of time, stick to the trail, bring enough food and water for the full 28 hours, and bring sufficient camping gear. The price for this option assumes travelers already have the necessary gear. Otherwise, they must factor in the cost of renting or buying these items.

• Approximate Price:
  From $12.75

• What’s Included
  : Entrance fee/camping fee

7 OX Expeditions

OX Expeditions is an Antigua-based tour company that offers both day trips up to Acatenagno and the overnight hiking expedition. For those with the time and budget for the overnight excursion, the extra time on the volcano means a better chance of seeing the eruptions at night from Fuego.

• Approximate Price:
  From $59 (day hike) or $89 (overnight)

• What’s Included
  : Rental gear, lunch, dinner, breakfast x2, coffee, bilingual guide, free locker storage for luggage

6 Trek Guatemala

One of the most expensive tour operators for this adventure is Trek Guatemala. However, the company states in its information about the tour that they provide high-quality camping and sleeping gear to keep hikers comfortable in the ever-changing stratovolcano environment, which isn’t necessarily the case for all tour providers. They also send a packing list prior to departure to ensure hikers are prepared.

• Approximate Price:
  From $149

• What’s Included:
  Multi-lingual guides, camping equipment, appetizers, meals, entrance fees, and transportation from Antigua

5 Tropicana Hostal & Tour Agency

Tropicana Hostal & Tour Agency operates Acatenango Trek tours every day, with options for 1, 2, or 5 people. Couples who want a private experience can book a romantic adventure for two, while friend groups of up to 5 people can pay the price of $300 for the whole group. In the low season, they offer a discount on accommodation the night following this tour.

• Approximate Price:
  From $70 (per person)

• What’s Included:
  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, camping gear, local tour guides, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, round trip transportation, marshmallows to roast

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4 Tour Guide Salvador

Tour Guide Salvador offers a full-day trek of Acatenango Volcano that gets travelers back to Antigua by 5 PM the same day. This is a great option for fit hikers who are tight on time. The tour departs from the city of Antigua at 6 AM making this a full and challenging day of adventure.

• Approximate Price:
  From $70

• What’s Included:
  Round-trip transportation from the hotel in Antigua, entrance fee, tour guide, and lunch box

3 Old Town Outfitters

Old Town Outfitters is a highly respected tour provider in Guatemala whose guides have been operating adventures for more than 20 years. The price for this tour varies depending on the group size. Hikers who want to lighten their load can pay an additional fee to hire a local porter.

• Approximate Price:
  From $140

• What’s Included:
  Local guide, roundtrip transportation from Antigua, park entrance fees, picnic lunch, dinner, breakfast, juice/coffee/tea, snacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and high-altitude tents

2 CA Travelers

CA Travelers is another option for trekkers on a budget. The tour is cost-effective, and hikers arrive at a camp that is already set up, so there is limited gear to carry. They use three-person tents but share them between two people so that there is more room for everyone to be comfortable.

• Approximate Price:
  From $67

• What’s Included:
  Winter jacket, gloves, bandana, headlamp, camelbak, sleeping bag liner, lunchbox

Related: So Which Countries, Exactly, Make Up Central America?

1 Soy Tours Antigua

Soy Tours is another good budget option for travelers backpacking Central America. Their overnight tour is the longest, departing at 7:30 AM from Antigua and returning around noon the following day. However, they also have a 1-day option for people who don’t like camping or have limited time which allows travelers to do the hike in one day, starting from 4:00 AM pickup. They also have an overnight with no camping option for people who want to see the summit at sunrise but don’t want to camp. This hike starts at 8:00 PM.

• Approximate Price:
  From $57

• What’s Included:
  Park entrance fee, tour guide, oxygen/safety gear, tent, foam mattress, sleeping bag, liner, pillow, clothing for cold weather, 3 hot meals, snacks, beer, round trip transportation to the hotel