📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
I had a couple of comments like this on some of my I had a couple of comments like this on some of my TikToks a few months back when I said I was going on a long trip without my BF. 

🧡One thing I’m super grateful for is my supportive boyfriend no matter how ludacris my ideas.

✈️He loves to travel and explore new places but it’s definitely not on the same scale as me! 

💻 He also doesn’t have a job that gives him the same freedoms as mine does 

🌎we were meant to be apart for 6 weeks but I told him I was extending by a week and it was absolutely fine 

❤️Despite the fact we miss each other he’ll always support my travels whether he can come with me or not.

🍉 If your partner doesn’t support or trust you are they really the one?
Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 📍@c Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 

📍@carrie.ahangama
🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night 🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night @pelicanbayahangama  above the @pickledpelican restaurant where you can get very decent burgers🍔

📍Ahangama, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
A little insta VS reality. Exploring days look v A little insta VS reality. 

Exploring days look very different from travel days. And you best believe I spend 99% of my days in my frizzy bun 😅

Anyone else like this?
📍Udawalawe National Park Can never have to muc 📍Udawalawe National Park

Can never have to much elephant content right? ✌🏽🍃🐘
Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cu Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cute insta girl 😂✌🏽

FYI the train was stationary in the second pic of me 😂

Also think I need to say that the first few pics are not mine… but I think that’s pretty obvious right? ©️
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️

🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊

🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)

South Coast (November to April) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 

There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 

East Coast (May-October) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 

Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃

🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 

🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)

🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 

🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 

🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 

🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 

🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising 

📸PS A lot of my pics turned out blurry because of how much this train moves. I honestly don’t know how some people have the guts to hang right out of it whilst its moving
🔉Sound On 🔉 The only time is Brits can trus 🔉Sound On 🔉

The only time is Brits can trust the governments advice 😅😅
This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I head This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I headed to the airport and what a nice little goodbye it was 🧡🍑🍊🦁🌅🌇 @lighthouse_ahangama
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰

🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃

Some of these include

🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park

🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘

🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.

🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘

🐾It felt more natural 🍃

🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 

🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫

 🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 

TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️

🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 

🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 

🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 

☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are fo The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are for Boujee’s ✌🏽

I occasionally will try and share budget tips on here but just know I’m bad at it 😅 the important thing is trying though right?
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
Instagram post 17972116637147209 Instagram post 17972116637147209
🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 7 years aft 🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

7 years after my first visit and Sri Lanka still remains one of my favourite places. The beautiful landscapes, nature, wildlife and the people make it one magical Island 🇱🇰🌴

I can’t wait to share with you all my Sri Lanka recommendations but for today here are a collection of my favourite shots 📸
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Central America, Hiking · January 7, 2023

Acatenango Volcano Hike – The Ultimate Guide

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You’re sat cosily around a campfire, drinking hot chocolate, whilst in awe watching orange embers of lava explode into the night sky. You’ve just completed part of the Acatenango Volcano hike, and it’s  Volcan Fuego you’re watching erupt in the background. It’s one of the best feelings in the world. 

Situated just 22km from Guatemala’s famous colonial town, Antigua, lies the Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes. These volcanoes are referred to as ‘twins’ and are some of the highest in all of Central America. Whilst Acatenango has been dormant since 1972, Fuego remains extremely active, erupting almost every 20 minutes. 

Tourists from all over the globe flock to Guatemala specifically to complete this bucket list hike, and after finishing it myself, I can totally understand why! Whilst completing the Acatenango Volcano hike is no easy feat (I would rate this as the hardest hike i’ve ever done 😅). I can promise you this will be one of the most worthwhile and rewarding experiences of your life.  

Read on below to learn all about how to prepare and what to expect from the Acatenango Volcano hike.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you 🙂

Contents show
1 Getting There
2 Who to book with
2.1 Top Tip
3 How High is the Acatenango Volcano Hike?
4 What to bring for Acatenango Volcano hike
4.1 A Medium-sized backpack
4.2 Warm Clothes
4.3 Good Walking Boots
4.4 Head torch
4.5 Snacks
4.6 Altitude sickness medication
4.7 Sunglasses
4.8 Toilet Roll
4.9 Toiletries
4.10 First aid kit
4.11 Cash
5 What to Expect on the Acatenango Volcano Hike
5.1 Before the Hike
5.2 Day 1 – Breakfast
5.3 Day 1 – Hike to Basecamp
5.4 Day 2 – The Sunrise Hike
5.5 Back Down
6 Happy Hiking

Getting There

To complete the Acatenango volcano hike, you must book with a tour company. Most of these companies are located in the town of Antigua (Guatemala’s former capital city), where your hiking journey will begin.

You can get to Antigua from most major cities/towns in Guatemala (eg Panajachel & Guatemala City) via public bus (also referred to as chicken buses), pre-booked shuttle and Uber.

TownDistanceTimePublic BusShuttleUber
Guatemala Airport / City39KM1 Hour10Q (£1.10)£21280Q (£30)
Panajachel (Lake Atitlan)80.7km2 hours35Q (£3.70)£16400Q (£42)

The easiest and most convenient way to travel to Antigua is to pre-book a shuttle bus. You can book your shuttle bus on GuateGo where you can choose from the most reputable travel companies in Guatemala. 

For more information on how to get to Antigua please click here. 

Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua,  Guatemala

Who to book with

Who you book your tour with is a super important decision. It will undoubtedly have an impact on how pleasurable your hiking experience is. During my time in Guatemala, I heard horror stories from other travellers who completed the hike and didn’t have the best time. Stories included: guides leaving their group on the volcano, guides getting too drunk, companies not providing enough food as well as collapsing tents in the middle of the night.  

In terms of the Acatenango Volcano Hike, you really do get what you pay for. The common denominator in all of these stories was travellers picking the cheapest option without much more research. 

Acatenango Volcano, Guatemala

After some extensive research of my own, I went with a company called OX Expeditions and I can’t recommend them enough. As a hiking group, we were well looked after, well fed and we all felt totally safe throughout the whole trip. It was a truly fantastic experience with OX Expeditions, not only for the hike itself but also for the energy and enthusiasm of our tour guides (a special shout out to Romeo for being AMAZING).

So what tour options do OX Expeditions offer? 

TourPriceTimeGood to know
Acatenango Day Hike$59 (£50)
Does not include the National park entrance fee ($15/£13)
12 hoursFor travellers who are short on time.
Includes a full day of hiking to the Acatenango summit and back.
Acatenango Overnight Hike$89 (£75)
Does not include National Park entrance fee 
($15/£13)
1.5 daysDay 1 includes 5/6 hours of hiking Acatenango base camp.
Day 2 includes 2 hours of hiking to Acatenango Summit and back to the base camp, followed by 3 hours of hiking back to the start.
“Double Whammy” Acatenango and Fuego$129 (£109)
Does not include National Park entrance fee ($15/£13)
1.5 Days 
(Additional hiking hours involved)
Day 1 includes 5/6 hours of hiking Acatenango base camp followed by a short break then, 3/4 hours of hiking to Fuego and back to base camp,
Day 2 includes 2 hours of hiking to Acatenango Summit and back to the base camp followed by 3 hours of hiking back to the start.
Recommended only for those in top physical condition,

Top Tip 

If you have booked the Acatenango overnight hike only, but decide you would want to do the “Double Whammy” trek once the hike has already begun, then you will be allowed to book on and can pay for the additional cost when you return back to Antigua. 

In two minds about hiking Fuego? I would highly recommend making use of this option. It can be easy to underestimate just how tired you’ll be after the initial 5/6 hours of hiking on the first day. It’s better to air on the side of caution and not waste any money if you end up changing your mind. 

Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala

Below you will find a list of other reputable tour companies to book with. Whilst I can’t personally vouch for these companies myself,  by speaking with other travellers who have completed the Acatenango volcano hike, and doing a spot of research, these companies are also highly recommended.

  • Trek Guatemala
  • Tropicana Hostel
  • Wicho & Charlie’s

NOTE Guatemala’s dry season is from November to April. This period is the best time to complete the Acatenango Volcano hike. You will have a much higher chance of getting clearer views of Volcan Fuego’s eruptions (however this is not guaranteed).

How High is the Acatenango Volcano Hike?

In this post, I’ve talked a lot about how hard this hike can be, so let’s talk numbers and discuss how high we’re actually going!  

The Acatenango Volcano hike starts at an elevation of 2400m. Hiking to the summit will see you reach the dizzy height of 3976 meters 🌋(a total elevation gain of 1576 meters). You’ll be able to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back after this trek.

Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala

What to bring for Acatenango Volcano hike

A Medium-sized backpack 

You’ll need a medium-sized backpack to carry extra layers of clothing, 3-4 litres of water and snacks. Also, when hiking with OX Expeditions, everyone in the group will be expected to help carry supplies needed for lunch and dinner so make sure to save some room!

Warm Clothes 

Layers, Layers, Layers! I can’t stress enough how much you’ll need layers and warm clothing for the Acatenango Volcano hike. On the walk up to base camp, you’ll most likely be a hot sweaty mess (attractive, I know 😅), however, once the sunsets the layers will come into play.  Temperatures at the base camp and at the summit can dip way below 0 degrees  Celsius (32F).

Good Walking Boots

This probably goes without saying but a sturdy pair of walking boots will stand you in good stead on this hike. If your walking boots are brand new, try to wear them before the Acatenango Volcano hike to avoid any blisters. 

Head torch

Day 2 of the Acatenango Volcano hike will start before sunrise, so head torches are needed to help guide your way up to the summit. They also come in very handy for any midnight loo breaks. 

Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala
Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala
Snacks 

Whilst main meals are provided, snacks are not. So make sure to pack extra nibbles in your bag for that additional energy boost during the hike. I’d recommend packing energy-dense foods such as granola bars, nuts and dried fruits. 

Altitude sickness medication 

If you suffer badly from altitude sickness I would recommend packing some tablets. If you’ve never been at altitude before then I would pack some just in case. I didn’t bring any with me, as I usually don’t suffer too badly, however, It hit me really hard on the sunrise hike from base camp to the summit. So, learn from my mistake and come prepared.

Sunglasses 

Not only will these protect your eyes from the sun but also the dust and dirt that’s lifted up from the track. If you are a contact lens wearer (like me) then packing a pair of sunglasses is a must! 

Toilet Roll

You won’t be shocked to hear that the toilets on the Acatenango Volcano hike are very basic (expect to do your business in a wooden hut with a long drop loo). So make sure to come armed with enough loo roll to last you.

Toiletries 

The toiletries you need to pack will be unique to your needs, but at the very least don’t forget to pack:

  • Toothbrush 
  • Toothpaste 
  • Facewipes (the volcano dirt is real) 
  • Deodorant 
  • Antibacterial Gel 
  • Antibacterial wipes 
First aid kit

Your guides will have a first aid kit on them, but this can come in handy should you need any plasters for any minor blisters or grazes you might get along the way. If you suffer from knee issues I would also bring knee supports, especially for the hike back down. 

Cash

Ensure you bring cash with you so you can pay for:

  • Walking Poles –  At the entrance of the hike you can rent walking poles for around 50p. I would highly recommend some of these. I think the hike would have taken me a lot longer without them. 
  • Porter – Should you find your bag too heavy to hike with, you can hire a porter for £20 (one way) 
  • Toilets – At the start of the hike there is a small cafe with a toilet which you must pay for
  • Entrance Fee – The entrance fee to the National park is not included in your tour fair.
  • Food – There are one or two food stalls mid-way through the hike. If your snacks aren’t satisfying enough, then pick up some Guatemalan Garnachas. 
  • Tips for guides – The guides do such an incredible job, so be sure to tip them at the end of the trip.

Should you need a backpack, extra layers or a head torch, you can borrow these for free from OX expeditions. 

What to Expect on the Acatenango Volcano Hike

The following is based on my experience with OX Expeditions so bear this in mind if you are booking with an alternative company.

So, you’ve got to Antigua, booked your tour, and you’ve packed your bags. What can you expect from the Acatenango Volcano hike itself?

Before the Hike

The day before the hike you will be required to visit the OX Expeditions booking office for a pre-trip meeting. In this meeting, you’ll learn all about what to expect on the hike. From the different types of terrain, you’ll be trekking on, to what time you can expect lunch and dinner. No stone is left unturned.

Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala

Day 1 – Breakfast

You will be asked to arrive at the OX Expeditions office at 7am sharp. At this point you can pick up any extra layers you may need. The guides will also give you the supplies they want you to carry for lunch and dinner. 

After the group has finished packing, you will all hop onto a bus that will take you to the day’s first stop, breakfast at Rainbow Cafe. You can expect a typical Guatemalan breakfast and will be given roughly an hour to eat, drink and most importantly; get acquainted with your new hiking friends. 

Once breakfast is complete the journey to the Acatenango Volcano hike start point begins. This journey will take roughly 45-60 minutes. On arrival at Acatenango, you will have the opportunity to rent a walking pole, as well as hire a porter for your overnight back. I recommend both if you are not an experience hiker.

Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala

Day 1 – Hike to Basecamp

Now the real fun starts: The hike officially begins!

For the next 5-6 hours you will be hiking up steep hills en route to base camp. Don’t worry there are plenty of stops along the way. This  includes a trip to a cafe about 15 minutes in, a pit stop to pay the entrance fee, snack stops and lunch. Plus lots of mini breaks for those who need it. 

If you’re worried about being the slowest hiker, don’t! Take your time and remember that there will always be a guide (and fellow hikers) by your side to ensure you are not left behind.

Picture this… 

The trail is tough but you’re really enjoying yourself. You’re getting to know your fellow hikers and you are all motivating each other through it. You are in awe of the incredible views along the way! 

The time is 3 pm and after 6 hours of hiking, you have finally arrived at base camp. You throw down your bags and stare in amazement and the puffs of smoke shooting into the sky from Volcan Fuego. Whilst you sit and take it all in, your guides are setting up your tents for the night, lighting up a campfire and organising a round of hot chocolate for the team. 

Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala
Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala

Those who have decided to hike Fuego only have an hour to rest before they set off for the next 4 hours of hiking. 

The rest of you the next few hours sitting around the campfire and watch as the clouds start to roll in, annoyingly blocking your view of Fuego. You’re not too worried though. You’re still having a great time, laughing with your campmates,  eating dinner and drinking wine. 

It’s a few hours after sunset and the clouds have finally cleared. You’re watching Fuego erupt bursting orange into the sky every 20 mins. Each eruption is just as impressive as the last. Nature has put on its finest show. 

It’s time for bed, but you don’t get much sleep. It’s painfully cold and you can’t stop watching the eruptions through the door of your tent! 

Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala
Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala

Day 2 – The Sunrise Hike

Your guides have given you a delightful 3:30 am wake-up call. You’re about to begin the sunrise hike to the summit of Acatenango! For this portion of the hike, you really have to dig deep. Tiredness, altitude, darkness, the steep climb and rugged terrain are making this part of the hike a lot more challenging than the day before. 

After a gruelling 2 hours, you finally reach the summit and the sun is starting to rise. The wind is forceful and bitterly cold, but the scenery makes up for it all.  There are tears of joy, you finally made it! 

Acatenango Volcano, Guatemala 

Back Down

Once you have completed the summit hike, you will head back down to base camp to have breakfast and pack up. You’ll then make your way back to the start which will take you roughly 3 hours.

Once your group has completed the Acatenango Volcano hike, you’ll need to return any walking poles you have rented. You’ll then jump back into the van and head to Antigua, arriving back around 12pm.

Happy Hiking

I hope this guide has been helpful and that my brutal honesty hasn’t put you off. As I said earlier in this post, the reward is greater than the challenge and the sense of achievement you’ll feel at the end is unparalleled. 

If you have any more questions about this hike, please feel free to reach out!

After more hiking inspiration? Check out my guide to Steall Falls, Scotland

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Comments

  1. Kristen Valenti says

    January 11, 2023 at 9:13 pm

    beautiful pics, Christina! such good info, too.

    Reply
    • Christina Patel says

      January 15, 2023 at 8:41 am

      Thank you so much! ❤️

      Reply

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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of the world in less time.

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