5 Peaks Volcano Adventure Guatemala

Get ready for your first volcano hike! After enjoying a local breakfast at our hostel, we’ll set off on a one-hour drive to the Acatenango trailhead. The hike to base camp is expected to take 5-6 hours, with an elevation gain of 4,921 feet, bringing us to an elevation of 13,044 feet. We’ll traverse through farmlands, rainforests, and various vegetation changes, taking breaks and pausing for lunch along the way. At base camp, you’ll have time to rest and soak in the stunning views of the neighboring volcanoes while sipping on hot coco. About 1.5 hours before sunset, we’ll embark on the second hike to the active Fuego volcano, where you can witness eruptions from a safe vantage point on Fuego’s ridge. Upon returning to base camp, we’ll enjoy dinner, relax by the bonfire, and be treated to the increasingly spectacular nighttime eruptions!

Rise and shine! It’s 4 am, and we’ll begin a 2-hour trek to the summit of Acatenango to witness a breathtaking sunrise with panoramic views of Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and other regions of Guatemala. After sunrise, we’ll head back to base camp for breakfast, followed by a 2-hour descent to Acatenango’s trailhead. From there, we’ll be transported back to our Antigua hostel to rest. We’ll arrange for food to be delivered to us, allowing us to refuel without the need to go out again. For recovery, we recommend utilizing the hostel’s pool and sauna.

Today marks the second day of rest following the first round of hikes, and you might be feeling some muscle soreness. Therefore, we’ve set aside this day for rest and recovery. You’ll have access to the lake, allowing you to take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters, bask in the sun, or make use of the sauna. The combination of sauna and cold water is particularly soothing for sore muscles. You also have the option to explore nearby towns independently if you wish. The fridge will be stocked with fresh fruits, and you can replenish your supply of beverages.

Our second major volcano hike commences today. At 8 am, we’ll be transported by our captain to the town of Santiago on the opposite side of the lake, where our hike will begin. Expect a 4-6 hour ascent of the dormant Toliman volcano, standing at 10,361 feet. The elevation gain is roughly 4,747 feet over a 5-mile hike to the summit. After leaving our bags at the summit, we’ll proceed to the second peak, an easy 1.5-hour round trip hike, to enjoy another perspective. Returning to the summit, we’ll establish our camp for the night, witness the sunset, and relish a well-deserved dinner cooked over an open fire. For the night, you’ll want to layer up, as the summit can get quite chilly.

We’ll begin the day with a sunrise view over Acatenango and Fuego. After breakfast, we’ll embark on our last challenging hike up Atitlan, which is the toughest of all the volcanoes we’ve conquered. It stands at approximately 11,598 feet, with an elevation gain of 6,493 feet over a 10-mile round-trip journey marked by a consistent steep incline. This hike is shorter than the rest of the inclines but still demanding. Most likely we will be the only hikers, making this hike a serene experience. We’ll encounter various landscapes, including rainforests and a Mars-like summit. After exploring the vast summit, we’ll rest near steam pockets to warm up and have some snacks before starting our 3-hour descent. We’ll then be picked up and taken to Santiago via a quick boat ride back to our villa, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved dinner and drinks in the evening.

Having conquered all five peaks on this journey, we now have a full day dedicated to rest and recovery. Take a refreshing plunge in the lake, hone your paddle board skills, embark on a kayak adventure, soothe your sore muscles in the sauna, or opt for a relaxing massage. We’ll provide beer and wine to celebrate together after successfully summiting