Hello,
I'm planning to hike Volcano Acatenango in late December.
For those who have done the hike, would you recommend doing it in one day or staying overnight? Are there any tour guides/outfitters you would recommend? I read that you can hire a local guide in La Soledad but it seems like he only offers the day hike option.
Thanks!
I've done both. As long as Fuego is still erupting, I would recommend the overnight. As you've probably noticed already, the prices vary considerably between companies (from $45 up to $125). The budget ones (easily booked through your hostel the day before) basically give you transportation, a Spanish speaking guide for the group (up to 20 people), some food, and tents/sleeping bags of variable condition. The highest priced ones (Old Time Outfitters and Ox Outfitters) are close to all inclusive. I went with the middle of the road. The company was NEWay tours.
https://www.facebook.com/NEWay.Tours/
They use local Spanish speaking guides from the village at the base of the volcano. At least one of the owners speaks fluent English. It isn't that big a deal if you don't speak Spanish because its likely that someone else in your group will.
No matter who you go with, be prepared:
- It gets cold at night. I went the beginning of February and it was -4 with a strong wind at the top. There was frost at the campsite (about 3/4 of the way up). When I did it as a day trip in August, it was still cold at the top due to the wind.
- If you come from sea level the altitude might get to you (almost 4,000 meters at the top)
- There are several experienced guides in La Soledad. The one I had, and the other guide with the same company that we shared a campsite with, were both good but I don't know how you would contact them ahead of time, other than through an Antigua agency. One advantage of using an agency is that you don't have to worry about transportation.
- If you choose the budget option, bring extra snacks.
- Most outfitters recommend about 4 liters of water - which you have to carry.
- Some of the higher priced options offer porters to carry your stuff. If you don't use that option make sure that you have a pack big enough to carry your stuff (water, clothes, etc) plus a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and possibly a tent or parts of one. I witnessed people carrying sleeping bags or tent parts in their hands as their packs weren't big enough.
Great, this is awesome info. I'm assuming the tour operators generally provide the camping gear (tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag)? Would you recommend bringing your own sleeping bag? I know sometimes the sleeping bags that tour operators provide are not the best quality (especially for sub-zero temperatures).
I used Ox Outfitters in Antigua. They have everything you need, like packs, sleeping bags, tents, even caps and gloves. That said, I'd probably pack your own base layers and glove liners. I took 6l of water and used every drop.
This is one of the hardest hikes I have ever done, by the way. My quads hurt for 3 days.
I don't know the elevation of La Soledad but that is the trailhead. There is a 4X4 road up part way that some of the tour companies use. You see it advertised as a 4x4 trip. I'm guessing it takes you about 1/2 way up.
I used Old Town Outfitters. Organisation was fine. There were five of us plus guide on the trip. Recommend the two day trip. Risk of seeing nothing but cloud on one day trip. My only issues were the guide cooking on a gas stove inside the tent and also the speed of descent. It was obvious this guide wanted his Sunday lunch.
Great, this is awesome info. I'm assuming the tour operators generally provide the camping gear (tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag)? Would you recommend bringing your own sleeping bag? I know sometimes the sleeping bags that tour operators provide are not the best quality (especially for sub-zero temperatures).
I had my own sleeping bag because I have a small, lightweight one that is warm. I did ask the others that we shared the campsite with (same company)and they had no complaints with the provided ones. I didn't hear the same good comments from the people on the budget tour that they booked through our hostel. Talking with a couple of different tour companies, I was told that good quality camping equipment is very expensive in Guatemala. When I did the 3 day trek from Xela to Lake Atitlan, the sleeping bag that my guide had looked like a reject from WalMart. Fortunately for him we were sleeping inside buildings. If you don't bring your own, I would consider a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth. Another option that might work is to bring a sleeping bag and to barter it away with the company after you get down (you might want to contact your chosen company ahead of time on this).
This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.
