Trek Guatemala’s Cozy Cabins are perched in a spectacular location overlooking active Fuego Volcano, offering extra warmth and comfort on chilly high-elevation nights. The cabins are designed for small groups, creating a more intimate and personalized experience. Each cabin features four bunk beds with thick mattresses, and the site includes a firepit with one of the best views on the volcano. This experience is a guest favorite during Guatemala’s Green Season (May–October), when the cabins provide a dry, cozy refuge in changing mountain conditions.
But the true highlight is the Acatenango Volcano hike itself. Rising to 13,041 ft / 3,976 m, Acatenango delivers sweeping highland views and a front-row seat to the dramatic eruptions of nearby Fuego Volcano. The cabins are the perfect starting point for our popular Fuego Fireworks nighttime hike, an optional add-on that brings you as close as 300 m below Fuego’s active crater.
This overnight adventure is the ultimate way to experience it all – glowing lava lighting up the night sky and a breathtaking sunrise from the summit. Demanding yet deeply rewarding, it’s one of Guatemala’s most iconic adventures.
Itinerary
Tour Flow
Day Prior: Meet at our Antigua store → complimentary drinks in the garden → trip briefing, packing guidance, and questions.
Day One: 7:45am meet at office → shuttle to La Soledad → ascent through farmland and cloud forest → scenic trail lunch → Cozy Cabins basecamp → Fuego viewing, campfire dinner, and s’mores under the stars. Optional Add On: sunset “Fuego Fireworks” hike.
Day Two: Early coffee, tea, and a snack → sunrise summit of Acatenango → breakfast at basecamp → descent to La Soledad → return to Antigua around midday.
Day Prior: Trip Briefing
Before the trip, we’ll meet with you in person to give you a pre-trip briefing at our store in central Antigua (located right behind the main Cathedral). With complimentary drinks & a beautiful garden setting, it’s a great chance to meet everyone. During this briefing, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the trip, including what to pack, what to expect, and any last-minute details or questions you may have.
Day 1: Ascent to Basecamp
You depart from our store in Antigua at 8:00 am. We’ll have coffee & tea going as well as a trail snack bar. You then set off in a private shuttle on a comfortable one-hour drive to the Mayan village of La Soledad and the Acatenango trailhead. The ascent up the 5,000 ft / 1,525 m trail takes us through four distinct ecosystems, each with its own unique charm. First up is a tapestry of fertile agricultural fields, where local farmers harvest everything from corn to snow peas. It’s a great introduction to the local way of life.
Read more
As you continue on the trail, you’ll enter the old-growth tropical cloud forest. It’s a magical place, teeming with a diversity of flora and fauna, and providing hikers with shade and comfort as you push up the steep slope.
Emerging from the cloud forest, you’ll enter a sparse high-alpine forest that opens up to the Antigua valley below. It’s the perfect spot for a scenic trail lunch, where you can take in the breathtaking vistas.
After lunch, we traverse the profile of the volcano around to the Fuego side and our comfortable Cozy Cabins. Upon arrival at 12,300 ft / 3,750 m, you’ll find yourself eye-level with Fuego’s nearby active crater. We’ll enjoy some hot coffee, tea and fresh banana bread as you settle in to witness the near constant volcanic eruptions. We’ll get a warm campfire started and enjoy dninner followed by marshmallow “S’mores” over the campfire.
The evening concludes with volcanic eruptions and the emergence of a mesmerizing sky full of stars. It’s an unforgettable experience!
For true adventure-seekers, we recommend adding our “Fuego Fireworks” hike that places you 300 m below Fuego’s active crater for sunset.
Interactive 3D Map & Hike Profile: Acatenango Volcano
Day 2: Summiting Acatenango
After early morning coffee, tea, and snack…you’ll embark on a 1.5 hour sunrise ascent to the summit of Acatenango. The climb may be steep, but from the summit you will be looking down on Fuego’s active crater and find panoramic views that stretch from the Pacific Ocean all the way to Mexico.
After enjoying time on the summit, its back to Basecamp for a delicious breakfast. Then, you begin the 2 to 3-hour descent back down the volcano, arriving at La Soledad and our waiting transportation by late morning. Groups usually return to Antigua by mid-day with plenty of time to enjoy a celebratory beer, cappuccino, or a well-deserved siesta. Congratulations on conquering the volcano!
How Do We Compare?
Us
- Small group travel
- Personalized service from start to finish.
Them
- Groups up to 40+ guests
- Crowded trails & queues
Why We're Different!
Our Gear
High-quality tents, sleeping bags/pads and trekking poles are provided. Need a backpack or cold weather clothes? We got those too and you can rent them for an additional price.
Our Guides
Bi-lingual (English/Spanish), first-aid-trained and with years of experience… our friendly and knowledgeable guides are simply the best. Just read our reviews!
Our Gumption
In order to make your hike unforgettable, we’ll send you a packing list, conduct an in-person pre-trip briefing, serve up delicious meals, and make sure you’re safe and satisfied!
Our Attention to Detail
With our signature attention to detail, we honor your Acatenango summit with a custom engraved Challenge Coin to commemorate a great personal achievement.
Our Knowledge
Our Menu
Enjoy a menu with a variety of snacks and meal selections and including vegan and vegetarian options.
Pricing
Private Cabin
Private Tour Upgrade
You’ll have your own guide assigned to your group, giving you the freedom to move at your preferred pace. Price includes a private cabin.
Duration / Times
- Departs from Antigua at 8:00 am on day 1
- Returns to Antigua mid-day day 2
What's Included
- Private Cozy Cabin (4 beds per cabin)
- Pre-departure packing list, in-person trip briefing & our “Guatemala Travel Guide”
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) trekking guide with certified first-aid training
- Roundtrip transportation from our Antigua store to Acatenango trailhead. (If you prefer we pick you up at your Antigua lodging, select our “Signature Service” add-on)
- Park entrance and camping fees
- Day 1 meals: lunch, appetizer, dinner + snacks
- Day 2 meals: breakfast + snacks
- High-quality sleeping bags, mattresses & pillows
- Porter – each carry up to 20 lbs / 9 kg - available as an “add-on” during checkout
- Tips for guides (we recommend 5-10% of total trip price)
What to Bring
- Large capacity backpack (50L +) – available as a rental “add-on” during checkout
- Headlamp – available as a rental “add-on” during checkout
- Puffer / Waterproof Jackets – available as a rental “add-on” during checkout
- Knit Hat / Gloves – available as a rental “add-on” during checkout
- Cold-weather clothing
- Hiking boots/shoes
- 4-5 L of water
Add ons
Fuego Fireworks Hike Add On
The Fuego Fireworks Extension is a challenging 3-4 hour out-and-back hike from Basecamp, descending into the valley between Acatenango and Fuego before climbing Fuego’s steep flanks to its iconic “knife ridge” — just 650 ft / 200 m below Fuego’s active crater and as close as you can responsibly get. Unforgettable, but requires a high level of fitness and must be confirmed before departure.
$79 per guest
Rental Gear
We offer affordable rental rates for a variety of hiking gear you might need for your Acatenango Overnnight Hike. Please indicate what you need as “add on” items in the checkout process! *Prices are per Overnight Trip.
Porter Services
Many of our guests opt to hire a porter who can help carry up to 20 lbs / 9 kgs of their hiking supplies. For most hikers, this may include 2-3 liters of extra water (for the descent) as well as personal items. Available as an “add-on” item during checkout.
- 1 porter per guest can carry all your extra water and personal items. You only carry a day pack.
- 1 porter per 2 guests can carry your extra water, leaving you to carry your personal items.
Double Summit Add On
Adds a full extra day at Acatenango Base Camp — ideal for tackling the Fuego Fireworks hike, summiting Acatenango again, or simply relaxing while watching Fuego’s near-constant eruptions. Includes an additional night of camping, guides, and all meals.
$189 per guest
Transportation Services
We offer one-way & roundtrip private, safe & comfortable transportation services for 1 to 20+ guests. *Available as an “add-on” item during checkout.
- Guatemala City/Airport to Antigua
- Antigua to Guatemala City/Airport
- La Soledad (Acatenango Trailhead) to Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
- Antigua to Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
- Panajachel (Lake Atitlán) to Antigua
- Panajachel (Lake Atitlán) to Guatemala City / Airport
- Anywhere else you’d like to go, just ask!
FAQs
General Experience
How large are your tour groups?
At Trek Guatemala, we keep our groups intentionally small to ensure a more personal, safe, and high-quality experience.
Most of our tours typically range from 6–12 guests, depending on the specific trip and season. This allows our guides to provide more individual attention, maintain a comfortable pace, and create a more connected group dynamic.
For those looking for even more flexibility, we also offer private tours, where your group size can be customized—ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends.
Smaller groups are a key part of our philosophy: better service, better safety, and a more meaningful experience.
Is Guatemala safe?
We understand that most international news regarding Guatemala is often negative. Unfortunately, this news doesn’t always reflect the reality here. Yes, there are pockets of Guatemala City that you might not want to visit (much like any major city worldwide), but you won’t come close to those areas. Antigua is peaceful, as are villages around Acatenango Volcano & the Lake…and Guatemalans are some of the kindest people on the planet.
What’s the weather like?
From November to April, the weather along our trekking routes is characterized by warm, sunny days (65-80°F/16-29°C) & cool evenings (35-50°F/2-10°C). Although technically the dry season, Guatemala’s highlands can get some rain & mist as well, particularly at night.
May through October is Guatemala’s Green Season, also known as the rainy season. Expect lush landscapes, cooler temperatures, and a mix of sunshine and afternoon or evening rain showers. Rain typically comes in short bursts in the afternoon or evening, while mornings are often clear—perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
Will my tour be canceled due to rain?
Tours operate in most weather conditions. Safety is always the priority, but light rain or clouds rarely impact the overall experience – and often enhance it.
Do I need prior hiking experience?
Not necessarily – but for Acatenango and our multi-day treks, you should be in good physical condition and comfortable with long, steep hikes. If you’re unsure, reach out and we’ll guide you to the best option.
What makes Trek Guatemala different from other operators?
We focus on experiential travel with high attention to detail – from standout meals and premium gear to expert guides and seamless logistics. Add in private trail access, small groups, and thoughtful touches like pre-trip briefings and curated camps, and the experience speaks for itself.
Acatenango & Fuego Experiences
How difficult is the Acatenango Volcano hike?
The Acatenango hike is strenuous, with more than 4,000 ft / 1,000 m of elevation gain. It’s best suited for travelers in good physical condition. If you’re looking for something easier, we recommend Pacaya Volcano.
Is the Acatenango overnight hike worth it?
Absolutely. The overnight experience offers sunset, sunrise, and nighttime eruptions from Fuego Volcano, making it one of the most unique travel experiences in Central America.
Is the Fuego Fireworks hike worth it?
Yes – if you’re up for the challenge. This optional hike takes you onto the slopes of Fuego Volcano, bringing you as close as ~200 m below the active crater for an intense, up-close eruption experience.
Keep in mind, it’s 3-4 hours of additional hiking. It’s physically demanding and not required – Basecamp already offers incredible views – but for strong hikers wanting the most adventurous option, it’s unforgettable.
How close can you get to Fuego Volcano?
From the Cozy Cabins (~12,000 ft / 3,660 m), you are eye-level and only 1.2 mi / 2 km from Fuego’s active crater, providing jaw-dropping views of its eruptions. With the optional Fuego Fireworks hike, you can reach approximately 200 m (650 ft) below the active crater—one of the closest safe viewpoints available.
Can I add the Fuego Fireworks hike later?
It must be confirmed before departure, as it requires guide planning and safety coordination.
What are the accommodations like on the overnight hike?
We offer multiple options that prioritize comfort at high altitude:
- Glamping: Safari-style canvas tents with high-quality sleeping bags, comfortable cots & mattresses, bedside table, pillows & pillow cases
- Cozy Cabins: Warm, weather-protected cabins with bunk beds, quality sleeping bags, comfortable mattresses, pillows & pillow cases
Is it cold on Acatenango?
Yes. Nighttime temperatures can drop near freezing. We provide high-quality gear, but proper layers are essential.
What is the difference between the overnight hike and the day hike?
- Day Hike: ~10 hours, summit-focused, no overnight
- Overnight: Slower pace, sunset + sunrise, lava views at night, more immersive experience
If you want the full magic of Fuego erupting under the stars, overnight is the way to go.
Can I hire a porter?
Yes – porters from the local village of La Soledad can carry your gear. This must be arranged in advance (up to your briefing the day before).
What is the food like?
Food is a highlight of our tours—fresh, hearty, and thoughtfully prepared. Expect a mix of Guatemalan and international flavors, with dietary needs accommodated.
What safety measures are in place?
Safety is a top priority:
- Bilingual, first-aid trained guides
- First aid kits (on trail + at camp)
- Constant radio communication
- Structured pacing
Are bathrooms available?
On the Acatenango Volcano hike, bathrooms are available at the trailhead, at limited points during the hike, and at our Basecamp (pit latrine toilets).
Logistics & Planning
Where do tours depart from?
Most tours depart from the Trek Guatemala store in downtown Antigua Guatemala, typically after an in-person pre-trip briefing at our store the day prior.
Do you offer hotel pickup?
Yes! Our Signature Service includes pickup and drop-off at your Antigua lodging for $29 per guest.
Do you provide a packing list?
Yes! We provide a detailed “packing primer” that includes detailed information about clothing and equipment for guests to bring.
Do you offer luggage storage?
Yes! We’re happy to hold onto your luggage in our secure office space overnight, free of charge.
When should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially in high season. Cabins and premium options often sell out.
This post is also available in:
