Just minutes from Antigua, this full-day guided adventure takes you to Cerro Cucurucho, the highest peak overlooking the Antigua Valley, before finishing with a refreshing cold plunge in pools fed by mountain streams.

The trail climbs through the protected Finca El Pilar Private Nature Reserve, passing through three distinct ecosystems—dry scrub forest, pine-oak forest, and lush cloud forest—along with traditional coffee farms and one of the region’s most important watersheds. Rich biodiversity makes this an outstanding destination for nature lovers, with hummingbirds and other colorful bird species commonly seen throughout the hike.

Widely considered one of Antigua’s best day hikes, the Cerro Cucurucho Hike is ideal for travelers seeking spectacular scenery without the crowds. It also serves as the perfect warm-up hike for more challenging adventures such as our Acatenango Overnight Hike or the Antigua to Lake Atitlán 4-Day Trek, helping you acclimatize while experiencing some of Guatemala’s most beautiful mountain landscapes.

Tour at a Glance

8:00 AM: Meet at Trek Guatemala Office in Antigua
8:30 AM:Arrive at Finca El Pilar private natural reserve, begin hike
Early Morning: Ascend up through dry scrub forest, pine-oak forest, and coffee-growing areas
Late Morning: Emerge into lush cloudforest, home to more than 200 bird species
Mid-Day: Reach the summit of Cucurucho Peak & enjoy a delicious trail lunch with panoramic views of the Antigua Valley & surrounding volcanoes
Early Afternoon: Begin the descent back towards trailhead
Afternoon: Return to trailhead and enjoy cold plunge in pools
Late Afternoon: Depart back to Antigua
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Arrive back in Antigua

Itinerary

Escape the crowds and discover one of Antigua’s best-kept natural treasures on this full-day guided hike through Finca El Pilar Private Nature Reserve to the summit of Cerro Cucurucho, the highest peak overlooking the Antigua Valley. After meeting at the Trek Guatemala office, you’ll travel just a short distance to the reserve, where the adventure begins on forest trails winding through dry scrub woodland, pine-oak forests, and traditional coffee-growing areas. The hike covers approximately 16 km (10 miles) with an elevation gain of 1,100 m (3,610 ft), making it a rewarding challenge for active hikers. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the region’s unique plants, wildlife, and diverse ecosystems. Finca El Pilar is also an important watershed, supplying fresh water to surrounding communities and protecting one of the region’s most valuable natural resources.

As you gain elevation, the landscape transforms into a lush cloud forest that is home to more than 200 species of birds, with hummingbirds frequently seen along the trail. Reaching the summit of Cerro Cucurucho (2,650 m / 8,694 ft above sea level) around midday, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared trail lunch while taking in one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in central Guatemala. From the summit, you can admire the entire Antigua Guatemala Valley, the Central Volcanic Chain with Volcán de Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango, as well as the Guatemala City Valley, Lake Amatitlán, and Pacaya Volcano stretching across the horizon.

After lunch, descend through the reserve before rewarding yourself with a refreshing cold plunge in Finca El Pilar’s crystal-clear, mountain-fed pools. This experience is perfect for travelers looking to explore a quieter side of Antigua while enjoying spectacular scenery, fascinating natural history, abundant birdlife, and a refreshing finish. The tour begins at 8:00 AM and returns to Antigua between 3:00 and 4:00 PM, making it an ideal day trip for hikers, nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers alike.

Additional Information

Guests should be comfortable hiking for several hours on uneven terrain. The trail includes uphill sections, forest paths, dirt trails, and areas that may become muddy or slippery during rainy season.

This is not a casual walking tour. It is a full hiking experience recommended for active guests with a moderate fitness level.

What to Bring

Hiking shoes or trail shoes
Comfortable hiking clothes
Light rain jacket
2 to 3 liters of water
Small backpack
Sun protection
Swimsuit
Towel
Dry clothes for after the cold plunge

Pricing

Public Tour

Public tour, other guests can join.

1 Guest

$189 per guest

2 Guests

$119 per guest

3-7 Guests

$89 per guest

8+ guests

$69 per guest

Private Tour Upgrade

A private tour for you and your group, no one else can join.

1 Guest

$239 per guest

2 Guests

$149 per guest

3-7 Guests

$109 per guest

8+ guests

$79 per guest

Duration of the tour

6 – 7 hours

What’s Included

Miranda P

8 days ago

Just do it! Amazing experience! Angie was a great guide.

Sammy S

33 days ago

Acatenango with horses and comfort glamping My wife and I booked the Acatenango Volcano overnight hike with comfort glamping and also booked two horses to escort each of us up Acatenango so we could have the energy to do the Fuego hike that evening. We initially booked the 4x4 trek but due to local municipality issues we had to switch to horses which ended up being a far more fun experience as we got to enjoy the stunning trail. Trek Guatemala reached out well before to inform of us of changes. Trek Guatemala was very professional, it was nice to meet with them the afternoon before to go over things. Everyone was friendly and approachable and they were easy to contact via whatsapp. Taking the horses was fantastic and the guys who took us up made it in 3 hours than the usual 6-7 hours it takes the average visitor. The campsite was set up well and was just as described, food, amenties and all. But by far the best part of the Trek Guatemala experience was our guide, Rodri. He's an impressive athlete who was knowledgeable, personable, patient and fully supportive throughout, especially when we struggled a bit through the rain on the way back from Fuego. Being outdoors is second nature to him and it shows.

Martin Arrisueno

44 days ago

Very well organized. Mar is amazing and well organized my trip to Acatenango and Tikal National park. She is very responsive and answered all my questions Chris was my guide for the volcano hike, and he's pleasant, responsible and motivating.

lauren wiles

50 days ago

Amazing experience! Rolo our guide made it a great 2 days. High energy and seeing fuego made it all worth it. Was super challenging, more than we thought. Enjoyed this trip with it being a much smaller tour group so you aren’t overcrowded with a large tour group! Tip carry less water to start. You can buy more along the way!

lwiles987

51 days ago

AMAZING Was so amazing. Was not a busy tour which made the experience more personable. Our guide Rolo was 10/10, great energy and support. The hike was super challenging. Was super cold the weather changed a lot during the hike. I would carry less water to start. There are stops along the way you can buy more at.

Julie V

53 days ago

Amazing experience hiking Acatenango! Can’t say enough good things about Trek Guatemala and our guide Rodrigo. The hiking adventure was amazing, really difficult but Rodrigo was fun, encouraging and well prepared. He has excellent English. Our group size was small which made all the difference. We passed other large groups booked with other companies. So so glad we booked with Trek Guatemala! Our orientation with Mar was also very helpful. Lunch was delicious! 10/10 experience with @trekguatemala!

ivan L

57 days ago

Beautiful experience Great experience! One of our friends got sick the night before the hike and they were very thoughtful and rescheduled the hike for him. The guide we had, Alejandro, was a great guide to have and provided a great experience. For someone who want a more private experience instead of the big tours with 30+ people (we had a group of 5 including the guide), this is the best! They care about sustainable tourism.

Ximena A

65 days ago

EXCELENTE Excelente guía, nos daba consejos de cómo colocar nuestra postura y agarre de stick. Las cabañas tienen una vista más privilegiada que otras agencias. Te incluye comida caliente. Servicio amable.

Alexis Arellano Santana

65 days ago

Unforgettable experience commanded by our guide Josue and the Trek Guatemala team. We were a group of 7, all inexperienced in hiking but the route that Josue choose and the rhythm that we kept made us reach the awesome camp base cabins in 4.5 hours! We didn’t do the fuego and the summit hikes, as we were too tired but also because the views even from inside our cabin were espectacular.

Jennifer Sweet

77 days ago

This was a super difficult but rewarding experience. I’m 60 and this is the hardest hike I have ever done but I made it! Andres and Rolo where encouraging and supportive. They never asked me to hike faster than I could. Once you reach the camp, see Fuego eruptions every 5-15 minutes all night. Sleep on a foam mattress in provided sleeping bags with a pillow, this gets you out of the wind. Hot dinner with a view but follow the instructions and bring layers to be comfortable.

Jennifer S

78 days ago

Toughest hike of my life Very cool experience, but very hard to hike. But I’m 60 years old and I made it, slowly. Andres and Rolo were the best! They were both patient and supportive and never rushed me to hike faster. The views were amazing and Fuego erupted every 5-15 minutes all night. It was cold and windy at the top so follow all the layering instructions. The cabins were cold but got you out of the wind. With layers of clothing, I slept well.

thomasdelab

80 days ago

Excellent experience Excellent experience. Mar in the office in Antigua is a real star. Very nice and helpful. Simply brillant! Diego, our guide for our 2-day trek, was great as well. Friendly and knowledgeable. Strongly recommended.

Richard M

97 days ago

Unforgettable experience! Did the overnight Acatenango hike with Trek Guatemala and would definitely recommend it! The pre-hike briefing in Antigua with Mar was great! She explained everything (what to bring, how the hike works, where to grab last minute snacks) and helped us with all our questions. Awesome start to the trip and even included a welcome beer! Our guide Diego was awesome—local guy, very knowledgeable and was always happy to answer our odd questions. When the weather changed, Diego made the call of hiking Fuego early on day 2. Worked out perfectly with a beautiful sunrise hike, then summitted a cloudy/super windy Acatenango. Unforgettable experience!

Angela V

114 days ago

Just book! We completed the four‑day trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlán with Trek Experience, and it was a beautiful and varied journey. The route offered a mix of landscapes, changing scenery each day, and plenty of moments to enjoy the surroundings at a comfortable pace. Throughout the trek we were very well taken care of. The team was organized, attentive, and consistently supportive. The guides were kind, capable, and knowledgeable, creating a relaxed atmosphere while keeping everything running smoothly. The cook and logistical staff also did an excellent job — meals were tasty and thoughtfully prepared, and the daily setup was always ready when we arrived at camp. The tents were surprisingly comfortable, even more so than some hotel rooms we’ve stayed in, which made the evenings a pleasant part of the experience. Overall, this trek was well‑organized, enjoyable, and a great way to experience the landscapes between Antigua and Lake Atitlán. Trek Experience delivered a reliable and memorable adventure.

Delaney Gordon

115 days ago

My friend and I loved our trip up Acetenango with Andres and Trek Guatemala! The communication from them was great, and they were super helpful with answering our many questions. It ended up being a very small group (just the two of us plus Andres), which ended up being amazing as we could go our own pace. Andres especially made our trip very enjoyable. Would highly recommend!

Adam Castillo

119 days ago

The most professional genuine experience you could ask for. From the briefing given by Mari who was energetic and wholesome to the tour guide Angeles and Rodrigo who were very attentive and real. Couldn’t ask for better people to lead us on an amazing journey. Definitely will book again soon

Aleck Byrnes

121 days ago

Trek Guatemala helped me have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was guided by Alejandro, who was phenomenal. We dialed in an incredible pace the entire way up and down, and his deep knowledge of the volcano and navigation made the trek seamless. If you are on the fence about the Volcano Fuego add-on, just do it—it is worth every single penny. Watching an active volcano erupt from just 2,000 feet away was an absolute mind-blowing, indescribable experience. Back at basecamp, Angie and Marie took incredible care of us. They prepared fantastic food and were exceptionally accommodating and great company. If you’re looking for a guided trip that pairs top-tier expertise with an unforgettable adventure, this is your best option. I’m already planning to bring a group of friends back next time to share this journey. ¡Gracias, Trek Guatemala!

Joshua Schwartz

126 days ago

My family’s experience with Trek Guatemala was absolutely outstanding from start to finish. In February 2026, we completed both the Acatenango Overnight Hike and the Antigua to Lake Atitlán Trek, and both exceeded expectations. The Acatenango hike was unforgettable. Watching Fuego erupt throughout the evening from camp was one of the most incredible travel experiences we've ever had. The guides were knowledgeable, supportive, and made sure everyone felt safe and encouraged throughout the climb. The food, equipment, and overall organization were excellent. We then continued with the Antigua to Lake Atitlán Trek, which was equally impressive. The route took us through beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and stunning viewpoints that we never would have discovered on our own. We went through various environments, coffee plantations, and river crossings. The guides shared fascinating insights into Guatemalan culture and local communities, making the trek much more than just a hike. And a hike it was, but the team made sure we had everything needed to be successful. What truly sets Trek Guatemala apart is their professionalism, attention to detail, and the genuine passion of their team for showcasing Guatemala's beauty. Every guide, driver, and staff member we encountered, from Matt onward, was friendly, helpful, and dedicated to creating an exceptional experience. We cannot recommend Trek Guatemala highly enough. If you're considering either of these treks—or both—don't hesitate. They were highlights of our trip and memories we'll treasure for a lifetime

Gloria V

130 days ago

Totally worth it Everything was perfect and Alex was the best guide!

Kelli Baxstrom

133 days ago

Trek did a great job organizing, and we enjoyed our guide Andrés so much - it ended up just being my friend and I on our trip and he made it so special, answered all my endless questions, set a great pace, and made sure we were conscious for our departure times. Would 100% go again.