Following
is a list of the most popular volcanoes to climb in Guatemala. The
easiest way to go is to find a guided tour, for the volcanoes that have that. Check at travel agencies and on bulletin boards such as Dona
Luisa's in Antigua for tours, however we will provide some information
about companies that specialized only in volcano climbing. If you go on your own, make sure to
have a map, you can buy them at many of the bookstores in Antigua or
Guatemala City.
VOLCANOES:
ACATENANGO | AGUA
| ATITLAN |
FUEGO | PACAYA | SAN PEDRO
| SANTA MARIA | SANTIAGUITO
| TACANA | TAJUMULCO
| TECUANBURRO
VOLCANOES
IN ANTIGUA:
ACATENANGO
VOLCANO
Peak:
13,042 feet
Ascent:
between 6 and 8 hours, depending which trail you take
Decent:
4 hours
Location:
Antigua
Located
right outside of Antigua, Acatenango's two peaks have not erupted since
the 1920's. Halfway up, there is a shelter (nothing provided) called
La Meseta.
How
to get there: From Antigua, you can take a public bus to San
Miguel Dueñas or la Finca Concepcion Calderas. From there, walk to
a coffee plantation called La Soledad, where one of the trails
starts.
AGUA
VOLCANO
Peak:
12,356 feet
Ascent:
4 to 5 hours
Decent:
3 hours
Location:
Antigua
Agua
is the huge volcano you see from the streets of Antigua. The view
from the top is worth the walk. You'll see as far as the Pacific
Ocean to the west and the tropical lowlands leading toward the Atlantic to
the east. The hike is relatively easy, compared to some of the other
volcanoes. A word of
warning: there have been recent attacks and robberies along the
trail. Check with locals before you attempt the climb or go with a
tour group.
How
to get there: From Antigua, take a public bus to Santa María
(about 45 minutes). There is a small pension there where you can
spend the night for an early start. The trail starts at the
cemetery.
FUEGO
VOLCANO
Peak:
12,346 feet
Ascent:
9 to 10 hours
Decent:
7 hours
Note:
Best to make it a two-day trip.
Location:
Antigua
One
of the more active volcanoes, Fuego, lies right outside of Antigua.
Before attempting the climb, check with locals as it is not unusual for
smoke, steam and lava to spew out of the crater. Keep your distance,
as the fumes can be toxic. This is one of the more difficult volcanoes
to climb and a guide is recommended.
How
to get there: Again, a guide is recommended. Check bulletin
boards and at travel agencies for group tours. Many groups leave from
the town of Alotenango, which is about an hour outside of Antigua.
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