Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Volcano Ascents
All three volcanoes overlooking Antigua - Agua, Acatenango and Fuego - are tempting
challenges. How close you can get to Fuego depends on recent levels of activity. In many
ways the twin-peaked Acatenango (3975m), overlooking Fuego, is the most exhilarating
summit. For an active-volcano experience many people take tours to Pacaya (2552m),
25km southeast of Antigua (a 1½-hour drive).
Old Town Outfitters (
Click here
)
leads strenuous hikes up Volcán Acatenango, travers-
ing four ecosystems to reach the summit (Q980, including lunch and transport to the trail-
head in the village of La Soledad). The expedition departs at 5am.
Most agencies run seven-hour Pacaya trips daily for Q80 (leaving Antigua at 6am and
2pm); food and drinks are not included, nor is the Q50 admission to the Pacaya protected
area. It takes about 1½ hours to make the steep ascent to the simmering cleft black cone.
(If you're out of breath, kids will rent you horses on the way up.) From the summit there
are stupendous views west to Agua and northeast to Lago de Amatitlán. The descent is
quicker as you slide down the powdery slope.
To climb Volcán de Agua, travel to the village of Santa María de Jesús on the volcano's
northeast slopes (Q3.50 from bus terminal). From the tourist office on the Parque Central
of Santa María, you can hire Inguat-authorized guides (Q175 to 250 per person, plus park
entry fee of Q40).
Other Hikes
Old Town Outfitters (
Click here
)
can take you on a three-day trek through the Western
Highlands, following the Maya trade routes that linked Lake Atitlán to Quetzaltenango.
Guatemala Ventures (
Click here
)
offers a range of hikes including some interesting cloud-
forest, bird-watching and ridge-hiking options.
