Guatemala · HIKING & TREKKING
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 hiking & trekking tours worth the quetzales, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Acatenango Volcano from Antigua is a tough, rewarding 2-day hike with starry camp nights, sunrise views, and eruptions of Volcán de Fuego.
“I loved the whole activity - it was intense, but so beautiful. I’m happy with how everything was arranged and provided for us.”
Hike Pacaya Volcano from Antigua through pine forest and volcanic ash, with lava views, volcano-heated marshmallows, guides, and hotel transfers.
“It was a bit confusing when multiple transportation companies pulled up at a meeting point at the same time without signage. People crowded around the various agents holding clipboards and scrambled trying to hear the names. Signs would have greatly helped.”
Review of Antigua’s Acatenango overnight hike, with lava views, sunrise, basecamp cabins, meals, costs, gear tips, and honest difficulty advice.
“Our guides Aiden and Alex were amazing! We took regular breaks on the way up and they made us delicious food at the top! The hike is tough but if you’ve done any hikes in Patagonia for example then we found those to be harder. Take note that the toilet is a hole in the ground with no toilet paper or anywhere to wash your hands, so advice would be take enough toilet paper with you and some hand wipes! The a-frame cabins are equipped with 4 single mattresses on the floor which we shared with another couple. It was warm enough for the majority of the night but before…”
Review of the Pacaya Volcano hike from Antigua, including steep trails, lava fields, costs, transport, gear, horses, and practical tips.
“The coolest experience! Very steep during the way up, there are breaks every now and then. Views are beautiful. Ervin was the best tour guide and was so kind and knowledgeable about everything on the trail!”
Review of the 2-day Acatenango hike from Antigua, with Fuego eruptions, sunrise views, camp details, costs, difficulty, and practical tips.
“It was amazing! Definetly strenuous but so worth it!”
Review of Antigua’s $90 Acatenango overnight hike, with sunrise, Fuego eruptions, meals, cabins, gear costs, and practical tips.
“Willy and Eduardo were amazing guides, extremely knowledgeable about the course and made us feel very comfortable and safe. I cannot stress this enough bring plenty of water as there is no place to refill, so make sure to bring water or plenty of cash to buy more. Meals were good, the marshmallows got us through the evening. Terrain is not for beginners, also recommend grippy shoes and bringing toilet paper. Worth the hike, but take the time to prepare!”
Review of CA Travelers’ two-day Acatenango hike from Antigua, with campsite views, meals, gear, sunrise, Fuego option, and practical tips.
“This hike is brutal, both ways. Be super ready to be completely exhausted and dirty since the very fine dust goes everywhere. In terms of the company and my experience with them they were very organized, professional, and patient with us. The guides don’t speak English but they try and communicate in any way they can to maximize people’s comfort. They don’t rush you and they are very motivating so you can really go at your own pace. The gear, this is where the company loses points for me, they really don’t have great gear, the coats they give are very low quality they’re not actually windbreakers for the most…”
Review of the two-day Acatenango hike from Antigua, with camping, sunrise views, gear costs, group-size concerns, food, and booking advice.
“Terrible experience, from the beginning they had over 50 people scrambling in the morning and our group was about 30 when advertised said no more than 15ppl, they advertised hats and jackets which were all gone and we asked but never received so we were cold most the trek,, Our guides barely spoke to us the whole trek, didn’t learn anything at all was only hurried along even when trying to take photos of the erupting volcano. They promised we would summit in the morning only to be told that we couldn’t the weather was perfect, we were never told anything over half the group wanted to summit only to…”
Hike Indian’s Nose from San Pedro for sunrise views over Lake Atitlán, local stories, hot drinks, and a steep 45-minute climb.
“I’m 62 and honestly, this hike was a little tough for me—but so worth it! The trail is steep and a bit challenging, but our guide Vick was absolutely incredible. He was patient, encouraging, and made sure I felt safe the whole way up. Thanks to his support, I made it to the top and the view was breathtaking—truly one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. It felt like such an accomplishment, and I couldn’t have done it without his guidance. If you’re thinking about doing this hike, don’t let age or doubts stop you. Go for it! Just take your time and trust your guide. Highly recommend…”
Review of Experience GT’s two-day Acatenango hike from Antigua, with Fuego option, sunrise summit, meals, gear, costs, and practical tips.
“This is a pretty intense hike but doable for mosr levels. The hike up Acetenango is easier than the optional hikes up to the summit and El Fuego. The views of El Fuego are spectacular! The operator gives the same amount of food to everyone. It wasn’t nearly enough for a large male (me). Good idea to bring extra. You will need it. The only complaint I have is that the beds were very uncomfortable and cold. Didn’t get much sleep.”
Hike Indian Nose before dawn for Lake Atitlan sunrise views, hot drinks, breakfast in San Juan, and practical local guidance.
“A little unorganised for my taste. The pickup process was confusing and only communicated super late (the day before). The listing said the tour was in English, the guide knew enough to direct us but not to answer questions. The listing said max group size of 10, there was about 20 of us which included sitting on a wooden stool in the van there instead of a proper seat. The listing said there would be information on the hike (none) and breakfasts after (none). Overall just a bit of a misrepresentation.”
Review of the Pacaya Volcano shared hike from Guatemala City, with guide quality, trail effort, horse rentals, hot springs, costs, and practical tips.
“First let me say that the review is not five stars but that does not mean that it was not all that bad. David, the guide the signed to take me up the volcano was a very kind and helpful man. I told him at the beginning that I wanted to practice and improve my Spanish and he took time to help me with every single sentence. I've never had anyone help me that much I was very appreciative. He took the time to point out many things along the path, provide me history and interesting details throughout the trip. He took his time or went fast depending on how…”
Paddle Lake Atitlán, hike through villages and coffee fields, and cliff jump on a lively six-hour adventure from Panajachel.
“Awesome day!! It guide was knowledgeable and fun-he taught us a lot about the local plants and more! Hike was a bit challenging but beautiful!”
Review of the Pacaya Volcano hike from Antigua, including costs, trail difficulty, transport, guides, marshmallows, views, and practical tips.
“Good, smooth pick-up. Nice drive to the national park, enjoyable hike to the base of the volcano. No, you do not climb to the top of the volcano! LOL. Excellent guide.”
Review of the 2-day Acatenango hike from Antigua, with meals, gear, hostel stay, volcano views, costs, difficulty, and booking advice.
“It was an amazing experience, you trully connect with Mother Nature. My only complain is that the guides should take control of the traffic of the people going in opposite direction, we got stuck several times due this situation.”
The volcanoes, the Mayan cities, the lake, and the slow days in between.
