Volcán de Fuego – Guatemala’s Fiery Giant

It's a very, very exhausting hike. It's preferable to have some prior hiking experience, as well as good physical condition, and even better if you don't live at sea level (you'll be short of oxygen). Otherwise, you'll really suffer. The exercise to get to the cabins and then to the volcano is possibly one of the hardest of your life. The guides aren't adequately prepared for such a tiring and risky activity, and their prices for helping you with your luggage are expensive. Plus, you have to pay another Q500 to be taken to the Fuego volcano, which I think is better viewed from the base of Acatenango. Also, if you suffer an injury, as I did, there isn't much assistance available. In short, it's a unique experience, but reaching the summit can cost you tears, sweat, and blood, and believe me, I'm not exaggerating. I saw it that time with some girls. Furthermore, the stay at the base camp (the cabins) is incredibly uncomfortable for women, with inadequate bathrooms, to put it politely. If you have to sleep in a tent, the rocks and uneven terrain will keep you awake, so if you're sensitive to the elements, think twice. That said, the sunrise is so incredible it will take your breath away, especially if you've also climbed Acatenango. The adventure begins around 9:30 AM. Take a picture and be happy for the last time, hehe, at least until you reach the base camp at 4 PM. Try to rest as much as possible because the trek continues to the Volcán de Fuego at 5:30 PM, still in daylight, with your respective Q 500 fee. Bring your headlamp because you'll need it later on the extremely rugged descent and ascent to the volcano at night. Take as few photos as you can (you probably won't see much). At this altitude, the volcano and the night will feel the icy wind and cold seeping deeper into your bones. Hurry and carefully hike down and up for more than 5 hours. Arrive around 11:30 PM for dinner and rest a bit because at 4 AM the ascent to Acatenango volcano continues. The climb is the icing on the cake because of the incredible difficulty of ascending the volcanic gravel; you'll feel like you're taking one step forward and two steps back. The highlight, though, is watching the sunrise. Simply spectacular! You won't have much time because the descent back to the base begins. Have breakfast and then head to the nearby town where you started. Prepare for the next day: massage your legs with soothing gel, and bring your painkillers and muscle relaxants because you'll need them. You'll feel like the cramps and muscle stiffness will be killing you the following day.

LoL 😂

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

It was a moving experience. I'm glad I came.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.