Acatenango at a glance
Acatenango rises to 3,976 m (13,045 ft) and stands next to the much more active Volcán de Fuego. The common format is a trip of 2 days and 1 night. The drive from Antigua to La Soledad, where the climb begins, takes 1 to 1.5 hours according to the tourism board.
This is a serious mountain trip, not a stroll. The summit is high, nights are cold and the neighbor erupts often. Access follows volcanic activity, so an open trail last month says nothing about today. Treat this page as a planning guide and confirm the status with your operator before you pay.
Acatenango entry fees and how to pay
Fees published by the municipality of Acatenango. Check them again before you go, because rates can change.
| Visitor | Community entry in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Foreign visitor | Q100 |
| Guatemalan national | Q25 |
| Guatemalan student with valid ID | Q10 |
| Local resident | Q0 |
The payment goes through BANRURAL. At the entrance you show the proof of payment together with your ID (or a student card), and you receive a wristband and a receipt. Ask your operator whether it handles this for you.
Our picks: Acatenango tours
Two overnight options, both with a guide and meals. Park entry and water are extra on both.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Acatenango overnight hike with A-frame huts
Transport from and to Antigua, a bilingual guide, three meals, hot drinks, A-frame huts with sleeping gear and a summit hike at sunrise. Park entry, water and gear are not included.
Check availability →
Two-day Acatenango hike with dome stay
Hotel transfer, a guide, dome lodging, sleeping bag and mat, plus meals and hot chocolate. Park entry, water and the extra Fuego tour are not included.
Check availability →Acatenango tours from Antigua
Overnight volcano treks and related tours from Antigua, with live prices and availability.
How the trip works
Prices are as published for 2026 and can change.
The package price
One local operator lists a shared camping package from Q399 or $49 per person, with transport from Antigua, meals, a guide and camping gear. The entry fee is not included. A private guide group of 1 to 7 people costs extra, and the quoted price differs between pages, so ask for the final total in writing.
The fee split
The municipality publishes Q100 for foreign visitors. Some operators describe Q100 for foreign campers as Q50 for Acatenango and Q50 for Alotenango. These may be the same money described in two ways or two separate fees, so ask which one applies to you and what is already in your price.
The cold
The tourism board describes temperatures near 0 °C (32 °F) or below on very cold nights. Pack warm layers and wind protection. The weather in town says little about the summit, so do not apply the town's climate to the camp.
The guide
Germany's Foreign Office advises volcano trips only with police or licensed guides. Choose an operator that names its guides, and do not go alone.
The altitude
At almost 4,000 m the air is thin. Walk slowly, drink water and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Turning back is a normal decision, not a failure.
Volcanic activity and access, with dates
Acatenango has no access guarantee. Here is what was reported, in order.
- June 2025: during the Fuego eruption CONRED called on people to respect the ban on ascents of Fuego and Acatenango. The ban applied to that event.
- 3 August 2026: INSIVUMEH reported pyroclastic flows from Fuego to the west and an ash column up to 5,000 m (16,400 ft) above sea level.
- 4 August 2026: police guarded the Acatenango entrance to stop tourist ascents.
- 5 August 2026: after 50 hours CONRED reported a return to normal parameters, with 4 to 6 weak to moderate explosions per hour. "Normal" does not mean inactive or harmless.
- 1 October 2026: CONRED warned against staying on the Fuego meseta because of ballistic material.
These reports do not tell you whether the trail is open on your date. Ask your operator, and check the Fuego page for the background.
Risks to take seriously
None of this means you should not go. It means you should choose carefully.
Past accidents
In January 2017 CONRED reported six dead and two injured after a weekend tour on the volcano, with the bodies recovered on 9 January. Treat the climb as a serious mountain trip.
Eruption hazards
Fuego sends out ash and ballistic material, and the authorities can stop ascents at short notice. Follow your guide's instructions at once.
Travel advice
The US State Department rates Guatemala Level 3 as of 12 March 2026, and the German Foreign Office advises against night trips outside towns. The safety page has details for the road and the town.
Acatenango: frequently asked questions
How high is Acatenango?
3,976 m (13,045 ft). That is much higher than Antigua, which lies at about 1,500 m (4,900 ft).
How much does it cost to climb Acatenango?
Foreign visitors pay Q100 community entry (2026). One operator lists a shared camping package from Q399 or $49 per person, with transport, meals, a guide and gear but without the entry fee. Ask for the final total before you pay.
Is Acatenango open right now?
That changes with volcanic activity. Police guarded the entrance on 4 August 2026 to prevent ascents, and the authorities banned ascents during the Fuego eruption of June 2025. Ask your operator for the current status.
How cold does it get on Acatenango?
The tourism board describes temperatures near 0 °C (32 °F) or below on very cold nights. Bring warm layers and wind protection.
Do I need a guide to climb Acatenango?
Germany's Foreign Office advises volcano trips only with police or licensed guides. Go with a licensed one either way.
Can I see Fuego erupt from Acatenango?
Fuego is very active, but no operator can guarantee a view. Weather and the volcano decide. See the Fuego page and the tours comparison for more.