Volcán Acatenango 3976m – Sunrise above the clouds

Sunrise on Acatenango, with Fuego rising out of the clouds
Sunrise on Acatenango, with Fuego rising out of the clouds

JAN 14, 2016 – At the end of my stay in Antigua, I booked a two-day group hike to Acatenango, Guatemala’s third highest volcano and one of the most popular among tourists. The tour operator I went with was the cheapest in town, and it soon became apparent why: We were a group of about 25 people, and instead of a van we were taken to the trailhead in a former American school bus with a very impatient driver. He tried to make some extra money by charging us a park entrance fee that wasn’t due, but upon complaining we got the money back the next day. The camping equipment provided by the tour company wasn’t the best either, but the guides were friendly and we had a good time despite the minor shortcomings. The ascent was some 1700 meters to the base camp, where we set up our tents and prepared a simple dinner in the campfire. Early the next morning, we ascended the last 400 meters or so, in time for an amazing sunrise above the clouds. During our time on the volcano, we witnessed several minor eruptions of nearby active volcano Fuego – we didn’t see fire or lava, but it was impressive nonetheless.

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Group picture on the way up
Group picture on the way up

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In a huge tree
In a huge tree

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Break at one of the shelters
Break at one of the shelters

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A first glimpse of the sun
A first glimpse of the sun

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Setting up camp
Setting up camp
A first eruption of Fuego, seen from the camp
A first eruption of Fuego, seen from the camp

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Walking towards the summit at dawn
Walking towards the summit at dawn

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On top!
On top!

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Some people even camped up here
Some people even camped up here

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A well-deserved sunrise
A well-deserved sunrise

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Another eruption of Fuego
Another eruption of Fuego

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Walking downhill and trying not to slip
Walking downhill and trying not to slip

1 Comment

  • Andrew Czerwinski

    February 8, 2016 at 06:21 Reply

    Very cool account Martin. Thanks for posting!

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