taytrum travels

Are you heading to Guatemala for the epic Acatenango hike? This guide will tell you exactly what gear you should bring for the trip.

Acatenango is a 2-day trek of at least 8.44 miles round trip (13.6 kilometers) and an elevation gain of 3,694 feet (1,125 meters). There are two additional optional hikes from base camp to Fuego Volcano’s ridge and Acatenango’s summit that add even more milage and elevation gain.

Related: What to Expect Climbing Acatenango

What gear should you bring for the Acatenango hike?

Hiking Acatenango requires thoughtful preparation and the right gear to ensure your safety and comfort during the challenging trek. Here’s a list of important gear to consider bringing to the Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala.

Hiking Boots: 

Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots with ankle support are necessary for navigating the rugged terrain. It is possible to do this in regular running shoes, but it will absolutely be harder. I used Salomon hiking shoes (not boots) and felt comfortable and surefooted. In retrospect, I think boots would have been better.

Personal Backpack: 

A durable backpack to carry your essentials is very important for this trip. Ensure it’s comfortable and fits properly. It should be at least 28 liters, but more is recommended. Backpacks of 30-40 liters are best. I used an old North Face Borealis 28-liter pack. It worked, but was not ideal. I had to strap things into the external straps to fit everything. You have to carry a lunch pack and communal food items in addition to your heavy jacket and other supplies. My pack was filled to the brim.

Clothing: 

Dress in layers suitable for varying temperatures and weather conditions. Consider wearing moisture-wicking base layers and a fleece jacket layer. You will need a warm puffer type of jacket for the top of the mountain. Save room in your backpack to pack a rain poncho or rain jacket. I also recommend wearing quick-dry hiking pants. I wore athletic leggings as a base layer with REI hiking pants on top with lots of pockets. You also must bring warm gloves and a hat. High quality hiking socks also make a difference in blister prevention and for warmth.

Food and Water: 

You’ll need 4 liters of water, but you can carry a large 2-liter bottle and refill it at base camp. You can also purchase a second bottle at the check points along the trail. You should also bring about 4-6 snacks for an energy boost during the hike.

Headlamp: 

This is essential for night hiking and navigating around the campsite. A headlamp is better than a flashlight. You’ll need your hands free.

Sun Protection: 

Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a baseball cap for lower elevation are important to have for the trek. I didn’t bring a baseball cap and wish I had. On day 2 when you head down the mountain, it would be helpful at the lower elevation. I personally felt gross, and my hair was a mess. I wouldn’t have minded having a cap. It’s also lightweight and easily packable.

Trekking Poles: 

These are helpful for stability and reducing strain, especially during steep ascents and descents. I highly recommend! They saved me from sliding out onto my butt at least once. They’re practically essential for doing the optional Fuego hike. You can rent these at the base of the hiking trail.

Personal Items: 

Personal identification, cash, camera, smartphone, and personal hygiene items (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, etc.) are things you’ll probably want to bring. Toilet paper is essential. There is none provided on the mountain or at base camp. Cash is needed at the national park entrance.

Emergency Gear: 

I recommend having a whistle, multi-tool, and first aid kit (especially for altitude sickness, blisters, or cuts). Most modern backpacking bags have a whistle built into the straps near the chest. A multi-tool is good for lots of different things, but especially for cutting things which may be helpful even outside of an emergency situation. A small first aid kit does not take up much weight or space. Having some band aids or tape are good for blisters and pain relivers like ibuprofen can be helpful if you feel sick.

Before your hike, check with your tour operator or guide for any specific gear recommendations or requirements. Packing efficiently and carrying only essential items will help keep your backpack manageable during the hike while ensuring you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience on Acatenango.

Do you need to bring all of this to Guatemala?

You do not need to fly to Guatemala with all this gear. Most tour groups include gear rental as part of their fee. When I went, I was able to rent gloves, a puffer, and a rain poncho. This is great news if you love minimalist packing, or even want to take it a step further to essentialism.

What if the backpack is too heavy?

If you find your pack is too heavy on the day of the hike, you can hire a porter to carry your pack up the mountain for a reasonable fee. You are responsible for carrying it down, which will be easier because the food will be mostly gone and the descent is faster and easier.

What do you not need to bring?

There may be variation by tour group, but in general most already have water purifiers, cooking equipment, and sleeping gear at base camp. Sleeping mats and sleeping bags are already in the cabins. They are regularly cleaned. With OX Expeditions (the tour group I used), the pillows are built into the thick mats.

Where do you leave things you won’t need of the hike?

Most tour groups have locked storage space at their office in Antigua if you need to leave other belongings like a suitcase behind while you hike. My friends and I kept our Airbnb rental over the weekend while we hiked just due to convenience. As prices are pretty low and split across a group, this was worth the slightly higher expense.

What gear should you bring for the Fuego hike?

If you choose to do the Fuego Hike after getting to base camp, there are a few absolute essentials. This hike can be particularly dangerous because conditions are more extreme. First, this hike is done at night. You MUST have a headlamp. Wind speeds are high and temperatures are low. You should dress warmer than you think you’ll need. Bring a warm hat, gloves, and a good jacket. Finally, I would not recommend Fuego without hiking poles or sticks. They help tremendously given the darkness and wind speed.

Leave No Trace

Remember to pack in and pack out all of your belongings and trash. The natural landscape is well preserved and most tour operators take care to reduce their impact on the environment. If you see trash, stuff it away in a pocket even if it is not yours. Do your best to leave no trace on Acatenango.

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