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The incredible eruptions of the very active Fuego Volcano (Volcán de Fuego) draw in travelers to Guatemala from all over the world. Fuego, meaning fire in Spanish, is named for its frequent eruptions. Every twenty minutes or so you can see smoke plumes or lava erupt from this volcano. If the activity of this volcano isn’t exciting enough already, hikers can get one of the closest views in the world of an active volcano by climbing to its unique ridge.

Climbing the Fuego Volcano is typically done in combination with the Acatenango Volcano. The simplest, best maintained trail to reach Fuego’s knife edge ridge actually goes up Acatenango first. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Fuego hike portion of the two-day Acatenango trek.

Climbing the Fuego Volcano at Night

Fuego Volcano in Guatemala is Acatenango’s neighboring active volcano that erupts frequently. Most Guatemala backpackers sleep on Acatenango and watch Fuego from a distance. However, Guatemala is one of the only places in the world where you can climb an active volcano and watch the lava erupt from the ridge of the same mountain. It is a truly unique opportunity.

This portion of the Acatenango hike is an additional cost and totally optional. Believe it or not, it is also even more challenging than climbing to Acatenango’s base camp. Luckily, you do not have to decide in advance whether you want to sign up for Fuego. Many people decide after experiencing the climb to base camp whether they want to go up to the Fuego ridge. What makes Fuego so much harder first and foremost is that it is done at night.

When I went in November 2023, wind speeds were consistently 40 miles per hour with gusts even higher. Those are dangerous storm force winds. Then, factor in the fact that it was less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 Celsius). If that’s not enough, this hike is done in the dark.

You begin just before sunset and head down Acatenango roughly 1,000 feet before then climbing up Fuego 1,000 feet to reach the knife edge ridge. Headlamps, gloves, and a warm hat or hoodie are absolute necessities. Trekking poles are also extremely helpful for doing Fuego. I would not do Fuego without poles.

Now, you might be wondering: why would someone choose to do all that? Lucky hikers can be rewarded with an incredible view of Fuego erupting red and orange lava against the black night sky.

This view is not guaranteed however. While Fuego is an extremely active volcano, hikers can only stay up on the ridge for about 20-30 minutes in most cases due the extreme weather. For the once in a lifetime view, the volcano has to erupt when you’re there and when the clouds are clear which can be like threading a needle. While I was on Fuego’s ridge, I saw two eruptions: one was very small and over quickly and the second occurred behind hazy clouds. While not the incredible moment I was hoping for, the experience was still worth it.

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Is the Fuego Volcano Hike Difficult?

Simply put, yes. Fuego is a VERY difficult climb for even those in excellent physical health. That said, it is possible to do the hike with an average fitness level and good gear. I do not recommend the hike to those at below average fitness. The hike itself is very steep, but what makes the Fuego hike particularly challenging are the very strong winds in cold temperatures and the darkness of the night when the hike is done.

Best Time to Hike Fuego

The best time to go to the Fuego Volcano is generally November to April. Both the Acatenango and Fuego hike are best when rainfall is the lowest, which is when views tend to be the best. You have the best odds of getting a great view between November and April. In fact, the absolute best views are between January and February, but this will be when it is coldest on the mountain.

The trek can of course be done anytime of the year. Outside of the November-April range, you are more likely to have clouds and rain. May through October is the rainy reason in Guatemala.

Where is Fuego Volcano located?

Fuego Volcano is located right next to Acatenango, right outside the town of Antigua in Guatemala.

To get there, you’ll likely need to fly into Guatemala through Aurora International Airport. Then, you’ll need to get from Guatemala City to Antigua. This takes about an hour and follows a well maintained and frequently trafficked route. You can hire a transfer, rent a car, or ask a taxi to take you.

I recommend getting to Antigua at least one day prior to do the hike. Things can go wrong on the road (break downs, roadblocks, construction detours, etc.) or you may experience altitude sickness. Getting there in advance gives you at least one full night of rest before the difficult hike.

Key Numbers

• Acatenango Volcano’s summit elevation is at 13,046 feet (3,976 meters).
• The Acatenango Volcano hike to base camp and back is 8.44 miles (13.6 kilometers), split between two days and one overnight.
• The Fuego hike is about 2 miles round trip.
• The elevation of at Fuego’s summit is 12,345 feet (3763 m).
• The Acatenango Volcano overnight hike costs anywhere between $50-120 depending on the quality of the guide and amenities.
• The Fuego hike add on cost is typically about $40 USD.
• There is a small entrance fee of 100 quetzales ($12.50 USD) near base camp for entering the national park.

Can you climb Fuego without a guide?

Yes, but I don’t actually recommend climbing Fuego without a guide for a few reasons. The first is that you can find very affordable guides for even small groups. Second, people have died from hypothermia on this mountain. With extremely low temperatures, low visibility due to night and cloud coverage, high wind, and steep terrain, this trail can be quite dangerous at certain times. I would only do this hike alone if I was an extremely experienced mountaineer and backpacker. Volcán de Fuego tours offer more safety and comfort, plus it is a good chance to meet other cool backpackers.

The two leading tour groups to Fuego and Acatenango are OX Expeditions and Wicho and Charlie’s. They are comparable in price and amenities. Both offer cabins, meals, gear rentals, and numerous guides for your group. I went with OX Expeditions and definitely recommend them.

Gear for Fuego

Hiking Acatenango and Fuego requires careful preparation and the right gear to ensure your safety and comfort during the challenging hike. Here’s a list of important gear to bring for the Fuego Volcano in Guatemala:

1. Hiking Boots: Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots with ankle support are crucial for navigating the rugged terrain. It is possible to do this in regular running shoes, but it will be harder. I used Salomon hiking shoes (not boots) and felt comfortable and surefooted. However, I did slip once and would have fallen on my ass if not for my trekking poles. In the end, I think boots are the best choice.
2. Backpack: A good backpack to carry your essentials. While your pack on the way up Acatenango will be full and heavy, the Fuego hike is only a few hours, and you will have already reached base camp. Because of this you could use a day pack or even a fanny pack. Leave most of your gear at your cabin and just carry what you need in your pack.
3. Clothing: Dress in layers suitable for cold temperatures and high wind. Consider wearing moisture-wicking base layers and a fleece jacket layer. You will definitely need a warm puffer type of jacket. If it has a hood, that’s even better. 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.
4. Food and Water: For this optional portion of the hike, you really won’t need too much water. A standard water bottle size or a half liter should be fine. I’d also bring a small snack like a fruit bar for if you feel sick.
5. Headlamp: This is essential for night hiking. A headlamp is better than a flashlight. You’ll need your hands free for holding hiking poles. Make sure it is charged or has fresh batteries.
6. Trekking Poles: Helpful for stability and reducing strain, especially during steep ascents and descents. Highly recommend for Fuego!
7. Personal Items: You may want ChapStick or toilet paper, although this portion of the hike is relatively short. You’ll probably want to bring your phone and/or camera.
8. Emergency Gear: Whistle, multi-tool, first aid kit (especially for altitude sickness, blisters, or cuts).

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 experience.

Good to know: You do not need to fly to Guatemala with all this bulky, task specific gear. Most tour groups include rental gear as part of their fee. For example, I rented gloves and a puffer jacket for Fuego. The gear was clean and in good condition.

How often does Fuego erupt?

Recent data reports that Fuego had 3-9 eruptions every hour in October 2023, per the Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

What type of volcano is Fuego?

Fuego is a stratovolcano. These types of volcanos are easily recognized for their steep conical shape, in contrast to low lying shield volcanos. Additionally, Fuego is an active volcano, as opposed to dormant. Stratovolcano eruptions are more likely to be explosive, sometimes even blowing the top off the volcano and becoming a caldera later filled by fresh water like Crater Lake in Oregon, USA.

Pack In and Pack Out

Finally, remember to pack in and pack out all of your belongings and trash. The natural landscape is well maintained, and most tour operators take good care to reduce their environmental impact. Keep in mind, small wrappers can blow away easily, so keep a good handle on your trash. If you see trash, grab it and stash it away in a pocket even if it is not yours. As always, do your best to leave no trace.

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