Fear of hiking, Guatemala is a land to discover! What if you are going to climb the Guatemalan volcanoes to explore the country?
Guatemala is known to be an incredible volcanic land, of which some of its volcanoes are still active, and others accessible for unique hikes in the world.
On a trip to Guatemala, you will certainly have the opportunity to admire the impressive reliefs of the territory, which is dotted with volcanoes. Some are off, others still active, and all offer great panoramas! Today, I propose to discover my TOP 3 of the volcanoes that must be climbed to Guatemala. Sensations guaranteed!
1. The Pacaya volcano
Photo credit: Flickr – Andy Cifuentes
The Pacaya volcano is about 1 hour’s drive from the city of Antigua and is the most accessible volcano. Indeed, there is no need to be a great athlete to reach the top, as the climb starts at 1900 meters above sea level, and ends at 2300 meters. The hike, however steep enough, lasts about 1h15. It can be done in a small group or in a private tower, but it is necessary to be accompanied by a guide for this ascent. The entrance fee is 50 Quetzals per person (about 7€) in addition to the guide. This volcano is still active today, and once you reach the top, you will likely see smoke escape from its crater! The nice little activity is to buy marshmallows that can be roasted thanks to the warmth of the earth under our feet! True!
2. The San Pedro volcano
Photo credit: Flickr – Zhu
We climb from one level with one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Guatemala, the San Pedro. Indeed, it overlooks Lake Atitlan and allows a breathtaking view of the top! To climb this volcano, it is necessary to count 5 hours, with some denivelled as you pass from 1600 meters to almost 3000 meters of altitude once at the top.
Here again, small groups and private guides are easy to book if you stay in one of the villages around Lake Atitlan. It is recommended to leave early enough (about 6 a.m.) to avoid heavy heat. Know that it is also possible to climb at night to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunrises in your life!
3. The Acatenango volcano
Photo credit: Flickr – Ramon –
We finish this series with the most impressive volcano in Guatemala, but also addressed to the most sporting of you. To make the most of it, it is recommended to climb on 2 days, with one night in camp, before reaching the top at sunrise the next day. Sensations guaranteed!
The Acatenango is renowned for its breathtaking view of the Fuego volcano, the most active in the country, of which you can most certainly see red lava flowing from its crater, as it enters erupt several times a month. To climb the ascent, it takes about 5 hours to get to the camp, then 2 more hours in the early morning to climb the summit. If the conditions can be a little harsh (notably the very cold night and sometimes the rain), the game clearly worth the candle!
On this, I only have to wish you a good ascent, and a beautiful discovery of Guatemala, one of the only countries in the world offering such unique landscapes including still active volcanoes!
Main photo credit: Flickr – Ramon –
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