Pacaya VS Acatenango: Which Volcano Hike Is Best? (2023)

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Researching whether Pacaya or Acatenango is the best volcano hike for you? I’ve been there! Whether you’re short on time in Antigua, you’re worried about your physical fitness, have a fear of heights, or just want some of the best volcano views Guatemala has to offer, this post compares every detail you’d need to know.

So, Pacaya vs Acatenango. Two incredible bucket-list volcano hikes in Guatemala; both are worth doing if you have the option. However, you may be short of time, on a budget, the weather may not be good enough or you may simply only want to hike one volcano during your visit!

When in Antigua, Guatemala in 2023, both Tom and I completed Pacaya. Tom then went on to hike the famous Acatenango and Fuego a few days later. This post explains the similarities and differences between the two Guatemalan volcanoes.

🌋 However, if you want a detailed, in-depth review of each volcano hike, be sure to check out one of the following posts:

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Acatenango hike difficulty — *Acatenango Volcano views*

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Pacaya vs Acatenango: Which volcano hike is best?

Contents

This is down to personal preference, time and fitness levels.

If you have a short amount of time in Antigua, you may want to just spend half a day hiking Pacaya. It’s still an active volcano and still has incredible views at the summit. For us and the rest of our group, it was definitely a bucket list experience!

If you have good-to-excellent fitness levels, and additional time in Antigua, you may want to hike Acatenango. This is one of the most iconic volcano hikes in the world, as you hike close to the famous Fuego – the ‘fire volcano’. However, this is an overnight hike not for the faint-hearted – so choose wisely!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PACAYA HIKE DIFFICULTY OR ACATENANGO HIKE DIFFICULTY HERE! 🌋

Pacaya Volcano Hike Difficulty — *On the Fuego Ridge on the Acatenango hike!*

Pacaya vs Acatenango: Facts and Information

Based on the OX Expedition Tour	Acatenango	Pacaya
Volcano height	3976m / 13,041 ft above sea level	2,552 metres / 8,373 ft above sea level
Total elevation gain	1500m / 5000 ft	409m / 1389 ft
Difficulty	Challenging	Easy-moderate
Duration	Overnight tour or full day (12 hours)	Half-day trip (6-7 hours including transfers)
Costs (with OX Expeditions)	$59 (£48) – Day trip $89 (£75) – Overnight tour	$59 (£48) – Half-day tour $79 (£65) – Overnight tour
Terrains	Farmland, cloud forest, alpine, volcanic terrains	Farmland, cloud forest, volcanic lava fields
What to wear	Hiking clothes (a synthetic base layer, fleece, rain jacket and quick drying leggings or shorts), a good pair of trainers or hiking boots, hat and sunscreen	Hiking clothes (no cotton), a good pair of trainers or hiking boots, a hat and sunscreen
Included	Rental gear, pre-trip meeting, 4x meals, local guide, bi-lingual professional guide, coffee, cabins to sleep in, lockers for storage	Rental gear, sandwich on the volcano, marshmallows, local guide, bi-lingual professional guide
Not included	Extra snacks, guide gratuity, entrance and camping fee Acatenango (Q100)	Additional snacks, guide gratuity, park entrance fee

Pacaya vs Acatenango Volcano hikes

Pacaya vs Acatenango: Elevation gain and duration

🌋 PACAYA

From the drop-off point, it will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to hike to the main Pacaya viewpoint. The hike is a mixture of terrains, so some parts may take longer than others. This duration also includes multiple rest stops.

The total elevation gain whilst hiking Pacaya is 409m / 1389 ft.

🤩 🌋 Book your once-in-a-lifetime Pacaya hike with OX Expeditions here!

🌋 ACATENANGO

From where the shuttle drops you off for Acatenango to the OX Expeditions base camp, it takes 5-6 hours, including rest stops. The first part of the hike is challenging and is where some of the steepest terrains are.

If you opt to do the additional Fuego hike, it’s an extra 2-3 hours of hiking from the base camp to see Fuego up close (around a 5-hour round trip).

Then lastly, the sunrise hike to the summit of Acatenango (which you will be woken up for at 4 am) takes another 1.5 hours (a 3-hour round trip) before descending back to the shuttle drop-off point.

The total elevation gain whilst hiking Acatenango is 1500m / 5000 ft.

🤩 🌋 Book your once-in-a-lifetime Acatenango hike with OX Expeditions here!

Pacaya vs Acatenango: Difficulty

🌋 PACAYA

If you are someone with moderate-good fitness, you will be able to hike Pacaya. It is a low-medium difficulty hike and takes under 1.5 hours to reach the summit* from the shuttle drop-off point.

The first part of the ascent is quite steep, but you are able to take as many stops as necessary. It’s uphill, but it’s not technically difficult.

During the descent, there are some parts of slippery terrain, but it’s nothing to worry about. I personally rented hiking poles which helped me, and so did most of the rest of the group. Again, it’s not difficult, but volcanic terrains can be slippy!

*You do not reach the actual summit of the Pacaya volcano. You stop just below the Pacaya volcano summit to roast marshmallows and admire the view.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PACAYA HIKE DIFFICULTY HERE! 🌋

🌋 ACATENANGO

Gaining 1,500m in elevation is hard. It’s mentally and physically draining. But there’s nothing technically difficult about the Acatenango hike, and you don’t need to be an experienced climber to do it.

If you have good fitness levels, you’ll be ok hiking Acatenango. Looking back, the biggest hurdle is going to be your mentality during the climb. But if you do push through, it’s all worth it.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ACATENANGO HIKE DIFFICULTY HERE! 🌋

Pacaya vs Acatenango: Costs

🌋 PACAYA

The Pacaya hike is $59 (£48) for the half-day tour and $79 (£65) for the overnight tour with OX Expeditions. This does not cover the Pacaya entrance fee which is around 100Q per person.

🤩 🌋 Book your once-in-a-lifetime Pacaya hike with OX Expeditions here!

🌋 ACATENANGO

If you are participating in the 1.5-day overnight tour, it will cost $89 per person with OX Expeditions. This does not cover the Acatenango entrance fee which is around 100Q per person.

If you’re doing the one-day trip to Acatenango, it is less and only $59 per person. Again, this does not cover the park entrance fee.

🤩 🌋 Book your once-in-a-lifetime Acatenango hike with OX Expeditions here!

Pacaya vs Acatenango: Views, lava flows and eruptions

🌋 PACAYA

Whilst the views from Pacaya are incredible, the lava flows finished in May 2021. After seeing a number of photos of the lava flow on the Internet, it can be a little disappointing (as seeing lava like that would be incredible). But don’t let it dampen your spirit, it’s still an amazing hike and the views are still incredible, even without the lava flows.

However, the heat and steam through the hot rocks (where you’ll roast marshmallows) indicate there is still a lot of under-the-surface activity, meaning another eruption is imminent!

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🌋 ACATENANGO

When comparing the views of Pacaya vs Acatenango, Acatenango and its twin Fuego has to win. Witnessing regular volcanic eruptions is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and not something many people get to see.

People often ask whether it’s worth doing the extra Fuego Ridge and the Acatenango summit hike. Personally, I think they’re both worth it. There can’t be many places in the world that can get you as close to an active volcano as Fuego Ridge.

And summiting Acatenango for sunrise was one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve ever had, and one of the most incredible views I’ve ever seen.

Pacaya vs Acatenango with a fear of heights

🌋 PACAYA

As someone with a fear of heights, Pacaya is an amazing hike to do. For me, my fear is centred around drops, sheer edges and ridges, as I have an irrational fear of falling. Pacaya luckily doesn’t have any edges, ridges or scary drops.

The only part where I felt a little ‘eek’ was the descent. There is a short part where you won’t have any forestry or trees to shield you from realising just how high you actually are. Plus, you’ll be descending on slippery volcanic terrain.

However, it was over pretty quickly (within 30 minutes), and although I was scared, I found it was ok and just kept going.

🌋 ACATENANGO

For someone with a fear of drops, edges and ridges, there are some areas that you may not like. Some small sections have sheer drops, but the paths are quite wide and at no point do you feel at risk of falling.

However, the final part of Fuego when walking across the ridge may be unnerving. The volcano falls away steeply on both sides, meaning you’re walking on a thin ridge. But it’s a very short section and takes less than a minute to complete.

Is the Acatenango hike worth it?

Acatenango was one of the hardest hikes I have done. It’s an epic hike, with a 1500m elevation gain. You’ll be carrying a heavy bag in the heat, facing challenging terrains and relentless uphill trails. But I have zero regrets; Acatenango was totally worth it.

Being that close to an active volcano is amazing. I felt extremely proud when we reached the summit. If you can, do both the Fuego hike and the sunrise hike to the summit. And get a porter to save some energy, my biggest mistake was not doing this!

Is hiking Pacaya volcano worth it?

Yes! Pacaya Volcano is absolutely worth it. Unfortunately, Pacaya doesn’t get the same attention Fuego and Acatenango do, as it’s seen as the ‘easier’ climb. But it’s still an incredible volcano and an active one!

It’s not an ‘easy‘ hike and still requires a moderate to a good level of fitness. You will experience incredible views over Guatemala, and watch either the sunset or sunrise from the (near) top of a volcano. Just being close enough to an active volcano and roasting marshmallows on the lava hotspots is something I will remember forever!

Trust me, it’s definitely a bucket list experience!

Is hiking Acatenango safe?

Yes, hiking Acatenango is safe. The volcano itself has not erupted since 1925. Tour operators such as OX Expeditions also monitor volcanic activity, and will not risk tourist safety.

However, there is of course a high elevation gain which brings a different kind of challenge. It’s a tough hike, and if you’re not prepared it can be dangerous. The weather can change quickly, and you may experience a degree of altitude sickness.

Be sure to hike Acatenango with a company such as OX Expeditions, so that you are with experienced, professional and trusted guides who not only know how to react in certain situations but ensure you have all of the right equipment and clothing.

🤩 🌋 Book your once-in-a-lifetime Acatenango hike with OX Expeditions here!

Is Pacaya safe to hike?

Yes, hiking Pacaya is extremely safe. Tour operators such as OX Expeditions monitor volcanic activity, and will not take tourists to the crater of the volcano where it is unsafe.

Best volcano hiking companies in Antigua

Without a doubt, the best company to book your volcano hike with is OX Expeditions. With a strong passion for outdoor adventures, OX offers tours all over Guatemala, including the famous volcano hikes, mountain bike tours and kayaking at Lake Atitlan.

OX has a mission to change people’s lives through amazing challenges and adventures, all whilst promoting Guatemala and supporting the local communities. They partner with Los Patojos, where they educate over 250 children, and take their students on a trip to Pacaya at the end of the year to experience the magic of being in the mountains!

No matter your level of experience, the OX team are there to support you. As someone who is a little nervous about heights, I experienced their incredible level of support and patience with one of their guides on Pacaya. They are supportive, professional and caring, and just want you to have an epic adventurous experience!

From the minute we signed up, every aspect of the hike was taken into consideration. We even received a creative PDF document full of info-graphics and detailed logistics about our Acatenango trip, which helped me to mentally prepare for the altitude we would be experiencing. They quite literally take over everything, so all you have to worry about is enjoying the experience!

>> Check out my detailed review on OX Expeditions here!

Where to stay in Antigua when hiking Acatenango

There are so many amazing hostels to choose from in Antigua that it’s hard to pick the best one! However, after staying in some myself, and talking to other backpackers, we’ve found these are the most popular choices.

Remember: things change quickly when it comes to hostels! Make sure you always read the reviews first.

Somos: a social hostel with amazing rooftop views
Hostel Antigueno: another social hostel with a large communal garden
The Purpose Hostel: beautiful rooftop views of all 3 volcanos
Barbara’s Boutique Hostel: the most expensive hostel in Antigua, but also one of the most luxurious!
Casi Casa: a ‘home away from home‘ kind of hostel with comfy beds, a roof terrace and homemade breakfast
Tropicana: best for solo travellers wanting to party in Antigua!

Related post: 3 Perfect Days In Antigua

Best backpacker travel insurance for Central America

If you’re visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at any point whilst in Central America, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

Pacaya vs Acatenango: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Hopefully, now you will be able to compare the two volcanoes, and who wins the Pacaya vs Acatenango battle for you!

Both of the volcano hikes were some of our favourite days whilst in Guatemala, and if you have the time to do them, I highly recommend doing both.

When you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m backpacking Central America with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Guatemala content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

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