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7 days, 6 nights Antigua · Lake Atitlán Private, from 2 travellers

Camp on Acatenango and watch Volcán de Fuego erupt through the night, then trade boots for kayaks on Lake Atitlán.

Volcán de Fuego erupting at night seen from Acatenango

About this tour

Few places on earth let you sleep within sight of an active volcano. From a base camp at around 3,600 m on Acatenango, you watch Fuego throw lava into the night sky, then climb to the summit for a sunrise that takes in Agua, Atitlán and the Pacific haze. It is a demanding hike — five to six hours of steep ascent — but entirely achievable for fit, well-prepared walkers.

We build the trip around doing it well: two nights in Antigua to acclimatise, a private guide and a comfortable, well-equipped camp, and a soft landing afterwards at a lakeside lodge on Atitlán, where the adventures are gentler — village trails, kayaks and the famous Indian Nose sunrise.

Highlights

  • Overnight on Acatenango facing an erupting Fuego
  • Sunrise from the 3,976 m summit
  • Hike the lakeside trail between Maya villages
  • Kayaking Atitlán's glassy morning water
Best for: Active travellersBest for: Hikers and photographersBest for: Friends and adventurous couples

Day by day

Sample schedule. Every day can be moved, lengthened or swapped.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Antigua

    Private transfer from the airport to Antigua. Settle in and take it easy at 1,530 m.

    Overnight: Antigua

  2. Day 2

    Acclimatise in Antigua

    A morning mountain-bike ride or hike through the villages around Antigua, then a gear check and briefing with your Acatenango guide.

    Overnight: AntiguaMeals: B

  3. Day 3

    Climb Acatenango

    Drive to the trailhead at La Soledad and climb through farmland and cloud forest to a private base camp facing Fuego. Dinner by the fire as the eruptions light up after dark.

    Overnight: Acatenango base campMeals: B, L, D

  4. Day 4

    Summit sunrise, then the lake

    A pre-dawn scramble to the summit for sunrise, then descend by late morning. A private transfer of 2.5–3 hours takes you to Lake Atitlán and a well-earned hot shower.

    Overnight: Lake AtitlánMeals: B, L

  5. Day 5

    Lakeside trails

    A guided walk along the north shore between Santa Cruz, Tzununá and San Marcos, with swims and lunch along the way.

    Overnight: Lake AtitlánMeals: B

  6. Day 6

    Indian Nose and kayaks

    Sunrise from the Indian Nose, then an afternoon kayaking before the Xocomil wind arrives.

    Overnight: Lake AtitlánMeals: B

  7. Day 7

    Depart

    Private transfer to Guatemala City airport, around 3 hours.

    Meals: B

Meals key: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

What's included

  • 5 nights in boutique hotels and 1 night camping
  • Daily breakfast, plus all meals on Acatenango
  • All private transfers
  • Private Acatenango guide, camp equipment and porter for shared gear
  • Acatenango park fees
  • Guided bike or hike day near Antigua
  • Guided lakeside trail and Indian Nose hike
  • Kayak hire on Lake Atitlán
  • A dedicated local specialist on call throughout your trip

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance (must cover hiking at altitude)
  • Personal porter for your own pack
  • Meals not listed
  • Tips for guides and drivers

Route map

AntiguaAcatenango VolcanoLake Atitlán
Map placeholder · not to scale

Antigua → Acatenango Volcano → Lake Atitlán

Where you could stay

Hotel courtyard with a pool and ornate wooden doorBoutique colonial hotel

Antigua, three blocks from the Parque Central

Casa del Lirio

A restored 17th-century home with a fountain courtyard, a small pool and rooftop views of Volcán de Agua.

From $145 per person · night

Whitewashed courtyard at dusk with soft lightingBoutique colonial hotel

Antigua, near the ruins of La Recolección

Convento de la Ceiba

Suites set within the walls of a former convent, with candlelit cloisters, a spa and one of Antigua's finest restaurants.

From $290 per person · night

Colonial building with bougainvillea on the balconyBoutique colonial hotel

Antigua, on a quiet street near La Merced

Posada Siete Fuentes

A warm, family-run posada with flower-filled patios and some of the best breakfasts in Antigua.

From $85 per person · night

Pier on Lake Atitlán with boats and volcanoesLakeside lodge

Lake Atitlán, between Santa Cruz and Jaibalito, reached by boat

Casa Xocomil

Stone casitas tumbling down a garden hillside to a private dock, with every room facing the volcanoes.

From $175 per person · night

Pricing

Per person, from$1,590Based on two sharing
For two, approx.$3,180International flights excluded
Budget levelComfortUpgrade or adjust any hotel

Prices vary with season, hotel choice and group size. Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Christmas carry supplements. Your specialist will send a clear, itemised quote in your currency.

Every tour is private and fully adjustable around your dates and pace.

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