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Are you planning to hike Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala? If so, you’re in the right place! Packing correctly is essential if you want to stay warm, comfortable and prepared for the conditions on the trail.
Acatenango is a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike. With a summit of 3,976 metres (13,045 feet), temperatures can drop below freezing overnight. While the hike often starts warm, it becomes significantly colder as you gain altitude, and the temperature change can feel sudden if you’re not fully prepared.
This Acatenango packing list covers exactly what you need for the hike, including essential clothing, hiking gear and overnight items. This guide will help you prepare properly for the altitude and cold conditions!
Essential Clothing
The most important thing when hiking Acatenango will be your clothing and shoes. Layers are essential so you can easily add more to keep warm. Also, to remove some layers if you start getting warm again during the descent.
To start the hike
Starting the hike, I wore a gym t-shirt and shorts as the weather was warm. I wore my trusty Merrill hiking shoes for the full hike. A pair of comfy hiking socks also saved my feet. I then added more layers once I reached base camp.
Base Layers
I packed a pair of thermal leggings and a long sleeve thermal t-shirt too. These went on first when I arrived at base camp and needed some warmth!
Fleece and Coat
For some extra warmth, I wore a fleece and an insulated coat. It’s important to have a coat that is warm but also packs down relatively small so it doesn’t use up too much space in your backpack.
Waterproof Layers
I would recommend packing some waterproofs just incase the weather is not on your side. It would make the cold even worse if you were soaking wet! They usually pack down really small so its worth it. I packed trousers and a jacket.
Trousers
I wore my tried and tested hiking trousers that I knew were comfortable and easily layered over my thermal leggings. Again, you want them to be comfy enough to add a pair of waterproofs on top if needed too.
Thick Hiking Socks
I wore a pair of hiking socks on the hike but I did also bring another pair. Wow, I was so glad I did! I woke up in the middle of the night and my feet were freezing cold. So I would definitely bring at least 1 spare pair of warm socks.
Gloves and Hat
Staple items but so worth bringing with you. Gloves will definitely be needed to keep your hands warm. When you’re sat around the campfire in the evening, you will want to keep your hands nice and warm. I actually forgot mine but managed to rent some from my tour operator. Same with a hat, you will want to keep your head and ears warm. It can be windy which makes it feel colder so you’ll be glad to have a warm hat.
Hiking Essentials
Everything that you need to bring to make your Acatenango hike much easier!
Backpack
I’d recommend a 30-40L backpack for the hike. While this might seem big for an overnight hike, it’s important to note that on top of your clothing, you will likely be carrying all of your water (around 4L per person) plus your lunch. I made the mistake of bringing a smaller backpack and couldn’t fit everything in comfortably. Luckily, I could rent a bigger backpack from my tour operator and it was much better.
Head Torch
A good quality head torch is so important and an underrated item! In my opinion, it is essential for both the Acatenango sunrise and Fuego hike since you will be spending a lot of time in the dark. Especially for the sunrise hike, you will be scrambling up rocks some of the way, so a bright head torch with good range will help you massively. You can rent head torches at the beginning of the hike, but I would recommend investing in a good quality one and bringing it with you (this is what we did!).
Hiking Poles
When I talk about hiking Acatenango, I say every time that hiking poles saved me! For both ascending and descending they were so useful and definitely helped keep my balance. The volcanic terrain can be slippery so it helps with staying on your feet (you won’t believe how many people fall over!) and they also help reduce the impact on your knees. I rented hiking poles at the start of Acatenango or you can bring some of your own.
Portable Charger
A good portable charger comes with me everywhere so Acatenango was no different. There is no electricity at base camp so you need to be covered incase your devices need charging. Remember that taking so many amazing photos will drain your battery!
Overnight Gear
It’s very likely that your sleeping bag and pillow will be included in your tour costs but I would double check this with your tour guide. If not then you will need a good quality sleeping bag and camping pillow.
Toiletries and Small Extras
Having a comfortable experience is not just about the clothing, there are some extra items I’d recommend packing too! It also goes without saying that you should bring any medication you are currently taking since you will be away from Antigua (and probably your main luggage) for over 24 hours. Snacks will also come in handy during the hike!
Suncream
The sun is incredibly strong at altitude. I know this as I unfortunately got burnt on my face! I did apply suncream before starting the hike but I would definitely recommend re-applying on rest breaks and before starting the descent too.
Lip Balm
Both the cold and the sun can dry your lips so I would bring some lip balm to moisturise. One with SPF is a bonus!
Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes
There is no toilet paper at base camp or at the toilets on the trail. You will need to bring your own so make sure you pack enough for 24 hours!
Diamox/Altitude Medication
This is not essential for everyone but altitude sickness can be rough and plenty of people do suffer when hiking Acatenango. Altitude medication can be purchased in the pharmacies in Antigua before the hike. You can choose to take it a day or two early so your body can get used to the meds if you prefer. If you are not used to higher altitude, it’s recommended to stay in Antigua for at least 2 days before the hike so your body can adjust.
Camera
Don’t forget your camera, drone and any other photography equipment. The scenery is absolutely incredible and you will want to photograph and video every moment. Especially when Fuego starts erupting – get the camera at the ready!
Full Acatenango Packing List – Screenshot This!
- Activewear t-shirt and leggings/shorts (to start the hike)
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Thermal top and trousers/leggings
- Fleece
- Coat
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hiking socks x2
- Hat and gloves
- 30-40L backpack
- Head torch
- Hiking poles (or rent at the start of the hike)
- Portable charger
- Suncream and lip balm
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- Snacks and medication
- Diamox/altitude medication (if you want to take it)
- Camera
Hopefully this packing guide helps you feel prepared for hiking Acatenango! It’s definitely a tough hike so some essential items will make it a lot easier. Acatenango is truly a bucket-list experience and absolutely deserves the hype. If you’re at the beginning of your Acatenango planning, I have put together a full guide to the hike with some essential tips so you know exactly what to expect!
If you haven’t already, take a look at my full Guatemala itinerary to see how to fit the Acatenango hike in with all the other amazing places to visit such as Lake Atitlán, Antigua and Tikal National Park.
Happy hiking!