Antigua + Acatenango Travel Tips

Antigua is iconic to Guatemala, and it drives SO much tourism into the country every year. Not only is it popular for it's iconic yellow arch, but it's also the starting point of hiking Acatenango and Fuego. I recommend spending at least 3 nights in Antigua if you plan on hiking either.

Here's how to prepare:

• Antigua can get pretty busy so if you plan on staying for at least 3 days, try to book at least 1 month in advance. We booked our accommodations the day of and weren't left with the best options.

• Antigua is a walking city, so make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes. There are cobblestone streets everywhere!

• Although it's hot during the day, it gets chilly at night. Bring a light sweater to bring at night - I was surprised at how cold it got!

• Antigua itself is pretty small but if you have time, I recommend spending a night at Village Bokeh. The hotel is located about 10 minutes from Downtown, and Ubers are very accessible. The cost of your ride will be around $5 USD.

Tips on Hiking Acatenango

• I recommend booking your Acatenango hike a few days to a week before your visit. If you want to book with more well known companies like Wicho & Charlie's, OX Expeditions, and Old Town Outfitters, you'll need to book at least 1-2 months in advance. We were fine hiking with whoever and were able to find a tour group the night before through Viator - it was an extremely smooth process!

• Avoid hiking during rainy season. Hiking Acatenango is hard enough and I can't imagine what it would be like hiking in rain and mud.

• I recommend booking 3 nights in Antigua so that you can leave all your luggage in your hotel room, since it is an overnight hike. I don't recommend bringing your luggage with you because although your luggage will probably be safe, hundreds of people come in and out of the hike, where your bags will be stored, everyday.

• If you have heavy bags to carry up, it is WORTH hiring a porter to carry your luggage up. Porters typically charge 200 GTQ ($25 USD) each way. Many hire a porter to carry their stuff up, but will hike with their stuff down since it is not as difficult.

• The entrance fee to hike Acatenango is 100 GTQ ($13 USD).

• Once you get to the top of Acatenango, you have the option to do an additional 4 hour hike up Fuego, or an additional 1 hour sunrise hike. You are not obligated to do either.

• The entrance fee to hike Fuego is 250 GTQ ($33 USD).

• You do not need to bring any of your own hiking gear. You can easily rent them out at the trailhead, or arranged with your tour guide the night before via WhatsApp (you will get more information once booking).

• Water and snacks are sold throughout the first half of the trail so don't worry if you run out!!

• Bring lots of sun screen, wet wipes (trust me), LIQUIDIV (GRACEFKIM for 25% off), a wind jacket, headlamp, and dry shampoo!!