Volcán de Fuego Climbing

Volcán de Fuego, at 3763 meters (12,346 feet) is the highest active volcano in Guatemala and is part of the group of volcanoes (Fuego, Acatenango, Pacaya, and Agua)that cluster around the City of Antigua. Fuego is also called "Chigag" which, in the Mayan dialect Cakchiquel, means "where the fire is." Fuego is considered one of the world's most active volcanoes, with more than 60 historic eruptions over the course of 500 recorded years.

Alotenago Route

From the trailhead at 1555 meters (5100 feet), follow the well used trail towards the west. The trail is very steep. The trail will cross a drainage before climbing steeply to a ridge. The trail follows the ridge to the summit of Fuego. At about 2700 meters (8860 feet), there are several campsites. At 3040 meters (10,000 feet), there is a less-used trail veering off to the north, and to the summit of Acatenango, but this trail is seldom used since the Soledad route to Acatenago has much less elevation gain. From the minor junction, the well-used steep trail continues on the ridge to the summit of the very active Fuego.

La Soledad Route

From the trailhead, follow the trail to the south. Make two left turns through the cornfiels. Continue along the well-used trails towards the volcano. There are several to choose from, and they all converge when the forest is reached at 2750 meters (9000 feet). From there, there is one easy-to-find trail to the summit of Acatenango. You will pass several good campsites at 3125 and 3300 meters.