Overnight Acatenango Hike: What Should I Wear?

January 6, 2023 Dean

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Be Prepared.

The overnight Acatenango hike is an incredible adventure that takes you to the top of one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes. This hike offers unbelievable views of the active Volcán Fuego and the chance to witness sunrise from the summit. It’s no surprise that this hike is so popular with travelers and locals alike.

Machete is probably not necessary.

What to wear:

As with any outdoor adventure, it’s important to be prepared and to dress appropriately for the weather. Here are some tips on what to wear on the overnight Acatenango hike:

Comfortable and sturdy shoes
You’ll be walking on a lot of rough and uneven on this hike, so it’s important to wear shoes that are comfortable and provide good support. Hiking boots or trail shoes are ideal, as they offer good traction and protection against rocks and other debris. Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, as they won’t offer enough support or protection. If you have good running shoes with a decent sole, these will usually be adequate in the dry season.
The Group is about to start.
Light layers
The weather can change quickly on the Volcano. It’s important to dress in light layers that you can add or remove as needed. This will help you stay warm in the cooler temperatures at the summit but also allow you to shed layers as you work up a sweat on the hike. Some good options to consider include a base layer, a fleece or mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer. It’s also important to consider that you may sweat substantially on the climb. Some dry layers to change into at the top is always a good idea.
Warm hat and gloves
Even if it’s warm in Antigua or at the base of the Volcano, it can get very cold at the summit, especially overnight. Make sure to pack a warm hat and gloves to keep your head and hands warm.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
The sun can be intense at high altitudes, so make sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses for protection.
Headlamp or flashlight
You’ll be hiking in the dark on the way up to the summit of the volcano at 4 am. It’s important to bring a headlamp or flashlight to light your way. If you don’t have a headlamp or flashlight Tropicana has them available for rental. (Or you could put your phone on airplane mode to save battery and use it. This works fine.)
Climbing Acatenango Volcano
Extra socks and underwear
These are always good to have in case your feet get wet or you need to change into fresh clothes. This is true all year round as you may sweat a lot and it is especially true in the rainy season. (May to October)
Snacks and water
At Tropicana, we provide 4 meals for the hike. Meals start with breakfast in the Hostel before you begin. Having said that however, it’s important to stay hydrated and fuelled on the hike. Make sure to bring at least 4 liters of water and some snacks (chocolate is good for morale) to keep your energy up.
Heavy layers
The best time is when the sun has gone down and you are sitting around the fire at the campsite of Tropicana. You’ll want to be comfortable so you can enjoy watching the stars above and the eruptions of Volcán Fuego. Temperatures can drop significantly and even get below zero degrees C in December and January at times. A heavy coat with a good hood is highly recommended.

In Conclusion:

Overall, the key to dressing for the Overnight Acatenango Hike is to be prepared for a range of temperatures and conditions. By preparing properly, you’ll be able to stay comfortable and enjoy this amazing adventure to the fullest.