Both of these volcanoes are adjacent to each other and SW of the city of Antigua in Guatemala. Both volcanoes are interesting climbs.

Volcán de Fuego, at 3763 meters (12,346 feet) is also called "Chigag" that in Cakchiquel means "where the fire is." This is the highest active volcano in Guatemala, and is one of the most continually active volcanoes in the world. It has records of activity since 1524, and it hasn't stopped its activity since. This volcano had significant eruptions in the past few years, and the villiages at the base of the mountain have been evacuated during a few periods during volcanic activity.

Volcán Acatenago, at 3976 meters (13,054 feet) has two main summits, Pico Yepocapa at 3830 meters (12,565) and the highest summit of Pico Mayor at 3976 meters (13,054 feet). Pico Yepocapa went extinct 20,000 years ago, but Pico Mayor is more active and had its last eruption from August 1926 to May 1927. A new crater was formed between the summits od Pico Mayor and Pico Yepocapa from aneruption in November 1972, and the crater is known simply as the 1972 Crater.

Getting There

Alotenago Route

From any of the bus stations in Guatemala City, take a bus to Antigua. There are buses leaving every fifteen minutes. From Antigua, take the bus to Alotenago (elevation 1460 meters/4790 feet). There are buses running every half hour from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. From the central plaza in Alotenago, walk down hill to the south and then west along the main road to the Rio Guacalate bridge. Cross the bridge, and then after another 100 meters (300 feet), head straight west along an old road in a deep gully. Follow the old road, and take three left turns to the well marked trail at the trailhead.

La Soledad Route

From Antigua (see above), take a once every half hour bus (between 6:30 am and 6:30 pm) to San Miguel Duenas. From San Miguel Duenas, there are two or three daily buses heading toward Yepocapa. Take the bus towards Yepocapa, but ask to be dropped off at a place called La Soledad (elevation 2392 meters/7850 feet). From La Soledad, walk back .3 km (2 mile) to the east and locate the trail heading up the well-used trail up the mountain.

Route Description

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. There is a refugio near the summit. Enjoy the incredible views!

Red Tape

No permits are required, but there are times when access to Fuego may be forbidden.

When To Climb

Late November to early April is the dry season, and the best time to climb.

Camping

Alotenago Route

There is a good campsite at 2700 meters, but there is usually no water on the mountain, which means you have to pack it up the mountain.

La Soledad Route

There are several good campsites at 3125 and 3300 meters niether of which has water. There is also a basic refugio near the summit of Pico Yepocapa of Acatenango which sleeps six.

Links

Check the following links for activity updates on the volcanoes. Unfortunately, the links don't always work, so it may take a few tries.

Eruption Updates

Eruption Updates #2

The closest weather link is in Guatemala City. Expect cooler and wetter conditions in the mountains.

Guatemala City Forecast

Credits

Climbing information is from my climbing partner, Mike Kelsey who wrote the highly recommended Climbers and Hikers Guide to the Worlds Mountains. Mike climbed this peak in February 1994.

Adoption/Useful Information

Do you have any information that might be useful to the mountain page? If so, feel free to add it. If you have much more information and would even be willing to adopt the page, and can spend the time to maintain it, please let me know.

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