Guatemala’s breathtaking beauty owes much to the 37 volcanoes standing like sentinels over the country’s fertile lands, colonial towns, indigenous villages and azure lakes. While most of these volcanoes are dormant, the Pacaya, Fuego and Santiaguito volcanoes are active, providing a glimpse of nature’s awesome, subterranean power. Many visitors climb at least one volcano while in Guatemala. Here is a short list including their altitudes in feet above sea level. Remember, never climb without proper gear or a local guide. Precautions must be taken when hiking the active volcanoes.
1. Pacaya (8,366 ft)
Pacaya is an active volcano located just 18 miles south of Guatemala City. After a short hike, visitors reach the summit, where they can observe eruptions of ash and lava at close range. This is a dangerous volcano, best visited in the company of a responsible guide.
2. Agua (12,352 ft)
A climb up this volcano is recommended for spectacular views of Antigua Guatemala. Hiking time is about 5 hours from Santa María de Jesús or 2 hours from the end of a road that climbs partway to the top.
3. Fuego (12,343 ft)
Constantly spewing small ash clouds, this monstrous volcano’s last major eruption occurred in 1974. The hike up its barren slope is grueling, and most visitors will be content to admire Fuego’s beauty from the safety of Antigua’s cobblestone streets.
4. Acatenango (13,041 ft)
The third volcano that watches over Antigua Guatemala, Acatenango is Fuego’s dormant twin. The hike to the top takes about 6 hours.
5. Atitlán (11,601)
The tallest of the three volcanoes dominating the lake, Atitlán’s summit takes about 8 hours to reach. The reward is breathtaking view of the world’s most beautiful lake and Guatemala’s Pacific coast.
6. San Pedro (11,496 ft)
Perhaps the most frequently photographed of all Guatemala’s volcanoes, San Pedro’s beautiful cone seems to rise from the waters of lake Atitlán. The hike to the top takes about 6 hours, and views are limited due to vegetation on the summit.
7. Tolimán (10,358 ft)
A small group of Horned Guans survives in the forest near the summit, about a four hour hike from San Lucas. Plan to camp out for a better chance of seeing birds.
8. Santa María (12,373 ft)
One of Guatemala’s most beautiful volcanoes, Santa María towers over the city of Quetzaltenango. The hike to the top takes about 4 hours. Camping on the summit is recommended, to witness a spectacular, night-time lava show from Santiaguito volcano below.
9. Santiaguito (8,200 ft)
The most dangerous volcano in Central America, Santiaguito first erupted on Santa Maria's southern flank in 1922. It constantly spews spectacular ash clouds and lava, and may be safely observed from Santa María’s summit.
10. Cerro Quemado (10,486 ft)
A popular day hike from Quetzaltenango, this volcano offers fields of molten lava and steam vents.
11. Zunil (11,618 ft)
Horned Guans have been sighted in the protected forest on the slopes of this volcano. Further down the slope, Azure-rumped Tanagers are frequently seen.
12. Chicabal (9,512 ft)
Chicabal’s summit and magical, crater lake can be reached in about two hours from San Martín Chile Verde, near Quetzaltenango. The lake, a sacred spot for the Maya, is surrounded by forest, with family altars tucked among the trees.
13. Tacaná (13,425 ft)
Located on the Mexican border, Tacaná provides a challenging hike to Mexican and Guatemalan mountaineers alike. It’s a tough climb – at least 10 hours to reach the summit.
14. Tajumulco (13,842 ft)
This is the tallest volcano in Central America, but the hike to the top, which begins at a high altitude, is relatively easy. Good (but cold!) camping in pine glades near the summit.
There are many tour operators throughout Guatemala that have trained guides. In Antigua, the country's most popular tourist destination, tours leave daily to Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes.
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