From ADVENTURE SEEKERS to run of the mill BACKPACKERS, everyone wants to SUMMIT ACATENANGO VOLCANO when they visit GUATEMALA. Its a TOUGH CLIMB, believe me, I've done it. STEEP unrelenting TERRAIN, unpredictable WEATHER (RAIN, HIGH WINDS etc) and then there's the early rise to complete the last leg of the JOURNEY. But is it all worth it? Lets find out as I take you through the adventure of a life time.
The most popular route to do ACATENANGO is coming form ANTIGUA which is exactly what I did, but its possible to come from other locations in Guatemala. One of the most important pieces of ADVICE I can give you is choose your TRAVEL AGENCY very carefully. There are literally dozens of travel agencies offering the Acatenango tour, some of them will be very cheap and that will tempt you to go with them. You are climbing up a VOLCANO, don't be cheap, be sensible. I ended up choosing CA TRAVELERS, they were recommended through my GUESTHOUSE. Yes, they were slightly more expensive than other AGENCIES in the area but CA Travelers had a good reputation. I have heard stories of people going with cheap tour agencies and not been given sufficient supplies and food to complete the trip. CA had one price and they provided everything that you needed (GUIDES, TRANSPORTATION, TENTS, SLEEPINBG BAGS, GOOD, GLOVES, HEAD LAMPS, SHOES, JACKETS). A very professional service and I would highly reccomend using them if you do chose to tackle the volcano.
I have done several epic TREKS in ECUADOR, including the QUILITOA CRATER LAKE. This volcano HIKE was the toughest thing I have done in my life. I am by no means the fittest person in the world, but I'm certainly not the worlds biggest slob. This was tough, really tough. You don't have to be a track and field ATHLETE to complete this but you will need some level of fitness. Also you may be affected by dreaded ALTITUDE SICKNESS. I was okay (6 months in Ecuador had prepared my body) but here were others in my group who had terrible headaches and they had to rest frequently. Be warned!!
We were picked up from our respective HOTELS And GUESTHOUSES in Antigua and then taken to the Head Quarters of CA Travel. There we were given all the additional supplies needed for the trek. Let me tell you, this additional supplies will add about 10kg to your already bulging BACKPACK. One additional service and charge that will be offered to you is a GUIDE who will carry your backpack for you (one way), I think the price is between 100 to 150 q's. If you are in any doubt about your ability to complete the volcano trek I would highly reccomend this service. My backpack weighed about 20kg with all the extra equipment and supplies. I paid for this service and believe me it made my life easier. Plus the money goes towards the guide and his family.
Once you are kited up and out you will be driven about 30 minutes to the base of the volcano. There will be locals who will offer you climbing sticks, 10 q's for both, take them, they are invaluable. Once your legs get tired you will be unsteady on your feet, they really help with your balance. I could only take one because I was filming and needed a free hand, but I wish I could have taken 2.
And then its time to rock and roll. You will trek roughly 6 - 7 hours to the base camp near the top of the volcano. I think its about three quarters of the way there. Its a tough climb. You will get several breaks along the way which is mandatory. The temperature will drop significantly as you get higher. Wear layers and I would also reccomend a woolly hat, especially if you are like me and have no hair. While we are on recommendations don't wear trainers, wear climbing boots that cover your ankles. The ground is very gravely, if you are wearing trainers they will fill with stones and you will be stopping every three seconds.
The food that you are given by CA Travelers is epic. The lunch that we ate about half way through the climb was just epic: a huge piece of chicken, rice and salad. Just what you need and you will burn it off in no time. You will also have supplies for dinner at night and breakfast.
We reached base camp just before it got dark. There are two man TENTS set up with SLEEPING BAGS and they are very cosy. After sleeping for 6 hours you are woken up at 4am and you will continue the rest of the hike, this is the toughest part. The ground is covered in gravel and its constantly moving under your feet. Really tough terrain.
Was it worth it, ABSOLUTELY......I just wish the weather was better so I could have got that epic SUMMIT shot.
#Acatenango #Volcano #Antigua
Негізгі бет It Was A Tough Trek, But Was All The Effort Worth It? - ACATENANGO VOLCANO, GUATEMALA
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