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Volcán de Fuego: Guatemala's Fiery Giant

Witness the raw power of nature at Guatemala's Volcán de Fuego, an active volcano offering thrilling and awe-inspiring displays from a safe distance.

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Volcán de Fuego, or Volcano of Fire, is an active stratovolcano in Guatemala, near Alotenango. Fuego is known for its almost constant activity, with smoke plumes issuing daily and larger eruptions occurring regularly, offering a spectacular, if risky, natural display. Hiking tours to neighboring Acatenango provide safe viewpoints to witness Fuego's eruptions.

A brief summary to Volcán de fuego

  • F4F9+665, 14, Alotenango, GT

Local tips

  • Check the INSIVUMEH (Guatemala's National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology) reports for up-to-date information on Volcán de Fuego's activity before planning your visit.
  • Hire a local guide for volcano hikes; they are familiar with safe routes and can respond to emergencies.
  • Pack layers of clothing, as temperatures can change drastically, especially at higher elevations.
  • Bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks for any hikes.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Guatemala City, the cheapest way to get to Volcán de Fuego is by bus. Buses leave from Guatemala City to Alotenango. From Alotenango, you can see the volcano. The bus trip takes approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes and costs $2-$4.

  • Hiking

    The most popular way to experience Volcán de Fuego is through a guided hike of the Acatenango Volcano. Most tours start in Antigua, with transportation provided to the trailhead in La Soledad. The hike to Acatenango base camp takes 5-7 hours. From the base camp, you can observe Volcán de Fuego. Some tours offer an optional, more challenging hike closer to Volcán de Fuego for an additional Q250. Be prepared to pay park entrance fees (approximately Q100).

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Discover more about Volcán de fuego

Volcán de Fuego is one of Central America's most active volcanoes, putting on a constant display of raw power. Located near the town of Alotenango, its name, fittingly, means "Volcano of Fire" in Spanish. The volcano has been erupting frequently since the Spanish conquest, with near-constant low-level activity punctuated by larger eruptions. Fuego is joined with Acatenango Volcano, and the two together are known as La Horqueta. While hiking to Fuego's summit is possible, it's extremely risky due to the frequent eruptions and unstable terrain. Most visitors opt to hike Acatenango, which provides a safe distance for viewing Fuego's dramatic displays. From Acatenango, you can witness smoke plumes, ash clouds, and, at night, the red glow of lava. Witnessing Volcán de Fuego's eruptions is a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience, illustrating the immense power of nature. However, it's crucial to prioritize safety by staying informed about the volcano's activity, following guidance from local authorities and experienced guides, and staying within recommended safety zones.

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