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Climb Guatemala -
December & March - 10 & 13-Day Options |
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Guatemala is home to 37 volcanoes that form a chain parallel to the
Pacific coastline. This tour incorporates the scaling of five or,
optionally six, of these peaks. Volcanoes selected well-represent the
range of possible climbing experiences along the length of this chain.
The list includes the highest volcano in Central America and two active
volcanoes. The itinerary provides for one volcano climb daily except for
periods required to travel between sites and some brief respites in
Antigua, Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan, places of major tourist
interest.
Guatemala’s climate is semi-tropical. Weather is Spring-like year-round.
The tour dates are in Guatemala’s dry season, when views during climbs
are most spectacular. Climbs are physically but not technically
demanding. No special gear is required beyond good hiking shoes and back
pack.
Following is the
climbing order for the tour. Climb times are as estimated in the
Guatemalan Andino Club’s Guia de Los Volcanes de Guatemala.
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Pacaya
(elev. 2550 meters) ACTIVE |
1
3/4 hour ascent, 1 hour descent –
The most active of the six and a relatively
easy climb, due in large measure to a motorized approach which permits a
high start point. This volcano is undertaken first, as a conditioning
consideration.
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Agua (elev.
3766 meters) DORMANT |
5 hour
ascent, 3 hour descent – Begins in the town of
Sta. Maria Jesus, a relatively high departure point. Offers breathtaking
views of historic Antigua and its surroundings. Its crater holds a
soccer field and a chapel dedicated to El
Cristo Negro.
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Toliman (elev.
3134 meters, 3158 meters) DORMANT |
7 hour ascent – While lower
than Agua, the descent begins at the base and makes for a more arduous
hike. This volcano, on the shores of Lake
Atitlan, is distinguished by having twin peaks (and craters.) The summit
is home of the rare (and sometimes seen) horned guan.
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Atitlan (elev.
3537 meters) ACTIVE |
8 hour ascent, 5
hour descent (if undertaken as a separate
climb) - Atitlan is joined at the base with Toliman and the two are
climbed sequentially, with an overnight stay on the saddle they
share. The time to the top from the saddle is roughly 2
1/2 hours. The descent time from top to base is rated at five
hours. Atitlan is also home of the horned guan. While Atitlan is
somewhat lower than Agua and Tajumulco, it is rated by the Guatemala
Andino club as a tougher climb than both. Atitlan is marginally active,
with steam fissures (fumarolas) and hot spots at the top. On a
clear day Atitlan offers peerless views of Lake Atitlan and south to the
Pacific Coast.
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Tajumulco (elev.
4220 meters) DORMANT |
5 hour ascent, 3
hour descent - This is the tallest volcano and
the highest point in all of Central America. The relatively short ascent
time is due both the advantage of the motorized approach to a high start
point and the relatively moderate grade until the base of the summit.
The top offers amazing views along almost the entire chain of
Guatemala’s volcanoes.
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...and optionally |
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Acatenango (elev.
3976 meters) DORMANT |
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7
hour ascent, 4 hour descent - This
climb rivals that of Toliman/Atitlan in
difficulty. From the top, one is afforded a
spectacular view down to the top of Acatenango’s sister volcano Fuego
which remains active. |
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The 5 volcano package is a 10-day tour. The 6 volcano
package is a 13-day tour, which also includes a overnight trip to
Tikal. Both tours are scheduled to minimize weekend air travel.
Participants arrive in Guatemala City and spend the night
there at a hotel included in the tour packet. The following morning
the group will be assembled and move on to Antigua and to begin the
series of tour activities. Participants will be returned to overnight
in Guatemala City in preparation for departure on the last day of
their 10 or 13-day tour.
Prices include all in-country transportation, lodging
to include arrival & final nights in Guatemala City, guided tours of
Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Chicastenango, guided volcano climbs, all
breakfasts and some other meals. Volcano guide services include
security, local & English language guides, water, pack lunches, and
sleeping bags & camp meals for the one overnight climb.
Prices:
10-day tour - $US 1,024 dbl. occup. (d/o); $US 1,238 sngl. Occup.
(s/o).
13-day tour - $US 1,425 d/o; $US 1,711 s/o.
Registration is limited to 20 persons. Deposit of 50%
must be received by our agency in advance. Refund of
50% of deposit will be made for documented medical emergency until
one week prior to tour start date. Final payment must be received no later than
one week prior to tour start date.
This tour is also
available to private groups at a group discount rate on dates which
can be negotiated. Private group tours can also be tailored to meet
special needs. If you represent a group and are interested in a
private tour contact us with your ideas.
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Our difficulty ratings are based on our judgment of what a
well-conditioned, young to middle-aged hiker accustomed to hiking
between 1 and 4,000 feet above sea-level would feel. Our
lakeside elevation is 4,500 feet. All hiking is done during the
day time at temperatures normally in the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit
degrees). Lodging for overnight tours is in simple hotels.
All hikes originate and terminate at Posada Los Encuentros study
center in Panajachel at Lake Atitlan. They all include an
orientation on the history, geography and cultures of the lake. |
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