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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
1,174 dbl. occup. (d/o); $US 1,388 sngl. Occup. (s/o).
13-day tour - $US 1,675 d/o; $US 1,961
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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NOTE: 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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