Join Travel Light for a small group journey centered around one of the most unforgettable experiences on Earth — hiking Acatenango Volcano and witnessing Volcán de Fuego erupt with glowing lava into the night sky.

Together, we take on a two day overnight trek, climbing above the clouds to a remote base camp with a direct view of one of Central America’s most active volcanoes. As the sun sets and darkness falls, we watch eruptions light up the horizon while stars stretch endlessly above us. It is raw, powerful, and something very few people ever get to experience. This is the centerpiece of the journey. Everything else builds around it.

Before and after the trek, we settle into the vibrant and colorful city of Antigua, a place full of charm, history, and incredible food. We explore the city on a guided walking tour, wandering cobblestone streets and learning the stories behind its iconic churches, ruins, and culture.

We experience some of the best food in Antigua, with meals that are just as memorable as the adventure itself. From beautifully curated restaurants to magical outdoor dinners, each meal brings the group together to share stories, connect, and celebrate the journey.

One evening, we head into the mountains for a sunset ATV adventure, riding to panoramic viewpoints above the city and ending the night with dinner overlooking the valley as the sky turns gold.

We also step into the home of a local family for a hands on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Guatemalan dishes and sharing a meal together around the table. It is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with the culture and people of Guatemala.

Throughout the trip, the focus is simple — shared experience, real connection, and moments that feel bigger than everyday life. This is not a sit back and relax kind of trip. It is for those who want to feel it all, challenge themselves, and come home with stories to share.

Trip Leaders: Melanie & Enzo
Age Requirement: Must be 21+

Airports & Arrival: Round trip flight into Guatemala City (GUA).

Payment: A $500 deposit secures your spot. The remaining balance is split into two payments. Custom payment plans are available upon request. There are no fees when paying via bank transfer. *Credit card payments will incur a processing fee.

This trip is for those who:

• Are craving adventure and something beyond a typical vacation

• Feel excited by the idea of hiking a volcano and witnessing something truly rare

• Value meaningful travel, cultural connection, and shared experiences

• Are open to meeting new people and becoming part of a close knit group

• Are willing to step outside their comfort zones in exchange for something unforgettable

Moderate to Challenging

This trip includes a physically demanding volcano trek at high altitude.

• Acatenango reaches an elevation of around 13,000 feet

• The hike includes sustained uphill hiking and an optional summit push

• Endurance, preparation, and a positive mindset are key

No technical experience is required, but being comfortable with hiking and ready to challenge yourself will make the experience much more enjoyable. Guidance on training and packing will be provided.

Fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA). You’ll be met by our driver and whisked away to our serene hotel nestled in the heart of Antigua, a UNESCO-listed gem. Antigua is located 1-2 hours from the airport depending on traffic.

Group Meeting — Our group will meet before dinner to review the itinerary, get excited, and meet the gang!

Evening Welcome Dinner — Unwind and connect with your fellow travelers over local cuisine and stories, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey.

Why Antigua?
Charming and soaked in history, Antigua dazzles with its cobbled streets, colorful colonial architecture, and dramatic volcanic backdrops. Surrounded by three volcanoes—Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango—it’s a cultural and visual feast at every turn.

Meals Included: D

Accommodation: Hotel y Arte or similar

Today is the perfect mix of culture, flexibility, and a little adventure to ease into the week.

We’ll start the morning with a guided walking tour through Antigua, a beautifully preserved colonial city surrounded by volcanoes. As we wander cobblestone streets, you’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Church of Mercy and the Church of San Francisco, while learning about Guatemala’s history, culture, and daily life. It’s a great way to get your bearings and fall in love with the charm of this city.

After the tour, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Grab lunch wherever catches your eye, relax at a café, shop for local goods, or simply soak in the atmosphere of Antigua.

In the afternoon, we’ll shift gears for one of the most fun experiences of the trip — a sunset ATV adventure through the surrounding mountains. We’ll ride up to multiple scenic viewpoints, including the famous Cerro de la Cruz, where you’ll get sweeping views over Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes.

From there, we continue higher into the mountains toward El Hato, where we’ll visit Hobbitenango, a whimsical eco-park set in an enchanted forest. Think epic views, fun photo spots (including the famous giant hand), and a front-row seat to a stunning sunset.

We’ll wrap up the evening with dinner at a local mountainside restaurant, El Tambor, where you can enjoy traditional Guatemalan food and drinks with unforgettable views.

After returning to Antigua, the night is yours to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s volcano hike.

Meals Included: B, D

Accommodation: Hotel y Arte or similar

Today is the moment you’ve been waiting for — our overnight trek up Acatenango Volcano, one of the most unforgettable experiences in Guatemala.

We’ll depart Antigua in the morning and take a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the trailhead, where the adventure begins. The hike to base camp takes about 5 hours, climbing through changing landscapes — from farmland to cloud forest, and eventually into dramatic volcanic terrain with sweeping views.

This is a challenging hike, but we’ll take it at a steady pace with breaks along the way. And trust me… it’s worth every step.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at base camp, perched high on the mountain with front-row views of Volcán de Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes. As the sun sets, the real magic begins.

You’ll watch glowing lava bursts light up the night sky, hear the deep rumble of eruptions in the distance, and see stars blanketing the sky above you. It’s raw, powerful, and unlike anything most people have ever experienced.

We’ll settle in for the night, rest up, and prepare for an early summit push in the morning.

Meals Included: B, L, D

Accommodation: Large tents on the volcano

We’ll wake up early for a pre-dawn start to the summit.

Around 4:00 AM, we’ll begin the final push to the top of Acatenango. It’s about a 1.5-hour climb, steep and challenging, but as the sky begins to lighten, you’ll realize exactly why you came.

Reaching the summit at sunrise is an incredible reward. Standing above the clouds, with panoramic views of surrounding volcanoes and the glowing peaks of Fuego nearby, is a moment you won’t forget.

After taking it all in, we’ll make our way back down to base camp for a quick reset before continuing the descent down the volcano.

Once back in Antigua, we’ll return to the hotel to shower, relax, and celebrate — yes, with a well-earned pizza party.

The rest of the evening is yours to rest, recover, and soak in the fact that you just hiked a volcano. Casual. 🌋

Meals Included: B, L

Accommodation: Hotel y Arte or similar

Our final day together is all about slowing down, soaking it all in, and celebrating the experience we’ve shared.

In the morning, we’ll head to a nearby village for a hands-on Guatemalan cooking class with a local family. You’ll be welcomed into their home with fresh coffee before diving into the experience. Together, we’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes like pepián and plantain mole, and even try our hand at making tortillas over a wood-fired stove.

This is more than just a cooking class. It’s a chance to connect and learn family recipes that have been passed down for generations. After cooking, we’ll sit down together to enjoy the meal we created — a really special and meaningful experience.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to enjoy Antigua however you’d like. Whether that’s picking up last-minute souvenirs, revisiting your favorite café, getting a massage, or simply wandering the streets one last time, this is your time to take it all in.

In the evening, we’ll come together for a very special farewell dinner at Wild Daughter, the perfect setting to reflect on everything we’ve experienced. It’s a beautiful, elevated outdoor space with incredible food and an atmosphere that feels like a celebration. The kind of night that makes you wish you could hit pause.

We’ll share stories, laughs, and probably a few “I can’t believe we actually did that” moments as we close out an unforgettable journey together. 💛

Meals Included: B, L, D

Accommodation: Hotel y Arte or similar

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you back to Guatemala City for your onward flight home—memories in tow.

Meals Included: B