Acatenango Packing List
What to pack for the Acatenango overnight hike: water, warm layers, a headlamp and snacks, what the tours lend you or rent before the start, and what to leave in Antigua.
Pack for a long climb and a freezing night: at least 3 litres of water, warm layers you can add as you stop, a headlamp, more snacks than you think, hiking shoes with grip and a rain layer. What you do not need to carry depends on the tour: most lend a jacket, gloves and a hat, most provide the sleeping bag, and some rent backpacks, poles and flashlights before you set off. The lists below come from the tours we compare.
Water and food
- Water: at least 3 litres a person on Volcano Expeditions' hike, where about half a litre goes on coffee or hot chocolate at camp. On Acatenango Experience VIP's small group the list says at least 2 litres, plus rehydration packets.
- Snacks. The hike is long, and extra food is on Volcano Expeditions' list: sandwiches, snacks, fruit and protein bars. In the 350 newest reviews of that hike (8 May to 7 November 2026), several reviewers, happy ones among them, say to bring more.
- Room in your pack for the tour’s food. Two of those reviews say the day’s food is handed out at the start and you carry it up yourself.
Three of those reviews also mention stalls on the way up selling water and snacks. Carry cash for them, and do not count on them for all your water.
Clothes for the climb and the night
You climb in the sun and sleep in the cold. Nights get very cold on Volcano Expeditions' hike, and at Acatenango Experience VIP's base camp it is 0 °C to 4 °C. That tour’s list is the fullest of those we compare:
- a thermal base layer, top and bottom;
- a sweater or fleece and a warm jacket;
- a beanie, gloves and, if you like, a balaclava;
- four pairs of thermal socks.
Hiking pants are on Tours & Activities SA's list, and a rain jacket, depending on the season, on Volcano Expeditions'. Add sunglasses and sunscreen for the day. Wear hiking shoes: sandals and flip-flops are not allowed on Tours & Activities SA's tour.
Light, power and the small things
- A flashlight or headlamp, with spare batteries; the summit climb starts in the dark.
- A power bank, on Acatenango Experience VIP's list.
- Toilet paper. There are three bathroom stops on the way up on Volcano Expeditions' hike, and you bring your own paper.
- Toiletries, lip balm with sun protection, wet wipes, hand sanitiser and any medicines you need.
- A pillow, on Volcano Expeditions' list; one is provided on Tours & Activities SA's tour.
- Cash. The park entrance is extra on Volcano Expeditions' and Tours & Activities SA's hikes: the municipality charges foreign visitors Q100 (quetzales) a person (checked November 2026). See the entrance fee and rules.
- Your passport. The number is needed when you book Tours & Activities SA's tour, and the passport or a copy goes on Silverbacks Experiences' list.
What the tours lend or include
| Tour | Lent or included | Bring or rent |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Day Acatenango Volcano Hiking Adventure (Volcano Expeditions) | Jacket (not waterproof), gloves, hat, sleeping bag, mat, luggage storage | Flashlights, backpacks, hiking shoes and poles for rent before the hike |
| Acatenango Volcano Overnight Tour (Tours & Activities SA) | Sleeping bag, mattress and pillow | Gear, arranged by WhatsApp before the day |
| Small-Group Acatenango Hike & Eruption-View Cabins (Acatenango Experience VIP) | Mattress and sleeping bag | The full list of warm layers; a porter at extra cost |
| Acatenango with Overnight Stay by 4WD + Glamping (Silverbacks Experiences) | Jacket, gloves, beanie, headlamp, sleeping bag, a storage area at camp | Daypack, reusable bottle, thermal clothing |
| Two day hiking tour to the Acatenango Volcano (Experience GT) | Gloves, hat, jacket, flashlight, walking stick, two litres of water | One or two litres of water more |
| Overnight Adventure Hike Acatenango Volcano (Brothers Expeditions) | Sleeping bags, mats, gloves, sweaters | Backpack, walking stick, flashlight |
From the tours’ inclusions and packing notes (GetYourGuide checked November 2026, Viator checked November 2026).
A pack you can carry
A backpack of about 45 litres is the size on Volcano Expeditions' list. Everything above goes in it, along with the water, which on its own weighs 3 kg. Leave the rest of your luggage behind: luggage storage is included on that hike while you are up the mountain.
Not sure the climb is for you? How hard is the Acatenango hike covers the effort, and the tour companies compared shows what each one includes.
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