Guatemala has some of Central America’s most dramatic hiking – from overnight volcano summits watching lava erupt, to jungle treks to ancient Maya cities. This directory covers every major trail with real costs, difficulty ratings, and practical tips.
Volcano Hikes
The most iconic Guatemala experience. Over 30 volcanoes, several actively climbable.
| Trail | Difficulty | Duration | Cost (GTQ) | Elevation | Guide Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acatenango | Hard | 2 days | Q150-300 | 3,976m | Yes |
| Pacaya | Easy-Moderate | 4-5 hrs | Q150-200 | 2,552m | Yes |
| Volcan de Agua | Moderate-Hard | 6-8 hrs | Q50-100 | 3,766m | Recommended |
| Tajumulco | Hard | 2 days | Q100-200 | 4,220m | Recommended |
| Santa Maria | Hard | 6-8 hrs | Q50 | 3,772m | Recommended |
Lake & Nature Trails
| Trail | Difficulty | Duration | Cost (GTQ) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Nose | Easy | 1-2 hrs | Q25-50 | Lake Atitlan |
| San Pedro Volcano | Moderate-Hard | 5-6 hrs | Q100 | Lake Atitlan |
| Hobbitenango Trails | Easy | 1-3 hrs | Q100 | Antigua area |
| Cerro de la Cruz | Easy | 30 min | Free | Antigua |
Multi-Day Treks
| Trail | Duration | Cost (GTQ) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Mirador Trek | 5-6 days | Q2,000-4,000 | Largest Maya pyramid, jungle |
What to Bring
Essential gear for any Guatemala hike:
- Layers (it’s cold above 3,000m – near freezing at Acatenango summit)
- Rain jacket (even in dry season, afternoon showers happen)
- 2-3 liters of water minimum
- Headlamp (for pre-dawn summit pushes)
- Sunscreen + hat (UV is intense at altitude)
- Cash in quetzales (no ATMs at trailheads)
- Snacks – trail mix, granola bars, fruit
For overnight volcano hikes (Acatenango, Tajumulco):
- Sleeping bag rated to -5C or colder
- Tent or confirm campsite has shelters
- Extra warm layers (it drops below 0C at summit)
Safety Tips
- Always check volcanic activity before hiking (INSIVUMEH and CONRED)
- Start early – afternoon clouds and rain are common
- Altitude sickness is real above 3,500m – acclimatize in Antigua/Xela first
- Don’t hike alone in remote areas
- Tell your hotel your plans and expected return time
For department-by-department safety data, see our safety guide or explore the interactive map.
Prices verified February 2026. See our exchange rates for current USD/GTQ conversion and remittance rates if sending money from abroad.
