TOLIMÁN VOLCANO CAMPING EXPERIENCE

Overnight activity - From $160 / person

Information

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Difficulty

Hard-Advanced

Start/End Point:

Santiago Atitlán

Hike Distance:

19 km (total)

Hike Duration:

8 hours (5 up 3 down)

Overview

With its twin summits and dramatic collapsed crater, Tolimán Volcano offers one of Guatemala’s most unique overnight hikes. Starting directly from Santiago Atitlán, the trail winds through cornfields, coffee plantations, and lush old-growth cloud forest before reaching a high-altitude campsite surrounded by towering trees. From basecamp, you’ll explore the inside of Tolimán’s hidden crater, hike to either summit for sweeping views, and enjoy both the sunset and sunrise in one of the most beautiful volcanic landscapes of Lake Atitlán.

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About the adventure

Essential Info

Start/ End Point: Santiago Atitlán (*We can coordinate pickup anywhere on the lake at an extra cost.)
Hike Distance: 19 km/ 11 mi (total)
Municipal Park: Atitlan-Toliman
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Max Elevation: 3,158 msl (10,360 ft)
Elevation Gain and Loss: 1,756m (5761 ft) up and 1,756m down (5761 ft)
Hike Duration: 8 hours (5 up, 3 down)
Total Duration: Multi-day activity (2-days)
Difficulty: Hard - Advanced

Adventure Pricing

What's included

A professional and bilingual adventure leader who will take you each step of the way
Conservation fee that supports reforestation, clean trails, and park preservation
Experienced local guide from Santiago Atitlán
Dinner (Day 1), breakfast (Day 2), and warm beverages
Basic first aid kit
Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, and mat — carried by participants; porters available at extra cost)

Your day on the Trail

- DAY 1 - ASCENT & CAMP
  - 8:00 AM: We depart from Santiago Atitlán, walking through the village streets before the trail gradually leads us into fields of maize and coffee. It’s a living landscape shaped by the daily work of local farmers and the volcanic soil beneath our feet.
  - 10:30 AM: As the trail rises, the farmlands give way to dense cloud forest. Here, the air cools, the light softens, and the forest reveals its towering oaks, mosses, and hidden birdlife. We hike steadily, pausing to rest and enjoy the shifting views of Lake Atitlán below.
  - 1:00 PM: We stop for your lunch along the trail, recharging before the final push. The last stretch grows steeper and more rugged, reminding us that Tolimán is both beautiful and demanding.
  - 4:00 PM: By mid-afternoon, we reach our campsite at the saddle between Tolimán’s twin summits. After setting up tents, there’s time to explore the volcano’s dramatic imploded crater or simply rest with a warm drink in hand. As the sun sets, dinner is shared under the forest canopy, and we settle into camp life beneath the stars.
- DAY 2 - SUNRISE & DESCENT
  - 5:30 AM: Before dawn, we take a short hike from camp to a nearby ridge. As the sky glows and the first light touches the horizon, Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes reveal themselves in a spectacular sunrise—an unforgettable moment best enjoyed with hot coffee or tea provided by Ati.
  - 7:00 AM: Back at camp, we gather for breakfast, pack our gear, and take time to enjoy the stillness of the morning forest. The saddle of Tolimán feels worlds away from the bustle of the villages below.
  - 9:30AM: By late morning, we begin our descent, winding back through cloud forest, farmlands, and the edges of Santiago Atitlán.
  - 12:00 PM: Tired but fulfilled, we arrive with a deeper connection to one of Lake Atitlán’s most distinctive volcanoes.

What to pack

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Reservation process

1. Choose Your Adventure

Pick your tour and dates

2. Secure Your Spot

Pay your deposit—balance due day before the adventure

3. Receive your Adventure Package

Confirmation, packing list and sign waiver link

4. Pack & Go!

Check our packing guides, gather your gear, connect with your adventure leader and get ready!

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Why Ati Adventures

Adventure with Purpose

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We craft experiences that are as meaningful as they are thrilling. Whether you're summiting a volcano or hiking through ancestral forests, our trips are curated to spark curiosity, reflection, and respect for the land.

Conservation Through Regenerative Travel

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We believe adventure should give back. Every ATI tour directly supports the protection of Atitlán’s natural parks, ecosystems, and watersheds. We plant trees, partner with municipalities and NGOs, and host community events that invite locals to explore their own landscapes — ensuring tourism restores, not depletes, this fragile region.

Locally Owned & Community Powered

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ATI Adventures is a locally owned, registered business rooted in Lake Atitlán. Our founders have over 30 years of combined guiding experience, and our local guides bring cultural insight, deep knowledge of the land, and a commitment to keeping tourism benefits in the community.

Safety in Every Step

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From meticulous route planning to high-quality gear and trained first-aid responders, we make sure every detail is in place so you can focus on the adventure, not the risks.

Learn our story