ATITLÁN VOLCANO CAMPING EXPERIENCE

Overnight activity - From $170 / person

Information

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Difficulty

Hard-Advanced

Start/End Point:

Santiago Atitlán

Hike Distance:

15 km (total)

Hike Duration:

8 hours (5 up, 3 down)

Overview

Rising 3,537 meters above sea level, Atitlán Volcano offers one of the most unforgettable camping experiences in Guatemala. This two-day expedition begins in Santiago Atitlán and takes you through coffee plantations, tropical cloud forest, and rugged alpine volcanic terrain before reaching a high-altitude campsite near the summit. From here, you’ll enjoy a magical sunset, a star-filled night sky, and a breathtaking sunrise above Lake Atitlán and surrounding volcanoes. It’s a demanding challenge with equally extraordinary rewards.

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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: 15 km/ 9 mi (total)
Municipal Park: Atitlán-Tolimán
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Max Elevation: 3,537 msl (11,604 ft)
Elevation Gain and Loss: 1,600m up (5274 ft) and 1,600m down (5274 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
Round-trip transportation to the trailhead (we’ll be riding on the back of a pick-up truck)
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’ll meet in Santiago Atitlán for a short transfer by a pickup truck to the trailhead. The morning ride is a chance to take in the quiet lake views and anticipate the challenge ahead.
- 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM: The ascent begins gradually, weaving through ancestral farmland where locals cultivate coffee, corn, and beans on volcanic soil. The air cools quickly as we climb, and the scenery shifts into lush cloud forest alive with bird calls, orchids, and ferns. We’ll pause for breaks, water, and stories about the volcano’s history and composition.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break along the trail. We’ll rest, refuel, and take in sweeping views that open up toward Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanic peaks.
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: The trail steepens into rugged alpine terrain. The final push is the most challenging, with volcanic rock underfoot and expansive views at our backs.
- 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM: We arrive at the campsite. Together, we’ll set up tents and settle in. Hot drinks are served as the sun begins its descent, painting the sky over the lake in shades of fire and gold. The panoramic view from camp is unforgettable — a perfect reward after the climb.
- 6:30 PM: We enjoy dinner at the campsite, followed by time to rest and stargaze. With minimal light pollution, the night sky reveals the Milky Way in brilliant clarity. We come together to share stories, sip something warm, and rest well for an early sunrise.

DAY 2 - SUNRISE & DESCENT
- 4:30AM: We wake before dawn for the final push to the summit. The trail is steep and demanding, but reaching the peak just as the first light spills over Lake Atitlán is an unforgettable reward. From 3,500 meters, the view reveals the lake far below and the volcanic chain stretching across Guatemala.
- 7:30 AM: We return to base camp for a well-earned breakfast. After packing up our gear, we’ll begin our descent back down the volcano.
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: We begin the journey down. The descent retraces our steps, but the perspective is fresh: morning mist rolling through the valleys, forest light filtering in, and renewed energy in our steps.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: We arrive at the trailhead where our vehicle awaits. A short ride brings us back to Santiago Atitlán, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.

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