GUNUNG · Guatemala
Volcán de Fuego
Chi Q'aq'
Source
Photo: source
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Source: Open-Meteo
Information
- Elevation
- 3.763 m
- Country
- Guatemala (GT)
- Location / Range
- Sierra Madre / La Horqueta complex (together with Acatenango), Chimaltenango–Sacatepéquez–Escuintla border, Guatemala
- Mountain type
- Active stratovolcano
- Volcanic?
- Yes — volcano
- Coordinates
- 14.4747, -90.8808
- Difficulty
- Moderate–strenuous (guided climb via the Acatenango base camp; the direct route to the summit is very dangerous)
- Best Season
- November–April (dry season)
- Permits & Rules
- An area entry ticket is required (about GTQ 110); an additional permit for a direct climb to the summit of Fuego is needed and depends on eruption conditions
- Hazards
- Active eruptions every 15–20 minutes; toxic gas, volcanic ash, pyroclastic flows, lahars — the route to the summit of Fuego is often closed during high activity
Description
Volcán de Fuego (3,763 m), known in Kaqchikel as Chi Q'aq' ('where the fire is'), is one of the most continuously active volcanoes in Central America — erupting roughly every 15–20 minutes. Sitting about 16 km west of Antigua Guatemala on the border of Chimaltenango, Sacatepéquez and Escuintla departments, Fuego forms a twin-volcano complex called La Horqueta with Acatenango to its north. The catastrophic eruption of 3 June 2018 killed at least 194 people in pyroclastic flows, making it Guatemala's deadliest volcanic event since 1929. Most visitors experience Fuego from the Acatenango base camp (~3,750 m) on an overnight tour — camping to watch glowing lava light up the night sky every few minutes. A direct summit route exists but is highly hazardous and only attempted by experienced climbers with local guides when conditions allow.
Gallery
Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.
Routes
Rute Langsung Puncak Fuego (via La Horqueta, hanya dengan pemandu)
Berat–Sangat Berat (berbahaya, tidak direkomendasikan tanpa pemandu)Direct summit ascent to Fuego (3,763 m) via the technical route from the La Horqueta saddle — steep volcanic scree, toxic gas hazard, and sudden eruption risk. The route is frequently closed during high-activity periods. Only attempted with an experienced local guide who monitors volcanic conditions in real time.
SourceVia Basecamp Acatenango (Overnight Trek)
Sedang–BeratMost popular approach: starting from La Soledad (~1,900 m), a 5–7 hour ascent to Acatenango base camp (~3,750 m) where you camp overnight facing the active Fuego. From base camp, trekkers can descend to the La Horqueta saddle and approach Fuego's flank — how close you can get depends on current eruption activity. Many guided tours run from Antigua (USD 80–200 range). An optional sunrise hike to Acatenango's summit (3,976 m) is available the next morning.
SourceClimbing Experiences
Volcán de Fuego is best experienced from the Acatenango base camp (~3,750 m) — sleeping overnight while watching lava erupt every 15–20 minutes. Guided tours from Antigua typically run 2 days/1 night with a 5–7 hour climb to base camp, an optional descent toward Fuego's saddle, and an optional sunrise hike to Acatenango's summit (3,976 m). The direct Fuego summit route is not advised without an experienced local guide.
References
The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.