The 3 Volcano Challenge in Guatemala

If any of the volcano summits are closed for safety reasons by local authorities, your host will choose an alternative trek. Any replacement route will match the trip’s difficulty level and support safe altitude acclimatization.

For groups of up to four, there will be one guide. Groups of five to eight will have two guides, and groups of nine to 14 will be accompanied by three guides. In addition to the main hiking guides, support staff will assist with camping logistics on Acatenango and Tolimán, depending on group size.

Yes, you can leave your excess luggage in Antigua if needed. Be aware that you won't be returning to Antigua until the end of the trip, so you'll need to take everything with you for the volcano climbs.

Tap water in Guatemala isn’t safe to drink, so please use bottled or filtered water. Each hotel provides filtered water for you to fill your bottles before hikes - make sure to carry enough for the day. Your host is committed to reducing single-use plastic, so bottled water won’t be provided at any point during the trip.

No, your local host has a private basecamp on Acatenango so you don't have to carry up the camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat plus cooking gear). For the climb up to Tajumulco summit, you'll be helped to take the camping gear to the campsite by local people from the community. On these two days, you only need to carry your water for the hike up, clothes, and any other extras you want. Filtered drinking water is available at the camping spots so you can refill your bottles at the end of the hikes, and before descending the following day. You won’t need a big backpack, you will be fine with a day backpack of approx 30-35 liters.

If you prefer to hike with an even lighter load, local porters to the overnight camp sections are available to rent locally at an extra cost: $25USD each way. Your host in Guatemala has worked alongside local communities around the volcanoes to help set up a guide association to ensure fair pay for porters and guides, and high safety standards for all visitors to the volcanoes. If you'd like to request this service, please speak to your host or your guide before the trip or during the first briefing.

This trip visits locations at or above 8,200ft, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.

Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group well-being, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.

Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatize can also make a big difference.

Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.

This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme levels, with limited shade and, at times, high humidity adding to the challenge. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but staying well hydrated, wearing suitable clothing, and using sun protection is essential.

Before traveling, consider your ability to remain active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns, especially if you have cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two before the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.