Overnight Guatemala's Acatenango Volcano

Backpacking Acatenango, just outside Antigua, is one of the many experiences that makes Guatemala a once in a lifetime kind of trip. When else will you hike through four temperate zones (high farmland, cloud forest, high-alpine forest, and volcanic), camp near the summit of a dormant volcano, and watch eruptions from active neighbors, Fuego and Agua?

You have to pay a price for an experience like this, though - this hike up can be pretty tough. To illustrate how tough, one of the sections of the hike through the volcanic temperate zone is called "Purgatory." In reality, though, if you are in good physical shape you will be just fine, and the beauty of the trip overall will more than make up for your aching muscles.

We recommend booking with one of the local guide companies based nearby. Not only do they have invaluable local knowledge, they also provide amenities that compliment the experience incredibly well. A glass of champagne and fresh pita bread sandwich while watching the sun set over two erupting volcanoes? Not so bad.

Here are a couple guided trip providers I would recommend:

• OX Expeditions
• Old Town Outfitters