Antigua, a solo night on Acatenango beside erupting Fuego, and Lake Atitlán. My exact 7 day route with costs, stays and the GPX of the volcano hike.

In May 2026 I spent seven days in Guatemala on my own. I hiked Acatenango solo with no guide, slept near the summit and watched Fuego erupt all night, rode a chicken bus down, swam off the rocks at Lake Atitlán and walked to the airport past the zoo. This is every step, cost and lesson.

What's inside

• 7 day itinerary, day by day, with every stop linked in Google Maps

• Elevation profiles and a GPX of my Acatenango hike

• How I hiked Acatenango solo, without a guide, for Q50

• What I actually spent, per day and per category (about $510 on the ground)

• How to get around: taxis, Uber, chicken buses, shuttles, boats and tuk tuks

• Every place I slept, with links

• Gear for a night on the volcano, safety and altitude

• 12 lessons learned and a one page trip sheet

Bonus

GPX file of the Acatenango hike, plus a read me on loading it into your app or watch.

Who it's for

Budget friendly and solo travellers who want a short, packed Guatemala trip with one big adventure.

Good to know

• Instant download, PDF plus GPX

• Prices from my May 2026 trip

• Double check the Acatenango entry fee before you go

• Download before you fly

Watch the trip on my channel, @dean_tucker.