Recommendations for Visiting Acatenango Volcano

General Recommendations

• It is necessary to hire the guide service to ascend the Acatenango Volcano, the guide will determine the safe areas to reach the summit.
• It is not recommended to make the ascent to the Acatenango Volcano to people who are beginners or to children with health limitations, because they may suffer a lot of tiredness, muscle pain and despair during the ascent, for which, the experience would not be enjoyed.
• You must take into account the weather conditions before organizing your ascent to the volcano.
• Before organizing your visit to the Acatenango Volcano, it is recommended to consult the volcanological activity.
• Do not camp at the main summit of the Acatenango Volcano, the temperatures are usually very low.


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• It is recommended to follow the instructions of the authorities of each place.
• It is important to go to the volcano authorities to inform about your visit and what you want to do.
• You must take into account that you must use the clothing and the necessary equipment to ascend the volcano.
• It is recommended to have an emergency plan to avoid any inconvenience that may arise during the ascent.
• Put the garbage in its place, in case you are at the top, store the garbage in a bag and when you descend, put the garbage in the corresponding containers.

• All the equipment inside the backpacks must be protected against water, no matter that it is not winter.
• Carry a personalfirst aid kit.
• It is recommended to carry and drink enough water to avoid dehydration during the ascent, you must carry 3 liters at least.
• Respect the nature and the animals that are in the place.
• If you suffer from spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or are pregnant, you should not ascend the Acatenango Volcano.
• It is recommended that you take the enough money, in cash and in low denomination bills.
• Do not separate yourself from the group with which you ascend, and if necessary, you should warn when you need to take a break.

• Do not forget about your colleagues with whom you are moving up. If 10 people go up, 10 people must go down.
• If ash falls during the ascent, it is recommended to use lenses and a mask, you must take this natural phenomenon into account when putting your things in the backpack.
• You must identify the evacuation routes during the ascent to the volcano. It is recommended to contact the competent authorities to know the Response Plan (actions to provide a response to emergencies and natural disasters) of the volcano.
• In the event of a volcanic eruption during your visit, it is necessary that you follow the recommendations of the authorities and you must evacuate (if necessary) to the corresponding shelters.


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• It is forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages or sparkling water.
• No smokingbefore, during or after the tour.
• No stones or gravel can be extracted, unless with authorization.
• Sound equipment is not allowed in.
• Bonfires can be made, under extreme responsibility and in some cases only with permission from the authorities.

Equipment to move up

To ascend a volcano, it is necessary that you do it with the correct equipment and necessary for your trip, therefore it is important that you do not forget the following:

Subscript

• Daytime Climbing Equipment
• Camping Equipment

Equipment for Daytime and Nighttime Ascents

• Backpack from 40 to 50 liters (or less)
• Quick-drying t-shirts or t-shirts
• Tennis shoes or boots (not new, not white, not chinitas)
• Pants: woolen, pants or quick-drying, waterproof, etc.
• Gloves, hat and wool scarf

• Sufficient amount of water
• Photographic camera
• Food or snacks
• Anorak: heavy jacket with hood and nylon cover.


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• Windbreaker
• Money and identification documents
• Phone with enough battery
• Flashlight and batteries
• Personal care products: repellent, cream or sunscreen, etc.)
• Waterproof layer

• Canes
• Cap or balaclava
• Toilet paper and antibacterial gel
• Matches
• Small knife
• Garbage bag

Camping Equipment

• 40 to 50-liter backpack
• Tent
• Sleeping bag

• Cash, identification documents, and a fully charged phone
• Sweatpants or yoga pants, and warm pants for cold weather
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Sweater
• Comfortable walking shoes in good condition
• Waterproof rain jacket or windbreaker


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• Wool hat, gloves, and scarf
• Wool socks, an extra pair, and underwear
• Enough food
• Sunglasses, a hat or cap, and sunscreen

• Lip balm
• Sleeping pad (insulating mat, thermal blanket, or foam sleeping mat)
• Compass and map (essential)
• Flashlight and batteries
• Trekking poles
• Cooking utensils (should be lightweight and compact)
• Water bottle
• Bandana (worn around the mouth)
• Whistle (for emergencies)
• Multi-tool knife:
• Large blade: main tool
• Ruler
• Scissors: small but useful for cutting paper, rubber, plastic, etc.
• Can opener: essential for opening canned food
• Bottle opener.
• Small flat-head screwdriver
• Large flat-head screwdriver
• Wire bender (usually integrated into the bottle opener)
• File

Recommended Food to Bring

The type and amount of food you should pack for hiking Acatenango Volcano depends on your excursion. Below are some ideas of what you can bring:

Table of Contents

• During the Hike
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Food for the Hike

• Raw carrot sticks
• Snacks
• Mixed nuts
• Fresh fruit
• Roasted sweet potatoes

Breakfast Food

• Fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, etc.) that won't get crushed easily.
• Sandwiches or any type of bread with filling that will keep you satisfied.
• Granola bars and seeds such as raisins, almonds, peanuts, etc.
• Hydration drinks
• Oatmeal or cereal
• Cooked vegetables
• Snacks

Lunch Food

• Sandwiches and wraps of your choice
• Canned tuna or sardines
• Cooked chicken and vegetables
• Beans
• Flour tortillas
• Deli meats

Dinner Food

• Instant cup soups or canned soups
• Noodles and tomato sauce
• Tortillas
• Cheese
• Sausages
• Coffee and sugar
• Teas

Recommended First Aid Kit

• Gauze pads
• Bandages
• Latex gloves
• Blunt-tip surgical scissors
• Dissecting forceps with and without teeth
• Antibacterial gel
• Micropore tape

• Ethyl alcohol
• Oral rehydration powder
• Ibuprofen or pain reliever (for pain and inflammation)
• Anti-nausea medicine


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• Anti-diarrheal medicine
• Sanitary pads
• Vicks or menthol balm for the lips
• Wet wipes
• Band-Aids
• Antacid
• Face mask

Emergency Protocols

Table of Contents

• If You Get Lost on Acatenango Volcano
• How to Use WhatsApp to Be Rescued
• What Is Altitude Sickness and How to Prevent It?

If You Get Lost on Acatenango Volcano

• If the groups are very large, they should be divided into groups of 5 people.
• During the ascent, a person who knows the terrain can be assigned to guide the group, but it is recommended that another experienced person stays at the back. This helps prevent anyone from being left behind and getting lost. As the group moves forward, it is essential to identify reference points.
• It is recommended to inform family members, friends, or any trusted person that you will be climbing the volcano, and leave them a phone number so they can contact you whenever they need to. Your mobile device should have GPS and a compass, as this will help if you get lost along the way.
• It is recommended to wear fluorescent clothing so you can be easily identified, and it is important not to wear camouflage clothing.
• If the group exceeds the number of people allowed for one guide, a second guide must be hired.


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• If you get lost, it is recommended to stay calm, accept the situation, and be patient. If you panic and run without direction, you will only waste energy and make it harder to find you.
• You should look for shelter.
• If it takes a long time to locate you and night falls, it is recommended that you carry and use a thermal blanket. This will help wrap your body and maintain body heat, helping you avoid exposure to the low temperatures that the weather may bring.
• Each person should carry a whistle. If someone gets lost, it can be used to communicate with the group.
• If you get lost, you should continue toward the summit to get your bearings, if the weather allows it. Descending is not recommended because you may not know where you are heading.
• Keep in mind that if your family members, friends, or trusted people knew about your climb and you have not contacted them or arrived at your destination, they have probably already reported your situation to the authorities, so the search may have already started.

How to Use WhatsApp to Be Rescued

One of the many advantages of our mobile devices is the ability to use apps that allow us to communicate with other people through different platforms where, in addition to exchanging messages, we can share photos and our location.

If you get lost during your ascent to the volcano, you can use your phone to help locate yourself more quickly.

The first step is to contact someone. When you are lost, the best thing to do is call an emergency number, as long as there is 3G coverage. If there is no coverage, you should look for a connection without taking risks.

As a second step, you should activate your device’s GPS. This will allow your location to be geolocated, with a small margin of error. However, it has been proven that sending your coordinates through WhatsApp is more accurate when you need to be located.

The third and final step is to send your location through the app to the contact of the person you established communication with.

To send it, press the “clip” icon to attach a file, then press “location” and select the send option. After sending it, within a few seconds the rescue team will receive the message with your exact location. It is important that you wait exactly where you sent your location from so rescuers do not have trouble finding you.

What Is Altitude Sickness and How to Prevent It?

Because Acatenango Volcano is 3,976 meters above sea level, it falls within the “very high” elevation range. Because of this, oxygen concentrations are limited at high altitudes above sea level; the body works harder to oxygenate the blood. This type of discomfort usually occurs at around 2,500 meters of elevation, although sometimes it only occurs at around 3,500 meters.

“Altitude sickness” is the body’s reaction when it does not adapt to the altitude above sea level, causing symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, and physical weakness. Altitude can also affect sleep.

Some recommendations to prevent or reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness are:

• You can spend a few days at an altitude higher than 1,500 meters above sea level. This will help your body get used to that altitude.
• Drinking water during the ascent to Acatenango Volcano is essential, because as you hike your body loses fluids. That is why you need to drink water or oral rehydration solution.
• Avoid substances that relax your body, such as alcoholic beverages, smoking tobacco, and some sleeping pills.
• When climbing Acatenango Volcano, you should take it calmly and go at your own pace. There is no need to run to reach the summit.
• Eat some carbohydrates to help reduce the symptoms.
• If the symptoms are very strong, rest until they disappear and take the appropriate medicine.