Guatemala 5 Volcano Challenge

I would highly recommend this trip to anyone. The scenery is amazing, the organisation was excellent and I had the best time. I forgot a head torch and poles, both very much needed. On day one they took us to the company’s shop and they lent me the kit no problem

Excellent experience with awesome great tour guides Joel and Didi. Would recommend this trip to anybody with an active lifestyle. Definietly challenging, you need to consistently push yourself, super satisfying to comlete the hikes everyday. Phenomenal views at everything location, we only got clouded out occasionally in early November. I enjoyed the reasonably aggressive pace/scheudle to visit all of the cool spots. Fun group of strangers that all got along great. Fair amount of time in the bus, but I loved looking out at the Guatemalan countryside. This was my first MBA trip and can't wait to plan another.

Gear: I brought the entire recommended gear kit. Poles were super usefull for 80% of the hikes. Never used the gaiters, these probably would have been nice in a few specific spots, but alternatively you could just empty sand/rocks out of your shoes 2-3 times. Didn't use the multiple neck buffs, maybe it just wasn't cold enough for us. Motion sickness pills (non drowsy dramamine) were clutch for some of the bus rides on steep roads

A great, well organised trip! The walks were amazing, and the hotels were lovely. The guides Joel and Diana really made the trip and the two camps and sunrises were unforgettable. Can't recommend this to enough!

The trip was an amazing experience, ended up with a very fun like-minded group. Need to give a shout out to our guide Jerry from Old Town Outfitters. His knowledge and friendship really made this trip stand out compared to other tips I've taken.

This trip was superb from start to finish and far exceeded all of my expectations. I’ve made memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life and I am so thankful to the guides for making this trip so special, especially Joel who’s passion and enthusiasm for exploring his country is inspiring.

Easily one of the most challenging, yet rewarding weeks of my life.

Guatemala is a beautiful country and the hikes are stunning. Five volcanoes in a week is tough work, but every hike has its strengths and the sense of achievement is enormous once competed.

Our guides Joel and Diana were incredibly professional and friendly. Both are wonderful souls and were accommodating and positive throughout. I’ll genuinely miss them.

If you’re considering this trip - do it!

Dear Team - I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how fantastic I thought the trip was.

Jerry and the team were fantastic and I later found out that this was the first trip Jerry has been in charge of. Jerry and all the guys were magnificent.

I understand a few of the other group members were "a bit hard work" but the changes were handled, I thought brilliantly and with great professionalism.

I will have no hesitation in recommending "THE OLD TOWN OUTFITTERS and Much Better Adventures to whoever asks me !!!!!

Best Wishes

Nick Thompson

As a ‘frequent trekker’ I must congratulate yourselves and the team / Jerry / Vnny and David for a super well organised visit to Guatemala.

Despite this being a tough trek - the organisation was super smooth and everyone was well looked after. Jerry probably has the biggest smile ever seen on a guide and there is a genuine enthusiasm for guest and environment.

Well done all

Best

Mark Hodgkinson

Cannot recommend this trip enough! What a great country, culture, fantastic hikes and views all explored with an insipring bunch of people (Uno-Ocho)! Our guides: Joel, Uriel & Vinni made the trip such a special experience. Muchas gracias for looking after all of us. Vinni's laughs will stay with us forever!!! So grateful to have met You all. Vamos a la playa chicos!

The trip was truly remarkable, filled with numerous adventures and an abundance of enjoyment. Our guides, Joel, Vinny, and Uriel, meticulously organized every aspect of the journey, offering not only essential support but also their friendship. We experienced unforgettable moments while climbing volcanoes, staying in a campsite with breath taking views, and traveling between various locations.

Our group of eight thoroughly enjoyed our time together, and it would be wonderful to embark on another adventure as a team.

This was the most amazing adventure in Guatemala - made all the better by our brilliant guides Joel, Vinny and Uriel who were exceptional in every way!! They were very friendly, supportive and ensured that everyone in the group was fully catered for and supported throughout the trip but especially on the climbs! I can still hear Vinny’s infectious laughter now!! They freely shared the love they have for their beautiful country and culture and this just added to the experience of this trip!! The climbs were challenging at times but the sunrises and views from the summits were worth all the effort!!

Thankyou Joel, Vinny and Uriel for making this a trip full of memories that will last a lifetime!!

I can’t recommend this trip highly enough!! Get it booked - you won’t regret it!!

What an amazing lifetime experience. I went with a good friend in August 2024 and formed part of a group of 8 people. The group were excellent, like-minded people who I know I will keep in contact with after this trip. We worked as a team the whole time and never went off ahead or left people behind. This true team approach was instilled by the guides. The guides (Joel as the lead guide, Uriel as the equipment guide, and Vini as the cook and guide) were simply fantastic. You could tell that they have worked together often, their skills and personalities complement each other perfectly. I could not have asked for a better team of guides. I felt challenged, supported and safe in their hands at all times.

The trip itself was a perfect way to switch off from reality back home. The volcano hikes were equally challenging and rewarding; the bus and boat transfers were a great way to see the country and how different each area feels; the restaurants and bars the guides recommended were perfect for after a day's hiking. All in all, time vanished and I was on the flight back home before I knew it. Was the trip what I expected - yes and more! Would I recommend Much Better Adventures and the Guatemala 5 Volcano Challenge - without a doubt!

Thank you Joel, Uriel, and Vini! Vamos a la playa!

This is an exciting and active way to spend some time in Guatemala. All the scenery was spectacular and two of the volcanoes really stood out. The campsites were beautiful, and the hikes were brilliant. It is quite challenging though, so be prepared for that. The guides were lovely, and very caring, and the atmosphere was light hearted and fun. We had a fantastic group, and it is definitely a trip I will remember.

There are a few things to consider, not negatives, but simply considerations and things I had wished I had known before going:

Hidden costs - a lot of meals are not included and there are a lot of people to tip. Guatemala is also quite an expensive country, so the cost of the trip as a whole starts to add up. The itinerary - a huge amount of time in the bus! The guides were lovely, but they were not all ware of walking at altitude. There was inconsistency with the guides with this, so be prepared to hold your ground with going slower when up high. Food - If you have any form of food allergies, bring food with you, and I would recommend bringing snacks etc regardless, more so than you would usually, because the food provided for lunch was not sufficient. There was a lot of reliance on crisps and oreos.

A really great trip made even more special by our Guides Luis and David. The hikes were tough but very rewarding. I wouldn’t recommend for people not used to hiking. We bought some hiking poles the day before setting off which were really helpful. Out of our couple, one of us had boots, one had sturdy trail shoes. The boots were better, but it is doable in good trail shoes/trainers. The volcanoes are stunning. Pleased we got to travel around Guatemala and different parts of the country. I’d recommend adding a day or two extra in Antigua before or after, as it’s a really cool city. The local tour company were brilliant (old town outfitters). I would advise against this trip if you’re really scared of dogs, there’s lots of strays everywhere, pretty harmless and nobody got attacked, but just to note there’s a lot just hanging around! The least impressive part was probably the thermal baths, it seemed a long drive for an average experience, we’d have maybe preferred just a few hours to explore Xela city. I think a head torch was on the “recommended” part of the kit list but it is 100% essential! The hotels were all nice and were comfortable, and the sleeping bags were warm for the two camping nights. You should expect to tip the local porters at each volcano and then the main local guides who are with you all week, so factor this into the total cost of the trip (they did a great job so was thoroughly deserved!). A couple of people in our group suffered mild to moderate altitude sickness on the 2 highest volcanoes, if you think you’re at risk of this definitely get some Diamox tablets, and drink electrolytes to ensure you’re fully hydrated. The symptoms improved rapidly as soon as we descended. If possible, arrive in Antigua a couple of days early to acclimatise and explore!

This was quite the epic and memorable adventure with sights and natural phenomena unlike anywhere in the world. The beauty of Guatemala was unsurpassed, silent — due to the off the beaten path nature of it — and powerful — because VOLCANOES. Fuego was a sight to behold and one that should not be overlooked.

The hikes were challenging, the terrain so new and exciting to experience! I did all hikes in trailer runners and low gaiters. If you normally hike in trail runners, then you will be fine. My gaiters ended up being my most invaluable gear; they were helpful in keeping out the scree of my shoes during the exhilarating slides down the face of the volcano! In addition, I didn’t bring poles originally and was eternally grateful to the local guide company for providing my friend and I one each. They ended up being so helpful as well!

The group was a fine team and such great company. Guides Diego and Vini were the dream team. They each had such an infectious, positive energy that radiated throughout the group. Most importantly though, they ensured our safety when it came to AMS; they stressed the signs and symptoms constantly and made sure the group speed was ideal for optimal acclimatization. I also felt secure especially on San Pedro when two police officers joined our crew to keep the banditos away.

This was my first time in Central America and it was a great first venture into the region. And I can say with confidence that it will not be my last!

This was such an incredible trip! Guatemala is amazing and getting to see several parts of the country was great. The volcanoes were absolutely stunning. The hiking was difficult but doable and the guides were great about accommodating the different speeds of our group. I definitely recommend preparing for the altitude as much as possible and/or take medication. We had a great group and the guides (Vini and Diego) were phenomenal! Overall highly recommend this trip, definitely one of the coolest trips I’ve taken.

Everything was great! From guides to logistics to team. Top 10 travel experience because of Acate and Fuego. The guides, Diego and Vini were very vocal about AMS sickness and always concerned about you. You always felt like you were in good hands. Local tips and insights were especially helpful.

We had a brilliant experience on the 5 volcano’s trip in Guatemala. The hikes were challenging but manageable for the whole group and very rewarding! The landscapes were beautiful and the experience was elevated by the energy of our guides Joel, Vini and Rudy. Their infectious energy, enthusiasm and support kept us motivated and their adaptability ensured we got the best experience possible. Couldn’t have asked for a better adventure or a better group of people to share it with.

Absolutely fantastic challenge! As mentioned by others, the adventure is indeed challenging but very rewarding. I can't recommend it enough!

We were lucky to have a fabulous local crew from Old Town outfitters and incredible group of hikers! The views you'd see on this trip are to remember for life!

As a famous slogan says JUST DO IT!

P.S. Huge thanks to Joel and David for keeping us safe, motivated and entertained, to Viny for keeping us well fed, to Henry for delivering us safe and sound to all destinations! <3

An outstanding all round trip. Seeing a live volcano (Fuego) was a lifetime experience. The organisation and tempo of the trip was outstanding. The hikes were well paced, and the views stunning. I loved the 2 overnight camps/sunrises which adds to the adventure. The guides and wider support team were very helpful, professional, fun and engaging which added to great dynamics. We also had a great group; which I expect is typical of the sort of people who travel with MBA. I strongly recommend you take walking poles. Also very good value for the amount we achieved in such a short space of time. Ensure chose the right time of year; when not too hot, but when the rainy season has passed so likely to have clear views.

This is an awesome trip at the top of my list of experiences! If you like being out and active, beautiful views and experience the impressive power of volcanoes.

The guides are really professional, friendly and take good care of you. The group dynamics were great, everyone is excited to share this experience.

Just to provide some reference for others: I didn't have much hiking experience, but I'm an active runner and cycler, 40 years old. I loved the physical activity, obviously the hikes cost quite some energy, but I could do them all all without too much challenge. Others indicated they had to push themselves more to complete the trip, but I think anyone who is active and up for it can do it!

Insights:

• I never used poles before, but glad I brought a pair
• I used trail running shoes, which were perfect mostly and would choose them again. Would wear higher socks next time though.
• I had 1 fleece and 1 warm jacket, this was sufficient. Gloves are nice at dawn hikes.
• I used a 2l water bladder, it's really nice to be able to easily drink whenever you feel like it without having to stop. And electrolytes!
• No need to worry about baggage, they drive everything between each hotel.
• Not needed: Water purification . First-aid kit (guides had this), biodegradable bags.

A brilliant trip: physically and mentally demanding, but so worth it. The views were epic, the guides were patient and motivating, the rest of the adventurers were legends.

Along with what others have said, walking poles are a real asset, you probably won't need waterproof trousers or water purification tablets.

It would be great if more opportunities to swim could be built into the schedule. Lake Atitlan is too polluted.

Look out for the manageress at the hotel in Lake Atitlan. She's from the Basil Fawlty school of hoteliers!

Thanks to Jose, David, and especially Vini. The only reason I made it up San Pedro volcano is because it's his favourite!

We had an excellent experience, the guides were professional, friendly and with a very good energy. They made sure everything ran smoothly even when the unexpected happened. Food was also great. Guatemala has great culture and the hikes are challenging but also manageable. Seeing volcanoes in person is something everyone who gets the chance should do!

Fabulous scenery amazing guides incredibly friendly locals. All hotel where basic but comfortable with good breakfasts and helpful staff. Our driver did a great job too only criticism was that there was bit too much driving but it was worth it to climb San Pedro volcano. So lovely in the forest and not busy like the taller more famous volcanos and to see and travel on lake Atitlan. Dispite being such a disparate group we did become a team...

Lovely adventure.

First day was way longer then expected. I did not mind but could have been good to be prepeared for a long day.

It is a tough adventure for sure but not impossible. Can deffently recomend. Very skillful and lively guides. Execellent food throughot

Some notes on the packing list:

You will need: -walking poles -warm gloves

You will not need: -waterpurification tablets.

I couldn’t find a single fault with the trip; amazing staff, excellent choice of hotels, all food provided was delicious, well organised and, although a challenge, extremely rewarding. Despite more than half the other travellers being thirty plus years younger than me Pepi, Vinnie and Jerry made sure I accomplished every volcano, they were patient and supportive throughout.

A fantastic trip run by Pepian, Vinnie and Jerry. They couldn't have been more encouraging or have made it more fun. Our group was made up of speedsters and us slower people. They handled the difference well. Vinnie was the cook and made sure we were all fueled up on the camping trips. Gerry helped develop my Spanish and Pepian made sure it all ran smoothly while making some good conversation. My group all had an ace time.

I recently participated in Much Better Adventure's Guatemala 5 Volcano Challenge that was locally run by Old Town Outfitters. It was spectacular. The guides (Pepian, Luis and Josias) were so caring, knowledgeable and fun. They were able to accommodate for a wide range of hiking paces and dietary restrictions. We quite literally couldn't have done it without them!

I know I read a ton of reviews when prepping for this trip so here are a couple tips/insights that my group agreed on:

• Hiking poles are a must. Everyone that didn't bring some ended up using a stick.
• It gets very dusty so I would recommend bringing some wipes to clean up especially on the nights you camp.
• You are going to be hiking all over Guatemala so you will be in the bus for chunks of time. It's just part of the deal so make sure you're prepared with headphones and portable chargers.
• The "challenging" classification is accurate. You are hiking for 7 days in a row so while it's doable be prepared to be tired/sore/challenged!

Overall this trip was a great way to see Guatemala and I would highly recommend it to any hiker in my life!

Good scenery, friendly hosts, nice place to visit.

Amazing trip highly recommend for those look to explore Central America the accommodation was really good and when camp everything is taken care of for you the food throughout the trip was delicious and the guides did everything in there power to make sure you enjoyed the trip going out of there way to make it happen would like to thank Joel Mateo our lead guide Josias Back our chef and guide Rudy Tala who sorted all the kit and guide.