# @squirrelmusttravel on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DLdOpuYyPJn
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/31958844-squirrelmusttravel-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/019d7fa842.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-06-28T19:46:36.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Evan & Angela Miller / Adventure Travel (@squirrelmusttravel) — https://gondola.cc/squirrelmusttravel

## Caption

Read BEFORE attempting this Bucket List hike 🫣…

Number 4 may be the most important ⤵️

Knocking off a bucket list experience is always a great idea…if you’re prepared! And this one definitely requires preparation 👍 🥾.

BACKSTORY: Last week we hiked the famed #Acatenango in Guatemala, and saw fellow travelers without proper shoes, sun protection 🥵, or enough water. DON’T put yourself in an unsafe or super uncomfortable situation!

WHAT YOU NEED to KNOW ⚠️ 

1️⃣ WATER: Pack enough water for a strenuous 24 hours+. Guides recommend a min of 4 liters, but NOTE: 1 liter will automatically be used to make your dinner, breakfast & coffee. 

TIP: on a hot day especially, we needed min. 5 liters.

2️⃣ GEAR: do you have enough warm clothes? It may be HOT at the bottom but at the top it can reach -5 C (10 F), and it’s COLD + windy. Bring NO less than a fleece, a puffy jacket, and a wind/top layer. I also loved my extra warm base layers! 

TIP: either bring warm clothes or borrow (for no additional cost) from @wichoandcharlies 👍. And don’t forget a buff, warm hat + gloves. 

3️⃣ ELEVATION: Acatenango stands at 3,976 meters (13,045 feet) 😮‍💨. Elevation sickness is REAL, and if possible, acclimate in the city of Antigua at least 1-2 nights prior. 

4️⃣ Are you physically ready?? The hike to base camp requires a 5+ hour hike, straight UP. And if you want to add-on a sunset hike up Fuego, + Sunrise up Acatenengo, you MUST prepare. 

TIP: get out there and train BEFORE your trip! Use this as a goal 👌. Believe us— it’s SO much better when you can enjoy the views vs being uncomfortable 😣. 

TIP: we added both sunset & sunrise hikes.. and sunrise was our FAVORITE. The summit provides a unique &  stunning perspective overlooking the erupting volcano 😮. In less than 24 hours we hiked 15+ miles & 7,500 elevation gain 😮‍💨. 

👍 IMPORTANT: After much research we selected @wichoandcharlies — they carry your gear 80% of the way up (no extra fee), provide 1 guide per 7 hikers, quality gear (our hiking poles were new!) + 4 hearty (plant-based) meals👌. 

🤔 Is this on your bucket list?

Follow @squirrelmusttravel for outdoor fun & inspo! 
🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♂️

#visitguatemala#

## Stats

- **Views:** 2
- **Likes:** 48
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## Tags

acatenango, visitguatemala

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