LetterThe days before me are a text on my phone because of the Actenango volcano summit. This is from my tour guide: “Tours are now canceled, with more information as soon as possible.”
Earlier in the day, Fuego’s neighboring volcano – one of the most active in Central America – erupted, forcing Guatemala authorities to evacuate more than a thousand people from surrounding communities.
The gray fog that landed in Antigua, the colonial city where I stayed, only explained 16 kilometers from the Fuego slopes. The sky of transparent blouses, once painted a complete background to the famous Spanish Baroque architecture in the city, has now created a heavy coal.
Before the eruption, my plan was to walk 3,976 meters from Actenango – an active but “silent” volcano that had not erupted for almost a century. I have been warned that this trip would be difficult: the first day consisted of 4-5 hours of fixed and steep climbing to reach the base camp. The next morning, we would go to the summit before sunrise and one hour or two for another hour, where panoramic views of the Smoking FuEgo that normally steal the show.
Now, this seemed to be increasingly unlikely. But if there is nothing else, the sudden cancellation is clear that the volcano is really unpredictable. While I had chosen for Actenango, many climbers get closer to the infamous Fuego “knife”, a narrow trail that is 500 meters on both sides. The eruption has been considered at the dangers of such exciting adventures.
In recent years, volcanic tourism has become very popular. Adventurous travelers go to the raw drum of nature for a front seat, such as Iceland, Italy and Guatemala. In fact, Fuego has erupted several times over the past few years, including recently in March and June 2025. Similarly, Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, has used lava and ash during the year.
Perhaps Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano returned to life in March 2021 after more than 800 years of sleep. Six months later, more than 356,000 visitors came to see the eruption, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board.
Stretching is undeniable. There is something very basic about watching the ground gap and fire – an experience that combines fear with a subtle surveillance of danger. But volcanic tourism also poses very real risks. In June, a 26 -year -old Brazilian tourist was killed after falling on a walk near the crater of an active volcano in Indonesia. Efforts to reach him in severe land and weather conditions were prevented.
Read more: What is like a famous Eyjafjallajokull Iceland Iceland
On June 3, 2018, Fugo erupted. The rapid flow of hot gas and volcanic materials located next to the mountain and the surrounding villages were devastating. The number of official killed was 218, but despite thousands of others, many locals believe that the real figure is significantly higher.
“The tragedy has caused major repairs to the safety protocols,” said OX exposses, which perform several hiking tours to Actenango and Fuego.
“The most tragic thing about eruption is that many deaths can be prevented by warning systems and proper training,” the organization said. “Since many volcanic monitoring equipment is donated and further studies are done. They seek how to improve warning systems and educate locals living in high -risk areas to reduce life’s elimination in future eruptions.”
Despite the dangers, for many visitors this opportunity to climb the active volcano is very convincing. Chloe Steuer, a backpack from England that moves across Guatemala, described his walk in Actenango as one of the highlights of his journey.
He told me, “Everyone was talking about it in the city.” “I was excited to enter nature and see something as much as an active volcano.”
Chloe had discussed whether to go on a walk, hearing that Fugo was silent for weeks. The other traveler I talked to had completely canceled his journey. But Cloor went ahead and happy that he did.
“It was a difficult and challenging climb to the base camp,” he said. “After we got to it, we ate dinner and went to bed in our little cottage. Everyone was struggling.”
However, what happened later, made all this valuable. “At 3am, we woke up what looked like a bomb. The tin shelters we were sleeping in were shouting,” he said. “I and my friends got out of bed.
Read more: A five -day journey in the Guatemala forest that is worth each blister
While it was impressive, Chloe never felt insecure: “The guides were great, and they were really well organized. Later I found out that this group was forced to evacuate from the base camp because the smoke became very severe, so they clearly have safety methods.”
Certainly, volcano tourism is a controlled risk exercise. Operators go between providing unforgettable experiences and ensuring visitors’ security – especially for countries such as Guatemala, where many tourists are specifically traveled to the destination to search for these natural wonders.
For better or worse, what makes it dangerous is something that makes it unforgettable. However, as my journey reminds me, sometimes nature gets the last word.
How to do it
Several tour operators are traveling volcano. Robin was in contact with cow’s explanation tours, while Klo went with soybean tours.
Reach there
You can fly from London to Guatemala with several airlines, including United, Lufthansa and American Airlines. The total flight time is about 16 hours. At that time, there is about an hour of driving to Antigua that can travel by bus, shuttle or taxi.
Where to stay
Robin was the guest of the Pensativo House Hotel in Antigua, which doubles about 140 pounds per night, including breakfast. The roof restaurant, where breakfast is served, can enjoy Fuego. There are also a lot of hotels and additional dormitories for all budgets.
Read more: How to open Iceland’s magical volcanic landscape
