Volcán Zunil
A camping adventure to the summit of Volcán Zunil, with the best sunrise view in Guatemala and a well-deserved soak in the Fuentes Georginas hot springs afterwards.
Start Booking
Summary
Trek the trail less travelled to the top of Volcán Zunil, where you will camp under the stars and wake up to an unbelievable sunrise view. Finish the adventure in the hot springs of Fuentes Georginas, naturally heated by the same volcano you just summited.
Just outside of Xela, we begin climbing up through beautiful cloud forest to reach the volcanic ridge of Zunil, where we will make a stop for lunch with views of Lake Atitlán to the East. We will follow the ridge to our campsite just below the summit, where we set up tents and cook a hot meal for dinner. Optionally, walk to the summit for sunset, watching the sun disappear to the west behind the actively erupting Santiaguito cone.
We will wake early to walk up to the summit for an unbelievable sunrise, hot breakfast included. On a clear day, you can spot 16 volcanoes without moving, including two with active eruptions. After packing up, we will descend through a bioreserve towards the Fuentes Georginas hot springs, where you can enjoy a big lunch and take a well-earned soak in the naturally heated pools before returning to Xela.
**There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 6:00pm the evening prior to the trek’s departure. Here, you will meet your guides and fellow trekkers, borrow any gear you may need, receive communal gear, finalize payment, and more.**
Quick Facts
Start
5:00 AM, Xela
End
5:00 PM, Xela
Total distance
21 km (13 mi)
Maximum elevation
3,540 m (11,600 ft)
Average backpack weight
15 kg (35 lbs)
The profits from one person hiking Zunil provides all the school supplies in the primary school for a week!
Gallery
Travel Details
Start Time & Location
Quetzaltrekkers Office (inside of the Casa Argentina hostel, Xela)
- 6:00 PM Mandatory pre-trek meeting the evening prior to trek departure
- 5:00 AM Meeting time the morning of the trek
End Time & Location
Quetzaltrekkers Office (inside of the Casa Argentina hostel, Xela)
- 5:00 PM Expected return to Xela
What to bring
Hiking Backpack (>60L); Sleeping Bag; Sleeping Mat; Hiking Shoes; Hiking Clothes; Warm Clothes; Rain Jacket/Poncho; Swimsuit and Towel; Headlamp; 3-4 Liters Water; Communal Food Items, Communal Tents
- Any hiking gear you do not have is available to borrow at no additional charge. This will be provided at the pre-trek meeting.
What is included
- 1 night of accommodation (in tents)
- 1 bath (included entry to the natural hot springs!)
- 2 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 1 dinner
- Trail snacks
- Transportation
- Gear
- Guides
What’s not included
- Additional snacks or drinks
Frequently asked questions
Where do we sleep?
Will I need to bring food and water?
No, we provide plenty of food throughout your whole trek, and purified drinking water.
What if I have dietary needs?
We accommodate dietary restrictions. All our trek food is vegetarian, and we can arrange for any other considerations as needed. Please let us know of any dietary needs that we should be aware of when you book the trek.
Can I bathe on the trek?
You will have the opportunity to soak in the natural hot springs of Zunil after the hike, with a shower if desired
Can I store personal luggage not needed for the trek in Xela?
Yes, we have a secure, locked room in which you may store your luggage.
How can I pay for the trek?
You can pay any remaining balance at our office during the pre-trek meeting on the night before the hike. We accept cash quetzales, or cards with a 3% fee.
Help Without Hiking
100% of your monthly gift goes directly to providing opportunities for children living in poverty