Guatemala: Volcan Tajumulco

Standing at 4,220 meters (13,845 feet), Tajumulco Volcano is the highest point in Guatemala and the entire Central American region. Located in the Sierra Madre mountain range in western Guatemala, this dormant stratovolcano offers a challenging but accessible hike for adventurous travelers. The trek leads through cloud forests and alpine landscapes, rewarding hikers with stunning panoramic views of Guatemala’s highlands and, on clear days, even neighboring Mexico. As the roof of Central America, Tajumulco Volcano is a bucket-list destination for hikers seeking high-altitude adventure combined with rich natural beauty.

Volcan Tajumulco

Getting Here

From Guatemala City, it’s a 5 and a half hour drive to San Marcos.  I have read trip reports where hikers have spent the night here before moving on towards San Sebastian.   One recommendation was to stay at Hostal San Marcos La Teneria at 7A. Calle B 1-56, Aldea San Rafael Soche, La Teneria, Guatemala.

If getting closer is your preference, I have also read about staying at Hotel Villa Real in Tajumulco, where this hike “officially” starts.

These accommodations are about an hour from San Marcos.

Distance from San Marcos to Hotel Villa Real

I can’t find a website for them but this is the location from Google maps: Hotel Villa Real, 34FJ+36X, Unnamed Road, Tajumulco, Guatemala

Contact Don Abigail at: +502 5760 8022

Hotel accommodations are 50Q/person as of…

I’ve read about getting even closer by staying at the Auto Hotel El Mirador.

Auto Hotel El Mirador

Their location is Aldea villa real, 349H+R2R Tajumulco, Guatemala and can be reached at +502 4656 3520

Accommodations here are ….

Map and GPX Track

Tajumulco Summit Sign

A map and GPX track can be downloaded here to help you navigate this route.

Starting at about 10,000′ of elevation, I also found this pic to give us an idea of how the route looks from the start.

Tajumulco Trail Start

What to Know Before You Go

Best time to visit this region: Guatemala’s dry season is November thru April
Fees: none

If there is anything we should know before we go, please send us a note so we can get it added here!

Weather Forecast

Check in with mountain-forecast.com

Travel Safety

See Guatemala’s Travel Advisory and Security Report.

Guided or Not

My first preference is to try without a guide.  I like the adventure of figuring it out on my own.  That said, I also believe in supporting the local economy if such service is a primary source of income for that community.  In the case of Tajumulco, I’m not sure you’d need a guide to hike what appears to be a moderate ascent (3,800′) in such a short distance (4 miles one-way).

Unless you’re planning to make this a multi-day experience with a night of camping up on the mountain, I would skip the guide and instead support their economy through lodging and restaurants.