Hello à tous!
Je peaufine notre itinéraire de 5 semaines de Mexico DF à Guatemala City en passant par le Belize et j'aimerais faire l'ascension d'un volcan, et dormir au sommet pour avoir un superbe panorama à l'aube suivante.
Est-ce que certains d'entre vous ont des infos sur des refuges au sommet?
Je cherche une grimpe pas trop difficile, on a pas un très bon niveau...
Merci beaucoup pour votre aide!
Il y a autant de façons de sauver la planète que de bonnes raisons de le faire.
Sophie
Je te fais le copier / coller de la réponse en español que m'avait faite Pablo, un ami guatémaltèque; il tient une petite agence à Panajachel et connait bien la région ; il guide sur plusieurs volcans. Sur tous ces volcans il y a moyen de passer la nuit (le San Pedro, je ne suis pas sûr par contre). L'Acatenango et le Santa Maria sont les plus spectaculaires parce qu'ils sont en face d'un volcan en activité, le Fuego dans le premier cas et le Santiaguito dans le second. Au Santa Maria, il y a des ascensions qui débutent en pleine nuit pour que tu sois arrivée là-haut pour le lever du soleil. Alors voici...
Q : 2- En orden, cuál es el grado de dificultad de estos volcanes, del mas facil al mas dificil : Tajumulco, San Pedro, Santa Maria, Acatenango ??
R : Estos volcanes son considerados de tipo medio o sea moderados pero no son faciles; hay que estar preparadado para hacer esto, de lo contrario solo llegara a la mitad o en otro casi si llega en la cima pero con un paso lento, esto implica complicacion en el retorno.
El volcan San Pedro es uno de los mas visitados se sube a cualquier epoca del año , es seguro, vale Q100 la entrada esto solo incluye la entrada y un guia local unicamente para mostrarle el camino. son 3 horas para subir en un ritmo normal ni tan rapido ni tan lento con descanson minimos de unos 4min. a cada tiempo, para bajar toma 2 ò 2 1/2 este es un volcan lleno de arboles todo el camino es dentro del bosque primario y secundario, diferentes tipos de plantaciones y al final la vista del lago y los pueblos alrededor. Es un buen experiencia..
El Volcan Acatenango, es interesante solo que hay que tomarlo desde una agencia de viajes que lo opera; no todos lo operan; no es muy seguro, pero si se puede con un guia y quiza un policia de turismo de la Antigua solo se les paga la comida y el transporte y se van a subir con uno, son como 4horas para subir y para bajar unos 3horas aprox. aqui no se paga la entrada solo se paga al guia y los viaticos del policia.
El volcan Santa Maria (3,772masl) es similar que el volcan San Pedro (3020masl) es bien enpinado con un cono perfecto, desde donde se ve la erupcion del Santiaguito o ver toda la costa sur de Guatemala; hay varios operadores en xela que lo hacen todos los dias /Adrenalina tours hablar con ventas o con Edwin encargado de caminatas). Se sale temprano y regresan a las 13hrs, incluyen bus y comida y guia, o puedes ir por tu cuenta si llevar cosas de valor y llevar un poco de dinero usar los chiken buses, pero es mejor con un guia como siempre lo recomiendo. Tu tomas la desicion. Son 3 horas y media para subir y 2 horas y media para bajar; es similar que subir el volcan San pedro, son de la misma categoria, a diferencia este es mas empinado, inclinado, y hace mas frio, viento en la cima. Pero es sorprendente. Quiza mejor que el de San Pedro xq se ve la erupcion y la vista a la costa sur.
Volcan Tajumulco esta un poco mas retirado de Xela pero si se puede hacer en un dia saliendo de xela a las 3am y regresando por la tarde tipo 5pm, este es el mas alto de CentroAmerica, se puede subir en carro doble, puede llegar hasta a la mitad del volcan, entonces se camina unos 5horas hacia el tope, en las epocas de fin de año noviembre y diciembre aveces nieve arriba. Como lo fue hace dos años. Aqui puedes abocarte con alguna agencia para informar y ellos buscan mas personas; son como 65us$ por persona; se necesitan unos 4 u 3 personas para irse en grupo. En otro caso, tomar solo el guia y se van en bus publico para llegar hasta este volcan.
Conclusion, une bonne pratique dans vos montagnes françaises (ce n'est pas ce qui manque... 😉) ne ferait pas de tort avant d'entreprendre cette expédition, avec une dénivellation de plus de 1200 mètres.
Merci beaucoup Clco!
Malheureusement je pars dans moins d'une semaine pour le Mexique, je suis en retard pour l'entrainement! 😕
Je ne parle pas Espagnol mais il me semble que c'est de très bonne infos que tu partages là :)
Ci-dessous, ma traduction en FR (un petit doute pour le temps de descente du San Pedro?):
Ces volcans sont considérés de type moyen ou modérés mais pas faciles; il faut être entraîné pour grimper sinon on s'arrêtera à moitié ou on prendra du retard en montant trop lentementEl volcan San Pedro 3020masl: 3h pour monter
2h30 pour redescendre (ou 4h??)
Le plus visité en toute saison
Montée en foret avec différentes plantations puis joli panorama à la fin sur le lac et les villages
100Q guide inclusEl Volcan Acatenango 4h pour monter
3h pour descendre
se faire accompagnerEl volcan Santa Maria (3,772masl) 3h30 pour monter
2h pour descendre
Même catégorie que San Pedro mais plus pentu, plus froid, plus de vent au sommetVolcan Tajumulco Un peu plus retiré
Le plus haut
5h de grimpe jusqu'au sommet
=> trop difficile
Bon de mon côté je pense qu'au pire je me contenterai de Payaca, quite à dormir en haut (pour voir l'activité de nuit, mais je ne pense pas que le panorama au petit matin y soit exceptionnel?), je vais laisser les hautes cimes aux bon grimpeurs!
Mais je tenterais bien le plus facile quand même, quitte à le prévoir sur 2 jours au lieu d'un, pour prendre notre temps? Quel est le plus facile?
Il y a autant de façons de sauver la planète que de bonnes raisons de le faire.
Sophie
D'après ce que j'ai lu, le moins difficile des 4 serait le San Pedro et la descente est de 2 1/2h et non 4h, puisque ça prend toujours moins de temps descendre que monter😉
Pour quelqu'un qui ne parle pas español, tu as très bien traduit. Va voir ce site aussi qui est très intéressant : http://adrenalinatours.com/hikes/ Eux, ils cotent tous ces volcans comme difficiles!!! Comme quoi tout est relatif...
Moi aussi cet automne, je vais en faire un ou deux parmi l'Acatenango, le San Pedro et le Santa Maria. Tu nous feras un petit compte-rendu.
Merci pour ce lien très intéressant!
Pour San Pedro ils disent 'difficult' et dans le descriptif 'not easy but not difficult', je les aime déjà! 😎
Je pense que si je prends une aprem pour monter au lieu de 3h, et une matinée pour descendre au lieu de 2h30, en prévoyant une nuit au sommet, je serais capable de le faire à mon rythme... reste à trouver un moyen de dormir là haut et un guide qui accepte ce rythme pour deux voyageurs sans qu'on paie une fortune...
Si j'y parviens, vous aurez votre compte-rendu :)
Salut Tibooxx,
D'après ce que j'ai lu, le moins difficile des 4 serait le San Pedro et la descente est de 2 1/2h et non 4h, puisque ça prend toujours moins de temps descendre que monter😉
Pour quelqu'un qui ne parle pas español, tu as très bien traduit. Va voir ce site aussi qui est très intéressant : http://adrenalinatours.com/hikes/ Eux, ils cotent tous ces volcans comme difficiles!!! Comme quoi tout est relatif...
Moi aussi cet automne, je vais en faire un ou deux parmi l'Acatenango, le San Pedro et le Santa Maria. Tu nous feras un petit compte-rendu.
Feliz viaje.
Claude
Il y a autant de façons de sauver la planète que de bonnes raisons de le faire.
Sophie
Bonjour,
Moi aussi je m informe pour eventuellement faire des volcans lors de mon voyage de 6 mois en famille.
Mon attention s'est dirige sur le Tajumulco.
Sur you tube il y a des extraits. Je sais que tu peux dormir sur le volcan. D'ailleur malgre qu'il soit haut je ne suis pas certain qu'il soit si difficile a monter. Sur les videos you tube, il y a des gens qui portent des pentalons jeans!
Tu peux consulter le site web suivant:
Summitpost
Y inscrire le nom de la montagne et y trouver des informations precieuses et des rapports de voyages.
Les images sont sublime. Sur ce site tu retrouve pratiquement toutes montagnes qui se respectent!
J'ai bien hate de lire tes commentaires ou ton blog de voyage sur les volcans ou sur ton trip a Tikal.
Bon voyage!
Seb
Faites que vos rêves dévorent votre vie avant que votre vie ne dévore vos rêves" (Saint Exupéry).
Moi à San Pedro, j'ai eu comme guide Luis pour grimper au Rostro Maya (Nariz del Indio). La même journée, son frère Francisco a guidé une fille, séjournant à l'hôtel Mikaso, où j'étais aussi, au volcan San Pedro. C'était un aller-retour d'une journée et la fille était seule avec le guide, donc tout s'est fait à son rythme. Mais peut-être peux-tu communiquer avec Mikaso (hotelmikaso@gmail.com) et leur demander si c'est possible de faire le tout sur deux jours.
Bon, j'ai l'impression que peu de personnes ont tenté l'ascension du volcan LA MALINCHE au MEXIQUE car je ne trouve pas d'avis sur cela. J'ai prévu avec mon…
Nous avons prévus faire l'ascension du volcan Ricon de la Viega, j'ai vue qu'il était asser difficile pour les derniers kilomètres...je ne suis pas super en…
j aimerais savoir qui a déja fait l ascension du volcan izalco au salvador...je vais au salvador le 10 janvier et j aimerais savoir si c est difficile et si sa…
Je sais que présentement ou il n'y a pas si longtemps, il a été fermé (et le parc aussi) car il était actif. Toutefois, si tout est dans l'ordre au mois…
Je suis à la recherche d'infos sur différentes ascension de volcan et j'aurais besoin de vos commentaires. Le volcan Pacaya semble très intéressant, mais je me…
Hi everyone,
I’m leaving on Monday, August 3rd for my very first long-distance trek: the GR223 from Coutances to Mont Saint-Michel, over 6-7 days (~11-14 miles/day), solo.
I’m looking for tips from people who know this section well (Coutances → Regnéville-sur-Mer → Hauteville-sur-Mer → Bréhal → Granville → Genêts → bay crossing):
Budget-friendly accommodations: I’m struggling to find affordable stopover lodgings (a lot of what I find online are expensive vacation rentals, not really suited for a solo hiker). If you have any great spots (hostels, hiker-friendly B&Bs, nice campgrounds), I’d love to hear them!
Bay crossing: Any feedback on guides/providers leaving from Genêts for the final crossing?
General tips for a first long-distance trek: What you wish you’d known before your first time, pitfalls to avoid, etc.
Hi,
We’re planning to do the 4-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli without an agency. The descriptions mention that there are accommodations at each stop, but we can’t find any details about them. Has anyone got info or feedback on this route?
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028.
I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄).
This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
We're planning to trek in Peru and Bolivia and would love to find some local agencies.
If you know any, could you share details on prices and, of course, the names of the agencies?
Which trek would you recommend?
Elocine
I'm heading out on a fully self-sufficient trek in Morocco (10 days) from Imilchil to Aghbalou.
Can I find screw-on gas canisters (Coleman, Primus) in Marrakech (any addresses?) or in villages between Imilchil and Aghbalou?
If not, are Butagaz canisters for camping gas (small 230g size) available?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello, I’d like to embark on a little trip in my home country, Switzerland. I’ll start walking from La Cure, heading toward Le Noirmont first, then I’ll improvise my route—but it’ll probably follow the French border... at least as far as Lac de Joux.
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont.
The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.
I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.
Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?
I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.
This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips.
We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries!
Claire and Albert
Hi, this might not be the right section, but I’d like to know if it’s possible to start mountaineering with another person without necessarily hiring a guide. We’ve done quite a bit of hiking but not mountaineering—we’ll just do a half-day glacier course. After that, we were thinking of starting with La Grande Motte and the Pointe de la Traversière, which were recommended to us. Honestly, for things like roping up and knots, I’ll learn at home with lots of videos and a book.
I’d love to know if anyone has done treks in the Rwenzori Mountains and how much it costs on average, what the infrastructure is like, the landscapes, and safety in the area. Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to your replies.
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike.
It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge.
I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle.
In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?
A few details:
We arrive in early August and leave in early September.
We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery!
We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat?
Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Hi there,
I’m planning to go hiking on this island and would like to know the best time to do it. I visited for a few days in November 2018—not for hiking but just to explore—and the weather wasn’t great, especially in the mountains. So, is a star-shaped itinerary doable if I rent a car and maybe use two different accommodations?
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations.
Thanks so much for your tips!
I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July.
I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route.
Can anyone give me some info on this?
Thanks!
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there?
A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions?
For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip...
Thanks for your tips!
Have a great day,
Anie, Toulouse
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice?
Best regards,
Hi there, I’m planning the Annapurna Circuit for March 2027 and I’m looking for a local agency with a local guide—preferably French-speaking—to arrange this trek for us. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello!
We’re spending a few days in Toraja country at the end of May. We’d love to do a day trek—taking our time—on a route that’s stunning in terms of scenery, but not a level 5 in difficulty!
Any suggestions you can share, please?
Thanks in advance
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish.
I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips?
Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina?
At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
I’m traveling solo by plane to Catania in May and plan to hike the northern side of Etna, starting from Linguaglossa where I’ll arrive by bus. After that, I’d love some info on how to get up to Piano Provenzana (shuttles or hitchhiking), since it seems there’s no public transport except in the summer. Can you sleep there in a free or cheap refuge, or camp? And how far up can you go without having to hire a guide? Thanks in advance. Bernard.
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Morocco in August and we’ll start with a stop in Chefchaouen (we’re driving).
My question: can anyone suggest a 5-to-7-day loop hiking route from Chefchaouen in Talassemtane Park, ideally passing by the God’s Bridge? Or a paper guidebook that covers a few options?
We prefer wild camping and guesthouses.
Thanks in advance
Hi there, for those who’ve been recently—is it possible to find other solo travelers in March on the island to share transport or room costs? It doesn’t seem easy to travel on a budget.
If you have any recommendations for simple lodgings or places with dorms, I’d love to hear them.
For those who’ve done multi-day treks while moving around: do you need to bring your own sleeping bag? I’d love to hear about itineraries you’ve done without a guide, just with a map and GPS.
Thanks, and have a great day!
Hi everyone!
We’re planning a 15-day road trip to Scotland this summer, specifically to explore and hike on Lewis and Harris—places we’ve never been before. We’ve visited other islands on previous road trips in Scotland (we usually go in April for a week). This would be our first time in Scotland in the summer and for 15 days. We’re looking at late August to early September.
I’m currently drafting the itinerary. We’d be crossing from Ullapool and were thinking of spending 3 nights on Harris and 4 nights on Lewis.
Does that sound balanced to you? Is it better to keep the same accommodation on Harris and the same on Lewis to explore the area? I’d love to hear about any past experiences you’ve had on these islands.
Thanks!
Hi there, I’m trying to leave for 15 days very soon to São Vicente. I’m either looking to join an agency or figure things out on my own to go hiking on one of these islands or both. From what I’ve seen, it’s not easy to organize with local transport, so it gets expensive. Can I use the services of a small local agency? I’m looking for the simplest way to hike for several days. Also, how do you get from São Vicente to São Nicolau? Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Aichatou
I’ve been wanting to do this for several years, and this year’s the one. Next September, I’ll be trekking in Tusheti (Georgia), from Omalo to Shatili.
Of course, I won’t be renting a vehicle that’d just sit unused. No problem getting to Pshaveli, but from there to Omalo, it’s a dirt road (still the case?)
There must be some form of public transport since there are so many guesthouses, and not all travelers come in a 4x4.
If any of you have been to Omalo, could you confirm that these shared transports exist and how often they run?
we’re planning a trip to Yellowstone and hoping to do a three-day backcountry hike if we get a permit.
if any of you have done this before, could you let me know if it’s possible to find water along the way? And if we can transport it, are we allowed to use a stove?
