Santiaguito Volcano
The 8,200-foot (2,500-m) Santiaguito Volcano is set within Guatemala’s Western Highlands near the town of Quetzaltenango. The volcano is active and belches smoke on a regular basis.
The Santiaguito Volcano was created in the wake of the Santa María Volcano’s 1902 eruption. This eruption destroyed Santa María’s former summit and left some 5,000 people dead. It was one the largest eruptions of the 20th century.
Since then, new lava domes have grown inside the trench left by this eruption. Santiaguito is the youngest of these domes, having been created around 1922. The massive Santiaguito dome-complex has been growing ever since and is accompanied by continuous explosions, most of them minor. It belches smoke and ash on a regular basis, but sometimes emits lava and pyroclastic flows.
Most travelers are content to see Santiaguito from a distance. Hikes up the neighboring Santa María Volcano offer awesome views of the smoking Santiaguito, as does a half-day hike to a mirador overlooking the volcano.
More adventurous travelers may, however, be interested in the real deal—a hike up Santiaguito itself. Although less common, this is in fact a viable option. Some guiding companies will get you within a quarter mile of the crater. From this distance, you’ll understand the raw power of this incredible volcano.
Santiaguito Volcano itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Santiaguito Volcano itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
We Dreamt. Then We Went.
When we told our family and friend that we were going to Guatemala, their first impression was your kidding. The country is not safe. Let me say we had a fantastic time from beginning to end of our trip. Guatemala has a lot to present and the country has a lot of history and the people are wonderful. I would come back again. In general I would say we had no issues with the Itinerary and the drivers of Anywhere were very professional and most of all kept us safe where ever we went. The hotels that we stayed were very nice and in safe location.
Where to stay in Santiaguito Volcano
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Santiaguito Volcano accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Pension Bonifaz Hotel
This hotel is located in the town of Quetzaltenango. It is in the center of town and has a restaurant and pool.
Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlán
A small hotel set near the shores of Lake Atitlán in the town of San Juan La Laguna. This hotel has comfortable rooms overlooking the lake.
Hotel Tiosh Abaj
Hotel Tiosh Abaj is located in Santiago Atitlán. This hotel has beautiful grounds, comfortable accommodations, and a friendly staff.
Hotel Bambú
This resort is a lakeside hotel in Santiago Atitlán. It has a relaxing atmosphere, cute bungalows, and a tasty restaurant.
La Casa del Mundo
The hotel is perched on a little cliff overlooking Lake Atitlán. Set just outside the small town of Santa Cruz La Laguna, it has an incredible location and beautiful, bright rooms.
Hotel Tolimán
This hotel lies near one of the most beautiful lakes in Guatemala. Its swimming pool, restaurant, and hammocks wait for you just off the shores of Lake Atitlán.
Laguna Lodge
The resort is set within the town of Santa Cruz La Laguna. This hotel is built literally on the edge of the lake and has beautiful accommodations.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
