Thanks for contacting us at Outdoor Excursions (O.X.). We look forward to helping make your adventure travel / vacation to Guatemala a wonderful experience. This F.A.Q. section is provided to assist you in your travel plans and expectations. The following questions are some of our most common but if you need further assistance, please contact us directly and someone from our office will get right back to you. Thanks again, see you in the mountains! O.X.
for_the_ox@yahoo.com
CATEGORIES / QUESTIONS
TRIPS: Why is the Pacaya Overnight camping trip better than just a day-trip?
TRIPS: What are the options for Volcan Pacaya trips?
TRIPS: What is the group size for the trips?
TRIPS: How high do we camp?
TRIPS: How long will we hike?
TRIPS: What about altitude sickness?
TRIPS: What are the chances of seeing lava or an eruption on the volcanoes?
TRIPS: How difficult is the trip?
SECURITY / SAFTY: Can I climb the volcano if I have a medical condition?
SECURITY / SAFTY: Security issues?
FOOD: What kind of food does O.X serve on trips?
GEAR: What gear does O.X. provide?
GEAR: What gear do I need to bring?
SPECIAL SERVICES: Can someone else carry my backpack? Porters? Cost?
SPECIAL SERVICES: Can we store our bags at O.X. while we are on the trip?
SPECIAL SERVICES: Can our children climb the volcano with us?
WEATHER: How is the weather in Guatemala this time of year?
WEATHER: Do you have trips in the RAINY SEASON?
GUIDES: What should I expect from an O.X. guide?
GUIDES: How much should I tip the guide?
GUIDES: How do I get a guide job at O.X.?
TRANSPORT: Does O.X. pick-up for Pacaya from Guatemala City?
TRANSPORT: Does O.X. pick-up and drop off at Antigua hotels?
TRANSPORT: Can O.X. arrange transportation to other locations in Guatemala?
PAYMENT / RESERVATIONS: I am a solo traveler, how can I join an O.X. trip?
PAYMENT / RESERVATIONS: How far in advance do we need to sign up?
PAYMENT / RESERVATIONS: How do I book (reserve) an O.X. trip?
PAYMENT / RESERVATIONS: How do I make a payment from the website?
TRIPS: Why is the Pacaya Overnight camping trip better than just a day-trip?
Honestly, there is no way to compare the two trips. Volcan Pacaya is a great trip and it is easy but these two things make it overly popular among the HUGE tourist crowds (buses and buses).
The quick day-trip ($10.) basically pays for transportation to the park. You will still need to pay entrance fees, find a guide, etc. You should also expect a very long line of hikers from beginning to end and a HUGE chaotic group of about 300 people around the lava on any given day (especially weekends). For us at O.X., this sort of takes away from the experience.
Overnight camping: ($69.) This trip allows you to see the volcano in all its glory because not only do you get to see a sunset and sunrise, but you also get the benefit and experience of the lava and the camping without the HUGE crowds. Just our small group. O.X. takes care of everything from the meals, gear, warm clothes, guide, transport…even the entrance fees!
TRIPS: What are the options for Volcan Pacaya trips?
Yes, there are many options for Pacaya at O.X. from overnight camping to a quick-cheap-day-trip! Our #1 recommendation is the overnight camping trip on Pacaya.
Options:
P10 ($10): simply includes “collective” transportation from Antigua to Pacaya and back. This is the cheapest option and may be the best if you are limited on both cash and time. The $10. Does not include entrance fees or anything else at Volcan Pacaya and you can expect big crowds.
P25 ($10+$25 split among your group): Add a private O.X. guide to your $10 tour and you get the P25. The O.X. guide fee is just an additional $25. for your group (not per person).
P1 ($59): our “private” Pacaya day-trip tour, described on the “excursions” page.
P2 ($69): our Overnight Pacaya camping trip described on the “excursions” page and a brief description is given in the above question. Please contact our office for more questions.
TRIPS: What is the group size for the trips?
We need a minimum of 4 people for each trip to cover the cost of transportation and the cost of security on Acatenango and Fuego. The maximum number for a trip is ten in order to keep it a little more personal and intimate. We can take larger groups on request but more than one guide will be needed.
TRIPS: How high do we camp?
We have several campsites that we use on O.X. overnight excursions. The lowest would be on Volcan Pacaya, where we camp at approximately 7,000 ft / 2,135 m just above the active lava fields. Our highest campsite is on the peak of Volcan Acatenango at 13,000ft / 3,960 m in the crater at the top of the volcano.
TRIPS: How long will we hike?
Pacaya (1.5 hours): The hike to our campsite on Pacaya is only about an hour and is a very easy hike on a trail through the cloud forest. The distance from camp to the active lava can change daily but the hike is usually an additional 45 minutes to an hour.
Acatenango (7 hours): The overnight trip takes between 7 and 8 hours to hike to the crater at the very top of the volcano, which is our preferred camping spot. On the hike we climb through four distinct climatic zones and take numerous breaks for water and snacks and an hour break for lunch. The trip back down in the morning takes only between 2 and 3 hours.
The day trip up Acatenango is about 5 hours up and 2 hours down because we are carrying only small day packs with a lunch and water.
Fuego (8 hours): The overnight trip is also between 7 and 8 hours to our campsite, including water and snack breaks and an hour for lunch. After setting up camp, we hike another hour without backpacks up to a ridge just below the active crater where we can safely view the eruptions. The trip back in the morning is about 4 hours.
TRIPS: What about altitude sickness?
Only about 20% of our clients are affected by altitude sickness on our highest trip (Acatenango: 13,041 ft / 3,976 m) However, anyone can be subject to the symptoms of altitude sickness above 8,000 ft / 2,440 m according to experts but we find this very rare. At our highest elevation, it is not classified as extreme (no chance of H.A.C.E. or H.A.P.E.) The most common symptoms are headache, dizziness, loss of appetite and sometimes, nausea. O.X. guides are trained professionals and take preventative measures to make sure our clients are as comfortable as possible. The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to stay hydrated while climbing and we monitor the amount of water intake and recommend an aspirin from time to time.
TRIPS: What are the chances of seeing lava or an eruption on the volcanoes?
Volcan Pacaya: (status active) Your chances of seeing lava on Pacaya are almost assured; in fact we usually roast marshmallows over the lava. Pacaya has had an active lava flow since Spring of 2005. There have been a few instances over the years where the lava has stopped for a few days, but those have been rare. You can always contact our office to ask about current conditions.
Volcan Fuego (status active) Fuego is the big volcano west of Antigua. It has also been active almost daily for several years but different than Pacaya. We call Fuego the “angry mountain” because it has violent eruptions several times a day shooting plumes of smoke, ash, rocks and sometimes lava hundreds of feet in the air. If we’re lucky on our Fuego trips, we are sitting on a ridge just below the cone as Fuego erupts with a thunderous roar, shaking the ground beneath us.
Acatenango has been dormant now since 1972 but evidence of the ongoing volcanic activity underground is still visible in the form of “fumaroles,” vents in the ground where steam is escaping from beneath the surface. And from our campsite in the crater of Acatenango at 13,041 ft or 3,976 m, we have a bird’s eye view of angry Fuego just below us and, on a good day, are able to see eruptions from Pacaya and Santiaguito as well.
TRIPS: How difficult is the trip?
The “excursions” page of our website has a description and difficulty scale for each and every trip. Our difficulty scale is determined by the amount of time to climb with a backpack and trail conditions based on the performance of a person in average health with a positive attitude. Of course those clients with medical conditions or similar might have a greater challenge. For more details on a specific excursion, please email us, for_the_ox@yahoo.com
SECURITY / SAFTY: Can I climb the volcano if I have a medical condition?
Well of course it depends. Not all of our trips are meant to be hiked by everyone! Contact our professional staff directly at the following email, for_the_ox@yahoo.com so we can get more details and answer your question honestly and correctly with the right knowledge.
SECURITY / SAFTY: Security issues?
We take security very serious at O.X. We are in the know and will not take chances with your safety. Guatemala does not have a great reputation for being secure when it comes to armed robbery, petty theft, etc. Although it is a bummer to take uniformed / armed PNC / Politur agents into the mountains with us, we will to keep our clients safe. O.X. works directly with INGUAT and Politur to insure tourist / client safety. Our clients enjoy the peace of mind in knowing they will not lose their ipod or camera to some armed guy in a mask. If our excursion takes us through a hot-spot, we have security. (Security= 2 uniformed, gun armed tourism police officers trained especially for tourism protection.)
FOOD: What kind of food does O.X serve on trips?
A wonderful local restaurant caters all O.X. meals. It is great food! A typical meal at sunset would be vegetarian curry (hot sauce on the side) over rice with red wine, and a special surprise dessert. LUNCH: big chicken, tomato, lettuce, onion, cheese sandwich. BREAKFAST: bagels cream cheese, choice of coffee / tea. Day-trips of course would only include lunch. Vegetarian meals can be made at special request. *Other special needs, contact our office*
GEAR: What gear does O.X. provide?
At O.X. we want you clients to be comfortable! On overnight trips we provide tents, sleeping pads, fleece clothing to sleep in, down jackets for trips on Acatenango and Fuego, and warm hats Sleeping bags and backpacks can be requested special but is first come first serve on these items due to limited supply (These items are at no additional charge, it is just the O.X. difference).
For day trips we can provide fleece shirts or jackets if you don't have warm clothing with you.
GEAR: What gear do I need to bring?
Overnight trips: you should have your own backpack (about 60-90 liters), your sleeping bag and appropriate clothing for hiking such as non cotton pants if possible and good socks / shoes. You can usually hike in a t-shirt during the day. We also recommend bringing along personal items for your comfort such as toilet paper, sunscreen, limited toiletries, headlamp or flashlight, a light rain shell, cap, sunglasses gloves. Our guides can help you pack and give further advice.
Water / snacks: You will need to bring your own water (minimum 3 liters for Pacaya and 4.5 liters for Acatenango and Fuego), and snacks for the rest breaks throughout the day.
Day trips: you should have a day pack, 3 liters of water, and snacks. Toilet paper, sunscreen, rain shell, and gloves are also recommended. (Pacaya day-trip: only 1.5 liters of water)
SPECIAL SERVICES: Can someone else carry my backpack? Porters? Cost?
In the situation that you would rather have the luxury of someone else carrying your backpack for you, a Q300. fee will be paid directly to a local (person who lives in a surrounding village of the volcano) who will carry your pack up and back. Pacaya costs are much lower because the trip is much shorter and the cost is around Q100. Please notify our office prior to your trip.
SPECIAL SERVICES: Can we store our bags at O.X. while we are on the trip?
If you are checking out of your hotel or hostel to go on a trip with us or you are just arriving in Antigua, O.X. can store your things (at no additional charge) in our secure lockers in our office or hostel. If you need additional bags to store your things, you can purchase a big plastic garbage bag from us for Q1.
SPECIAL SERVICES: Can our children climb the volcano with us?
All children under the age of 18 are the responsibility of their parents (or guardian) and must be written in when our liability waiver is signed. Sometimes it is just better to leave the kids with a sitter but this of course depends on the difficulty level of the trip and the age and ability of the child. Please ask our professional O.X. staff by emailing them directly at the following: for_the_ox@yahoo.com
WEATHER: How is the weather in Guatemala this time of year?
Guatemala is called the land of eternal spring because the weather systems are so predictable, just two distinct seasons, WET & DRY! Wet season is generally from June through October and Dry season from November to April with June and November acting as transition months with about a 50/50 chance of both sun and rain.
Temperatures in Antigua, Guatemala are pleasant and never below freezing however sunny and warm in the day and cool at night. On the volcanoes it all depends on the elevation and weather conditions. O.X. does provide warm clothing if you do not have any. Rain gear is NOT provided by O.X. so you should pack accordingly.
WEATHER: Do you have trips in the RAINY SEASON?
YES! We hike year-round. However, we do things a bit different in the rainy season. It is important that you provide your own rain gear (jacket, pants or poncho). We also suggest that every client buy plastic garbage bags to place important items (sleeping bag, warm clothing, etc) and then pack them in your backpack. At O.X. we do change campsites and do not camp on the summits during rainy season but rather camp in a safe camp and then hike to the summit. Weather patterns tend to clear in the morning and clouds build as the day goes on, expect rain in the afternoon and evenings.
GUIDES: What should I expect from an O.X. guide?
At O.X. we pride ourselves on our professionalism and knowledge. You can expect service and quality to meet your “western standard” of expectations (yes, all our guides speak English). Our guides are not just another pretty face, they are passionate about the outdoors and really love their job. Not to mention the fact they go through a rigorous training program. Their main job is to safely guide you there and back and problem solve in even the worse weather conditions. They make it look easy!!
GUIDES: How much should I tip the guide?
Our standard tip suggestion for O.X. guides: day trip $8. (Q50.) overnight $12. (Q100.) per client. Our guides are well trained, experienced, knowledgeable, professional and have the client’s best interest in mind. These are not folks that we grabbed from the park 15 minutes before your trip. They are from around the world and hand selected by O.X. management and go through a rigorous 6 week training program. You are in good hands with your O.X. guide; if you think they did a good job please show them your appreciation, they deserve it.
GUIDES: How do I get a guide job at O.X.?
If you are interested in working as a guide for O.X. you can go to the "Guide" page of our website, check out the job description and qualifications, then send us an email directly (for_the_ox@yahoo.com). Our Head-Guide or Manager will send you our potential guide questionnaire and go from there. Guides generally work either an October to May season or April to September season, and we ask for a commitment of at least 6 months.
TRANSPORT: Does O.X. pick-up for Pacaya from Guatemala City?
We currently arrange for transportation to Pacaya only from Antigua. All of our private guided tours to Pacaya leave from our office, located in Antigua. The public day tours can pick you up either at our office or in the Parque Central in the center of Antigua.
TRANSPORT: Does O.X. pick up and drop off at Antigua hotels?
No, all of our trips leave from the OX office: 1st Avenida #4B, Antigua, Guatemala.
The exception is for early morning departures for day trips to Acatenango, Fuego and Private Pacaya tours in which case we can pick you up at your hotel in Antigua.
TRANSPORT: Can O.X. arrange transportation to other locations in Guatemala?
YES! Just contact our office for a more detailed time schedule and locations. Generally we can arrange affordable transportation to almost any tourist location on a daily basis. We can book your shuttle to the airport, lake Atitlan, Chi-Chi market, the beach, Rio Dulce, Tikal, Xela, Mexico, Honduras, etc. More info: for_the_ox@yahoo.com
PAYMENT / RESERVATIONS: I am a solo traveler, how can I join an O.X. trip?
Traveling solo? No problem at all. We just ask that you be flexible in your potential dates for a trip with O.X. Immediately send us an email (for_the_ox@yahoo.com) and give us an idea of when you would like to go on a trip and we will tell you what is on the calendar and if there is space available. Work with us because we are ready to work with you and get you up there.
PAYMENT / RESERVATIONS: How far in advance do we need to sign up for a trip?
The earlier you can make a reservation the better. Your spot is NOT secure until you make a DEPOSIT or pay in full for the trip. This can be done online from our website or in person at the O.X. office. Please note, if booking online for a date in the distant future you should email the O.X. office (for_the_ox@yahoo.com) to make sure we can execute the trip on your chosen date.
ANTIGUA: , we recommend that you come by our office at least four or five days before your trip to make your reservation as we limit our trips to ten people and they often fill up quickly, especially the weekend trips.
ONLINE: If you are making your arrangements online, we suggest reserving your trip several weeks to a month in advance.
MINIMUM #: Remember that we have a minimum of four for most of our trips. If you are traveling alone or with a group of fewer than four, and want to do a trip on a particular date, you should go ahead and make a reservation for that date as soon as possible, even if no others are scheduled for that date yet. In that way, we can put your trip on our calendar and on our events board outside our office and we are much more likely to fill the trip as others inquire online or stop by our office to ask about upcoming trips.
PAYMENT / RESERVATIONS: How do I book (reserve) an O.X. trip?
First: contact our office directly to confirm desired dates and excursions (for_the_ox@yahoo)
Second: book the trip online with full payment or a deposit to secure your place on the trip or stop into our office and do the same with U.S. dollars or Guatemalan Q.(Quetzales).
Third: fill out the CLIENT REGISTRATION form from our website (reservations page) or at the O.X. office in person. A waiver must be signed in our office before your trip.
PAYMENT / RESERVATIONS: How do I make a payment from the website?
Simply go to the reservations page of our website and click on the credit card or pay pal link, choose your desired excursion and proceed as directed by the website (PayPal link). We use PayPal and any major credit card will work from most western countries in the world. |
