Group hikes are generally not my thing. I know some people like the social aspect and camaraderie of hiking in a large group, but when I feel the urge to climb a mountain, my motivation is typically the unmatched peace and tranquility that such far corners of nature provide. I look for social stimulus elsewhere.

Acatenango is a 13,000-foot volcano that looms on the horizon of the historic colonial town of Antigua, Guatemala. But the real draw of Acatenango is the views it provides of its extremely active sister volcano, Volcán de Fuego, one of the most activate volcanos in the world. So as I was trying to piece together the logistics to do this hike on my own, I submitted to the reality that it would be much more expensive to do the hike solo. I shelled out the money for a group hike with guides, food, and tents included. And while big group hikes are still not my “thing,” I enjoyed hiking with fellow travelers and watching several volcanic eruptions was, without a doubt, one of the most incredible things I have ever seen in nature.