7 CONQUER FIERY VOLCANOES IN GUATEMALA

Guatemala’s Western Highlands are home to a spectacular spine of volcanoes: 37 thrust skywards before the land tapers away to the shimmering Pacific. They loom over the colonnades and chapels of Antigua Guatemala, their peaks snagging passing clouds and encircling market towns home to communities of indigenous Maya. Local adventure outfits have sprung up in recent years, hoping to tempt travellers to explore the peaks with seasoned guides. There’s quick-to climb Chicabal, with its sacred, high-altitude lake; San Pedro, a tough half-day scramble; and Tajumulco, Central America’s loftiest summit at 13,850ft, best tackled in one gruelling day.

To immerse yourself in the elemental nature of the land, pitch a tent on Acatenango — a forested peak pinned between the volcanoes of Agua (‘Water’) and Fuego (‘Fire’) — and watch fiery-red volleys of rocks and ash streak the star-studded night sky. viaventure.com AD