Book a sunrise shuttle from Antigua to dodge the afternoon cloud cover that ruins the horizon. This isn't a technical climb, but loose black volcanic scree destroys thin sneakers—wear actual hiking boots. Roasting marshmallows over heat vents is the main event here. Skip the gimmicky lava pizza tours; they cost a fortune for basic dough. If the incline hits too hard, pay a local guide for a horse ride up instead. Stay light, move fast.
