Imagine standing on the rim of a volcanic crater, staring into an aquamarine crater lake. The highlight of the Santa Ana Volcano hike is reaching this vibrant turquoise crater lake. This hike is perfect for adventure seekers, as it combines moderate difficulty with incredible scenery. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner looking for an exciting challenge, Santa Ana Volcano is a must-visit. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: how to get there, entrance fees, hiking tips, and what to expect along the way.
The Santa Ana Volcano, also known as Volcán Ilamatepec
Santa Ana is El Salvador’s highest volcano and located in the Santa Ana department of El Salvador. The volcano is part of the Los Volcanes Complex in the Apaneca mountain range and standing at 2,381 meters (7,812 feet). It offers an unforgettable trekking experience. On the summit there are panoramic views over Lake Coatepeque, Izalco and Cerro Verde Volcanoes, and the Pacific Ocean and the small sulfurous lake in its crater.
Santa Ana is a stratovolcano. Typically, the stratovolcanoes have conical shape. Besides, these are built up by many alternating layers of lava and tephra (fragmental material produced by a volcanic eruption). These layers are usually mixed and uneven. Some of these types of volcanoes have collapsed summit craters called calderas.
The indigenous name of the volcano, Ilamatepec, comes from the Nahuat language and means “the old woman’s hill” or “old woman’s mountain”. According to the Volcanic Explosivity Index this volcano is level 3 out of 8. The volcano has been active since the 16th century, its last eruptions were in 1904, 1920 and 2005. The last one destroyed vegetation, towns and crops.
The volcano is about 65 kilometers west of the capital city in a coffee-growing region. The main activities in the region are agriculture and tourism.
How to get to Santa Ana volcano?
Reaching Santa Ana Volcano from San Salvador can be done by public transport, rental car, or a guided tour. Here’s what you need to know about each option:
- Public transport: For budget travellers, public buses are the cheapest way to get to the volcano, though it requires multiple transfers and some extra time. If you stay in San Salvador, first you have to get to the city of Santa Ana by bus. It takes about 1,5-2 hours. From Santa Ana city take bus #248 to El Cerro Verde National Park. The bus schedule is limited, so, you have to arrive early to catch the buses.
- Guided tour: If you prefer a hassle-free experience, several companies offer day trips from San Salvador. It is a great for those who don’t want to deal with logistics and prefer the most convenient option. However, this option will be the most expensive.
- Rental car: this is what we did. If you stay multiple days in El Salvador, it is the most favourable. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. The drive from San Salvador to Cerro Verde takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
The Santa Ana Volcano hike experience
Be mindful that the hike starts at 11 AM at the latest, so, you have to arrive before that. For safety reasons, the hike to the summit of the volcano must be accompanied by a local guide or specialised personnel. You must not go up without a guide. And there is a mandatory registration process at the park entrance booths.
The hike takes about 3,5 – 4 hours altogether, including the time spent at the top. The distance is approximately 10 km up and down and the elevation gain is around 600-700 meters. The difficulty of the hike is moderate. If you have average fitness level, you won’t have any issue. The terrain is changing, from Salvadoran jungle at the bottom to rocky ground at the top.
After you leave the tree line you can see the surrounding volcanoes: the Izalco and Cerro Verde and also Lake Coatepeque. When you sniff in the air, and you smell the rotten egg smell, that is the sign, that you almost reached the top. After a few more steps, the view of the turquoise crater lake opens up before your eyes. And the smell of the sulphur will be more strong. Take care of yourself by the rim of the crater. Tourist visits or any activity in the vicinity of the crater are prohibited, due to its active state and potential danger.
Costs and entrance fees are: parking fee is $2–$3 USD, , if you arrive by car; Cerro Verde National Park Entrance Fee is $3 USD per person; and local guide fee is around $3–$5 USD, if you join a group. Or you can choose a private tour, but it will be a tiny bit more expensive.
Tips for the trip
You can rent a hiking stick for ~$1 USD. It isn’t necessary, but can be helpful for the descent. Be prepared for quick weather changes. Bring a windbreaker, and also a raincoat if you go in the wet season (from May to November). Have good and comfortable hiking shoes, the trail is rocky and steep in some sections.
Above the tree line you will be exposed to the sun. So, make sure you bring enough water to drink and sunscreen, also a hat and sunglasses are useful. If you can, go earlier to beat the heat and the afternoons can bring clouds or rain.
You shall add some snacks into your backpack that give you a bit of energy during the hike. Or you can buy snacks, chocolate or fruits at the entrance booth, but these will cost you a little more if you buy them there.
There is one more surprise at the summit, besides the amazing crater lake. You can have an ice cream on the top. Moreover, you can choose from several flavours. If you want a bite or have a coffee after the hike, try the Los Volcanes Bistro Café Cerro Verde restaurant.
The Santa Ana Volcano hike is more than just a climb. It is an experience that brings you closer to the wild, volcanic heart of El Salvador. From the challenging yet manageable trail to the breathtaking views at the summit, it is an adventure worth every step. If you are planning to hike Santa Ana, be sure to come prepared with comfortable hiking shoes, water, and a camera, you won’t want to miss capturing the views! Have you hiked Santa Ana? Share your experience in the comments!
