volcan ilamatepec tour

Explore El Salvador on the Safest Way With a Local Expert!

ONE EPIC HIKE: SANTA ANA VOLCANO (ILAMATEPEC)

Tour overview.

At a glance Distance walked : ~8 Km / 5 Mi Actual walking time : ~ 3h30m Ascent – Descent : 478 – 400 m / 1568 – 1312 ft Elevation at start : 1820 m / 5971 ft Top elevation: 2295 m / 7530 ft Suitable for kids: Yes

Are you ready for an epic hike? Put your boots on and hike Santa Ana volcano like never before! With our privileged early access, you’ll have the opportunity to skip the crowds and make the most of your day.

Standing tall at 2,381 meters (7,811 ft), Santa Ana volcano takes the crown as the tallest in the country . As you ascend, you’ll witness the magnificent crater that tells the story of ancient lava flows and layers of ash from countless eruptions. And at the bottom, a mesmerizing sight awaits you—a turquoise sulfuric-acid crater lake that will leave you in awe.

This hike will take you through a lush cloud forest to a volcanic wasteland, offering some of the most spectacular views of the volcanic landscape. It’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular hikes in the country, leading you to one of the most active volcanoes in El Salvador.

As your guide, I bring a wealth of experience to this journey. With over 400 summits in 18+ years as a professional Tour Guide, the Santa Ana volcano is like my playground. Rest assured that you’re in the hands of one of the most experienced guides in this destination.

But here’s the best part— this hike is suitable for kids too! It’s a fantastic opportunity to embark on a family adventure, creating unforgettable memories together.

So, get ready to conquer the Santa Ana volcano. With our early access, you’ll have a unique and uncrowded experience, allowing you to soak in the beauty of this incredible destination. Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!

Check an animated video of the route  here

NOTE THIS ROUTE DOESN’T REACH THE ACTUAL SUMMIT OF THE VOLCANO. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN REACHING THE TOP OF SANTA ANA VOLCANO, PLEASE CLICK HERE .

Mix and Match

• Dare to reach the top earlier than anyone else and watch the sun rising from the crater of the volcano. Not to be missed! For this one in a lifetime experience you can spend the night on the skirts of the volcano . (Available on weekends only).
• Private transport in comfortable vehicle with A/C.
• Licensed Tour Guide
• Privileged early access
• Guided hike
• Admissions to National Park
• Use of public facilities
• Local taxes

Not Included

• Drinks or Meals
• Personal expenses

Every day of the week

6:00 AM - Departure from San Salvador 7:30 AM - Start hiking ~ 9:30 - Reach the crater Expect return to San Salvador by 1:30 PM

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Santa Ana Volcano Tour - Hike Adeventure

• Santa Ana, El Salvador

Book Online

Pick a date and the number of people to get the correct price, then click Book Now to complete the reservation

Up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

• Pick Up 06.00 AM
• Hotel Pick up and Drop Off
• Medium Difuculty Hike
• 7 to 8 Hours Duration
• All Year available

Santa Ana Volcano Tour Description

Santa Ana volcano tour hike is one of the most spectacular things you can do in El Salvador. This the highest volcano in El Salvador with a height of 7811 feet above sea level. The panoramic views are simply dazzling. The Santa Ana volcano tour hiking will undoubtedly make you enter into a deep contact with nature. Venture to conquer one of the most impressive peaks in El Salvador

We can start this adventure from San Salvador or El Tunco beach. Early in the morning we will leave from San Salvador or El Tunco beach towards the volcano complex, at the foot of Cerro Verde National Park. We will begin our trek from here to the top of the Santa Ana Volcano. The Santa Ana Volcano, also known as the Ilamatepec Volcano, is the least difficult to climb, although a fit condition will help you to have a easier ascension. The Santa Ana volcano hiking tour takes approximately 4 hours. 2 hours to climb and 2 hours to descend.

In the ascent walk to the Santa Ana volcano you will notice the existence of 3 different types of forest. The first part of the hike will be in a cloud forest, where you can enjoy the shade of the thick vegetation. The second part of the walk will be on land with a small vegetation, such as shrubs and agaves. Finally, in an eroded land, where the lack of vegetation allows you to have a spectacular view of the Salvadoran territory. The last eruption of the imposing volcano of Santa Ana was in the year 2005.

Once you have reached the summit of Santa Ana volcano, you will be amazed by the beautiful turquoise lagoon that rests at the bottom of the crater. From the crater the landscapes are simply indescribable. You can observe the splendor of the Pacific Ocean, the volcano of Izalco, the tranquility of Lake Coatepeque. This is where you realize that your effort is well rewarded. The challenge of Santa Ana volcano hiking tour has been overcome! It’s the moment to come back to the foot of the volcano.

After finishing our Santa Ana volcano hiking tour, it is time to start a new adventure. We will visit the most beautiful lake in El Salvador, the Lake of Coatepeque. Renowned for changing color in a whimsical way to a beautiful turquoise color, at least twice a year. From here you can enjoy a delicious lunch with a privileged panoramic view. Coatepeque means: Snake Hill. Here you will discover the legend of the lake that the locals kept living.

Santa Ana Volcano Tour itinerary

06:00 am - departure from your hotel or airbnb.

Your guide will be waiting for you ready to start this amazing experience (05:30 AM if you are staying at El Tunco beach).

08:00 AM - Santa Ana Volcano Hike

Start our trek to the volcano of Santa Ana, get ready with your sunscreen, water, follow the instructions of your guide. An approximate journey of 1.30 hours. Enjoy contact with nature, let yourself be surprised by the landscapes

10:00 AM - Santa Ana Volcano Crater

01:00 pm - coatepeque lake.

Arrival to our last destination of this tour. The most beautiful lake in El Salvador: Coatepeque. We will enjoy a delicious lunch with a spectacular view of the lake. You will have the opportunity to swim in its refreshing waters.

02:00 PM - Return to San Salvador City

We start our return to your lodging hotel in San Salvador, an approximate ride of 1 hour and a half.  Or 2 hours if you are lodding in El Tunco Beach.  Without a doubt, the Santa Ana Volcano Hike tour will be an experience that you will not forget, discover it with us!

Where do we meet?

We offer free pick-up / Drop off from Hotels and Airbnb in San Salvador city Area, as well as in the El Tunco beach area.

Pick up time at El Tunco beach is approximately 5.30 am

What should you bring to the hike?

• Hiking shoes or comfortable shoes.
• We recommend at least 1 liter of water per person.
• Clothes according to the weather
• Don’t forget to bring a sweater, sometimes it can be cold at the top.

Inclusions & Exclusions on this Trip

  INCLUSIONS • Small Groups • San Salvador city  or El Tunco Beach hotel pickup and drop-off • Transport by comfortable vehicle • Professional Tour Guide  • All Entrances fees.

EXCLUSIONS •Gratuities (optional)• Lunch /Food • Drinks • Water bottle

Importants Notes

• Please remember that the hike to the top of Santa Ana volcano depends on the weather conditions and the cancellation of this tour can be done at the last minute by the national park authorities. Safety first. If this is the situation, we will offer a tour alternative for the same day.
• Do not forget to bring your sunscreen.
• Wear your mountain shoes or comfortable shoes, for difficult terrain.
• You can take your swimsuit, if you want to swim in Lake Coatepeque.
• In the rainy season, do not forget to bring your poncho.
• Take your camera with you to take spectacular pictures
• Impressive landscapes of the Salvadoran territory.
• Reach the top of the highest volcano in El Salvador.
• Walk in a misty forest
• Look at the wonderful sulfur emerald lagoon at the bottom of the crater
• Visit the most beautiful lake in El Salvador.

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▷ SANTA ANA VOLCANO – ILAMATEPEC » What to see and do.

The santa ana ilamatepec volcano is 2,400 meters above sea level, making it the country's largest mountain. its vegetation and impressive crater will give you the energy and desire to climb it..

El Salvador’s Ilamatepec volcano is the highest stratovolcano in the country. This colossal volcano is located in the western part of the Salvadoran territory, and it rises more than 2,400 meters above sea level , making it the highest in the country.

Climbing the Santa Ana Volcano is one of the most beautiful things to do in El Salvador. The panoramic views are simply breathtaking. Hiking the Santa Ana volcano will put you in touch with nature.

VOLCÁN DE SANTA ANA - ILAMATEPEC - Volcanes de El Salvador. Foto por ElSalvadorViajar.

Venture to the summit of one of the most impressive peaks in El Salvador .

Santa Ana – Ilamatepec volcano facts

Location of the Santa Ana volcano – Ilamatepec

On the ascent to the Santa Ana volcano , you will pass through three different types of forests. The hike will start in a cloud forest, where you can relax in the shade of the dense flora. The walk will continue through terrain with modest vegetation, such as bushes and agaves until the second half of the hike. Finally, it is possible to contemplate a spectacular view of the Salvadoran territory in an eroded terrain with little vegetation.

The last time the majestic Santa Ana volcano erupted was in 2005 .

Location, Origin and History

The spectacular Santa Ana Volcano is located in the department of the same name, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from the city of Santa Ana and 65 kilometers from the capital, San Salvador .

With an extension of 2.273 hectares , it is part of the Apaneca mountain range, where the Izalco and Cerro Verde volcanoes are also found, which, together with this Salvadoran colossus, make up the Volcanoes Complex or Route .

Its crater has a circumference of about 15 km in diameter , at the bottom of which you can see a fantastic sulfur lagoon, with an approximate temperature of 25ºC, which increases in the active fumaroles of the volcano .

The Ilamatepec or Cerro Padre , in nahuatl language, received the names of Volcán de los Izalcos , Volcán de Fuego and Volcán de Sonsonate , during the colonial period.

Its geological antecedents date back 2 million years, when there has been a series of varied and irregular eruptions, the last being those of 1904, 1920, and 2005, considered the most destructive.

During this unfortunate event, volcanic activity devastated crops and vegetation in the area, including the villages. In addition to expelling large amounts of ash and large rocks, it caused an avalanche of hot water that forced the evacuation of the area.

Although the number of fatalities was minimal, the authorities suspended all activities, including tourism, for more than a year, as it was still active.

Climate, flora, and fauna

The weather around Santa Ana Volcan o, on an average day, is usually fresh and delightful, with temperatures between 16°C and 24°C (61°F and 75°F) .

However, weather change can be noticed at its summit due to the altitude and winds, even more if it is a cloudy day. In the same way, at dawn or dusk, when the sun’s rays diminish, the temperature drops noticeably between 6°C and 8°C.

The extensive area of Ilamatepec contains more than 125 species of trees in its three ecosystems, getting in the areas with lava flow, lichens, grasses, agaves, and lycopods, as well as trees such as wax wood, pinabete, and sapuyulo, all in contrast to orchids and bromeliads.

Meanwhile, in the paramo zone , there are some unique plant species in this territory, with broad, soft, and flattened leaves since they have hairs due to their adaptation to the strong winds and sulfurous gases that come out of the volcano.

Monitoring its fauna , which is smaller than its flora, allows the sighting of reptiles and amphibians. Also, you could find mammals such as deer, coyotes, ocelots, and the spiny fox, as well as birds of prey such as the short-tailed hawk, mountain hawk, and black eagle.

Recommendations for your visit

• Visits to the Santa Ana Volcano should be made in the company of a tour guide and a local POLITUR police officer, following their suggestions and regulations to avoid complications.
• Using sunscreen or sunblock , caps or hats, and sunglasses is advisable.
• It is essential to wear loose and fresh clothing, although it is not exaggerated to wear a sweater or sweater, anticipating low temperatures.
• If the ascent occurs during the rainy season, it is necessary to carry a poncho or raincoat.
• Footwear should be comfortable and suitable for hiking or mountaineering.
• A container with plenty of water and some light snacks should not be missing.
• Another essential item for the trip is a camera, cash for the entrance fee, and a tip for the guide in charge while climbing the volcano.

The best time to visit Ilamatepec is during May, June, October, November, and December, avoiding the rainy season if possible.

Activities we can perform

For lovers of trekking and hiking , the Santa Ana Volcano is the ideal tourist destination to drain the stress of the city and venture on a journey as enjoyable as fascinating.

During the ascent, some viewpoints offer amazing views of Coatepeque Lake until you reach the top of the volcano, where the panoramic views of the city of Santa Ana and its surroundings are postcards.

Not to mention those obtained from the Izalco Volcano and Cerro Verde , already at the heights of the majestic Ilamatepec , to appreciate the beautiful lagoon resting at the bottom of its crater, with its emerald and sulfurous waters between bubbling fumaroles, a spectacle.

And without a doubt, birdwatchers and naturalist photographers will also find the right environment for their hobby during the hike to Santa A na, which takes between 1 hour and 1h 30 min , depending mainly on the pace and physical conditions in which we find ourselves for this feat.

Prices and visiting hours

• The entrance fee to the Santa Ana Volcano is $ 1.50 for Salvadoreans, and foreign tourists must pay $3 .
• Children under 6 and seniors over 60 years old can enter for free.
• Admission hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Nearby places to visit

If you want to continue enjoying other tours around the Santa Ana Volcano, you can visit the Izalco Volcano , 1.7 kilometers away.

Also, the Cerro Verde National Park is about 2.6 kilometers away; without a doubt, we recommend visiting the city of Santa Ana , 19 kilometers away by road.

In short, planning an excursion to the Santa Ana Volcano and reaching the height of this fantastic titan, which is still active, is a pleasant experience that everyone who visits El Salvador must live and certainly repeat.

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Other nearby tourist attractions

Cerro verde.

Izalco Volcano

Coatepeque Lake

Atecozol Aquatic Park

Route of Flowers

Salcoatitán

Caluco, Shutecath Tourist Center

Redacciones |

The Transport

4 reasons to choose this activity, accesibilities of the activity.

The walk begins on the slopes of the volcano, on the side of the road to Cerro Verde. This area is known as El Tibet and there is a path that you must walk for approximately 15 minutes to reach the official entrance of the National Park. At the entrance there is a bathroom and snacks available. Then you walk in the forest for about an hour. There are quite steep parts so you should try not to get tired before time. Then you begin to walk on volcanic rock, this part is more complicated since the steps are more irregular. After 2 hours at a slow pace you will reach the top where you can appreciate the best views of the country on a clear day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sun Block, Sunglasses, Good hiking shoes, 1.5 lts of water, jacket or sweater.

Rainy season is from May through November. Winds can reach 60kms/h on random times of the year. Hikes can be totally or partially cancelled in case of extreme weather or alerts. Temperature on a windy day can feel as low as 18 degrees celsius on the summit.

The hike is not extreme, aprox 8kms roundtrip, we start at 1800mts above sea level and finish at 2360mts above sea level. It takes aprox 1 hour and a half to reach the summit, for an intermediate hiker at fast pace.

Increíble tour de aventura hasta el cráter activo del Volcán de Santa Ana. Una joya escénica escondida con una altura de 2,384 metros sobre el nivel del mar.

• Tour Volcan Santa Ana

Tour Volcan Santa Ana desde:  El Tunco, El Zonte o San Salvador Hora de salida:  08:30 am Duración de la experiencia:  9 hrs Dificultad:  Media

¿Estás listo para una experiencia impresionante descubriendo un volcán activo?

Este es un increíble tour de aventura hasta el cráter del Volcan de Santa Ana (o Volcan Ilamatepec) una joya escénica escondida. Con una altura de 2,384 metros sobre el nivel del mar. El Volcán de Santa Ana, más conocido como el Ilamatepec, es el volcán más alto y más voluminoso de la cordillera de la costa en la región. También es el tercer punto más alto en El Salvador.

Su historia geológica se remonta a unos 2 millones de años, con erupciones irregulares, como el caso que Ilamatepec demostró su fuerza en 2005, con una erupción que destruyó la vegetación, los pueblos y cultivos.

El camino hacia el cráter es estrecho y tiene una dificultad media. Durante el recorrido, se encuentra una serie de puntos de interés turístico de madera (miradores), donde se puede admirar la belleza del paisaje natural que rodea el Complejo de Lagos y Volcanes.  En la periferia del cráter, los vientos son fuertes y serás envuelto en nubes. Desde allí se puede ver la laguna verde esmeralda en el interior del volcán. Además, tendrás la oportunidad de ver un hermoso paisaje del lago de Coatepeque, Volcán de Izalco, Cerro Verde y el Océano Pacífico.

¡La vista es impresionante!

¿Qué puedes esperar?

Transporte en vehículos nuevos, guías de turismo profesionales y certificados, atención personalizada durante el tour, los mejores tours al mejor precio.

También serás acompañado con las autoridades locales, guías locales y nuestro equipo. Durante la temporada de lluvias (mayo a octubre) el clima nublado podría reducir la visibilidad a los volcanes.  

– Incluido –

• Transporte privado con A/C
• Pick up gratis en lugar de hospedaje
• Guía profesional de turismo
• Entradas a sitios de interés
• Pago de guías locales
• Todos los impuestos

– NO Incluido –

• Comidas  no  están incluidas
• Traslados fuera del itinerario no están incluidos.

Puntos de partida  tour Volcan Santa Ana

Ya sea que te encuentres en la playa o la ciudad, nosotros vamos por tí sin ningún cargo extra en los siguientes destinos. Si no encuentras tu hotel aquí verifica en el listado completo antes de finalizar el proceso de reserva.

Playa El Zonte (*)  Entrada Pueblo El Zonte

Playa El Tunco (*) Entrada Pueblo El Tunco

San Salvador Hotel Intercontinental Bambú Shopping Center Hyatt Centric Fairfield by Marriott

(*) Estas ubicaciones tienen un suplemento adicional de USD 20.00 por recorrido, no por persona.

Si desea un servicio de recogida privada en su hotel, airbnb o ubicación específica en San Salvador, hay una tarifa extra privada de USD$10 que debe pagarse directamente a nuestro guía el día del recorrido. Si desea este servicio privado, contáctenos lo antes posible y no menos de 24 horas antes.

Notas Importantes  de esta excursión

Sobre el tour.

• El tour inicia y finaliza en el hotel de hospedaje
• Ultima erupción del del Volcán de Santa Ana fue en 2005
• Por favor recuerda que el ascenso al cráter depende de las condiciones climáticas y la cancelación del tour está sujeta a las indicaciones de las autoridades locales. Si esto sucede, ofreceremos una alternativa de tour.
• *Opción guiada* – Un guía profesional certificado te acompañará desde el comienzo hasta el final del recorrido. En esta opción, nuestro guía proporcionará una visita guiada completa e información sobre los lugares de interés.
• *Opción No guiado* – En esta opción, uno de nuestros conductores profesionales de habla hispana lo recogerá en el hotel y lo llevará al punto de inicio. Solo tendrá un guía local de habla hispana en el parque nacional que lo guiará a través de los senderos.

Sobre nuestros guías

Nuestros guías son profesionales de turismo debidamente certificados por el Ministerio de Turismo de El Salvador y cuentan con más de 10 años de experiencia brindando servicios turísticos en el país.

Sobre nuestro transporte

Nuestras unidades de transporte son nuevas y cómodas. Nos esforzamos siempre en tener un extra cuidado en esta parte para que puedes tener un viaje lo más comfortable posible.

Algunas recomendaciones

• Siempre escucha las instrucciones del guía. 

¿Qué traer para esta caminata al Volcan Santa Ana? 

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