Introduction
I recently had the opportunity to hike to the summit of Santa Ana volcano, located in western El Salvador. This impressive stratovolcano is the highest peak in the country, standing at 2,381 meters (7,812 feet) above sea level. The hike to the summit is considered challenging, but the reward is worth the effort: stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a glimpse into the geological history of the area.
The trailhead for the Santa Ana volcano hike is located in Cerro Verde National Park, which is about an hour’s drive from San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador. The park is known for its lush cloud forest and abundant wildlife, including toucans, quetzals, and howler monkeys.
The hike to the summit of Santa Ana volcano takes approximately 3-4 hours round trip, depending on your fitness level and pace. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including cloud forest, pine forest, and volcanic rock formations.
Don’t forget to check this article to read a full one-week itinerary around El Salvador!
| Hike | Santa Ana Volcano Hike |
| Price (including transportation) | With a tour: $80 Without a tour: $13 (transportation $3 + entrance fee $10) |
| Duration | 4 hours (up and down the volcano) |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Recommended? | 100% yes! |
Getting There
If you’re planning a trip to Santa Ana volcano, there are 2 main transportation options to consider.
Public Transportation to Santa Ana Volcano Hike
Getting to Santa Ana volcano by public transportation is super easy! And it’s definitely the recommended option. (Read the section about Where to Stay: Santa Ana vs. Lake Coatepeque, below.)
- If you are staying in Santa Ana town: Chicken bus from Santa Ana town to Santa Ana Volcano
-Take the chicken bus 248 at 7:30 AM from La Vencedora Bus Station to Cerro Verde or El Tibet.
-Total traveling time: around 2 hours
- If you are staying at Lake Coatepeque: Chicken bus from Lake Coatepeque to Santa Ana Volcano
-Take the chicken bus at 7:30 AM to El Congo. This bus surrounds the lake, so you should be able to catch it right outside your hotel/hostel (ask in reception). Get off the bus at El Congo.
-Take the chicken bus 248 at 8:30 AM to Cerro Verde or El Tibet.
-Total traveling time: around 1 hour
As you can see, it’s a fairly easy trip and you’ll encounter MANY tourists going the same way. Once you reach the entrance of Cerro Verde Park (the park where Santa Ana volcano is located), the bus driver will let all the tourists know they’ve arrived.
It’s KEY to take the bus at 7:30 if you’re in Santa Ana or at 8:30 if you’re in Lake Coatepeque to make sure you’ll be back from the hike on time to take the bus back to your hotel. You’ll take the bus to go back to Santa Ana/Lake Coatepeque at 1 PM (chicken bus 248).
Don’t worry, there’s more than enough time to complete the entire hike and be back on time to take the bus. And once again, you’ll find many tourists who are going the same way as you are.
| Santa Ana Volcano hike without a tour | |
| Price | Transportation $3 + tickets $10 |
| Duration | 8 hours |
| Advantages | Cheap and easy |
| Drawbacks | You have to take public transportation |
Tour to Santa Ana Volcano Hike
For those who prefer a guided experience, there are several tour companies that offer guided hikes up the volcano. These tours typically include transportation to and from the starting point, as well as a knowledgeable guide who can provide information about the history and geology of the area, and tickets to the National Park Cerro Verde, where the Santa Ana volcano is located.
Most tours will also include a visit to Lake Coatepeque, a stunning blue-water lake located near the volcano and certainly an attraction you shouldn’t miss.
The drawback is that the price of the tours starts at $80 per person, which is super expensive, especially when you compare it with how much you pay in total when doing the hike on your own.
| Santa Ana Volcano hike tour | |
| Price | $80 |
| Duration | 12 hours |
| Advantages | Comfortable door-to-door transportation |
| Drawbacks | Extremely expensive for what it offers |
| What’s included | Guide, transportation, tickets |
Is It a Good Idea to Book a Tour?: Taking a Tour vs. Going on Your Own. Price Comparison
As I mentioned before, I don’t think booking a tour to go to the Santa Ana volcano hike is worth it. The price is way higher than taking the chicken bus. And you shouldn’t be scared of taking public transportation. It’s easy, the locals are lovely and you’ll find plenty of tourists doing the same route as you.
Price comparison:
| Tour | On your own |
| $80 | $13 |
The Hike to Santa Ana Volcano Itself
Santa Ana volcano is located inside Cerro Verde National Park. Currently, it’s not allowed to do the hike on your own; you’ll have to join a group guided by a local. The guide will be waiting for people to join at the entrance of the park and there’s no way you’ll miss him.
Once you meet with the guide, you’ll have to pay his fee and then the entrance fee. In total, that’s $10 per person. After that, the whole group will start the hike together.
The trail is approximately 5.5 miles round trip and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The hike starts at the base of the volcano and takes you through a dense forest before ascending the steep slopes of the volcano. As you climb higher, the views of the surrounding landscape become more and more breathtaking.
The main attraction of the summit is the stunning crater lake. The turquoise water contrasts with the dark rocks and the green vegetation, creating a unique and picturesque landscape. I recommend taking some time to admire the lake from different viewpoints, as each angle offers a different perspective. There are also several spots where you can take panoramic photos of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Take into account that, even on very hot days, it gets chilly and windy on the summit. So please don’t forget to bring at least a light jacket to cover yourself and enjoy the view without freezing.
Hiking Santa Ana Volcano Difficulty
The Santa Ana volcano hike is of medium difficulty. Certainly anyone can hike it, from little kids to older adults. There’s a clear path to follow, there’re local guides all along the hike, and you can go up at your own pace, making as many spots as necessary.
Anyhow, it’s still good to mention that it takes around 4 hours to complete the whole hike (that is, to go up and down). So, be ready for a long walk.
Where to Stay: Santa Ana vs. Lake Coatepeque
Most tourists stay in Santa Ana town if they want to hike Santa Ana volcano. This is certainly a good option, but not the best, in my opinion.
I encourage people to rather stay at Lake Coatepeque. The lake is closer to Santa Ana volcano, meaning the trip to get there is shorter. In addition, there’s not that much to see in Santa Ana town. But in Lake Coatepeque you’ll find many activities to do in the heart of nature.
Check out this article to see the best things to do in Lake Coatepeque!
What to Pack for the Santa Ana Volcano Hike
When preparing for your hike, it’s important to pack appropriately. Here are some essentials I recommend bringing:
- Hiking shoes or at least sport shoes
- Lightweight, breathable clothing that can be layered
- A jacket! Even on very hot days, it’ll be cold and windy on the summit
- Sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun’s rays
- Plenty of water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized
- A camera to capture the amazing views
It’s also a good idea to bring a small backpack to carry your belongings, and a rain jacket or poncho in case of unexpected showers (mainly if you are traveling during the rainy season). Keep in mind that the weather can change quickly, so be prepared for different conditions.
Best Time to Hike Santa Ana Volcano
I highly recommend visiting Santa Ana volcano during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This is when you’ll have the best chance of experiencing clear skies and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. On very clear days, you can even spot the Pacific Ocean on the horizon.
During the rainy season, which runs from May to October, the trails can become muddy and slippery, making the hike more difficult and less enjoyable. Anyhow, you shouldn’t let this discourage you. With the right equipment (a rain jacket and hiking shoes), you can still make it to the top and enjoy the impressive views of the crater and the surroundings.
Conclusion
Hiking Santa Ana volcano was definitely the highlight of my trip to El Salvador. Even if you won’t be in the country for many days, you should definitely don’t skip this attraction and make it a priority on your itinerary. El Salvador is known for being a land full of volcanoes and hiking Santa Ana volcano will let you appreciate the impressive nature of this country.
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