Volcanic Ventures: How to hike Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador (+ Lake Coatepeque)

How to hike Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador (+ Lake Coatepeque)

Santa Ana Volcano, also known as Ilamatepec or Volcan de Santa Ana, is the highest point in El Salvador, standing at 2381m (7812 feet). Offering some of the most amazing views in the country, the Santa Ana Volcano hike is a must-do for anyone visiting El Salvador. There aren’t many places in the world where you can look directly into the sulphurous blue crater lake of an active volcano!

This post will cover everything you need to know about how to hike Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador, including costs, transport, what to bring, as well as outlining the full route with photos. Then if you’re not quite done with Santa Ana’s beautiful scenery, I will also cover how to visit Lake Coatepeque from Santa Ana Volcano on the same day.

About the Santa Ana Volcano Hike

Walk type: Up and down (One day)
Distance: 6.9km
Maximum Elevation: 2287m (7503 feet) – The route doesn’t reach the true summit of 2381m
Starting Elevation: 1816m (5958 feet)
Elevation gain: 471m (1545 feet)
Walk time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: Required
Highlights: The highest point in El Salvador, Views of Izalco, Blue crater
Park Entrance Fee: $6

Santa Ana Volcano Hike Route:

About Santa Ana Volcano

Santa Ana volcano is a large stratovolcano located in the Cordillera de Apaneca mountain range in El Salvador. The volcano belongs to the Cerro Verde National Park, along with its neighbour, the Izalco Volcano.

As mentioned, it’s the highest peak in the whole of El Salvador making it one of the top tourist attractions in the whole country.

Where is the Santa Ana Volcano Hike?

Santa Ana Volcano is located approximately 20km south of Santa Ana in the Cerro Verde National Park in El Salvador. The route via car is almost double (39km) going around the outskirts of Lake Coatepeque.

How to get to Santa Ana Volcano

You have two options to get to Santa Ana Volcano from Santa Ana town. You can get either a taxi (Uber) or public transport.

Public Transport: Catch the 248 bus from the Santa Ana bus terminal. This costs $0.70. The journey takes approximately 2 hours in total since it follows the slow, winding roads through the mountains. Therefore, to get there in time, you will need to catch the 07:40 bus. It’s recommended that you arrive at the bus terminal before 07:30 to ensure you make it in time.

The bus drops you off at the trailhead which is helpful and given it’s the only bus you can catch to the volcano, there should be fellow hikers with you.

Taxi: This is the more expensive option, but should make sure you get there in time. Due to the distance from town, most taxis or Ubers will charge around $20-$25 USD. Make it worthwhile by finding a group of people to split the cost.

How to hike Santa Ana Volcano: FAQs

Is Santa Ana Volcano Active?

Yes. Santa Ana Volcano is active and has been since the 1500s. The most recent eruption took place in 2005.

Is it safe to hike Santa Ana Volcano?

I’m not sure you can ever classify climbing an active volcano as ‘safe’. However, Santa Ana hasn’t erupted since 2005 and has remained stable since then. That being said, you can’t overlook the risks and unpredictable nature of climbing Santa Ana Volcano.

In terms of altitude, 2381m is high but not high enough to cause you serious damage.

There are also no barriers around the crater, so avoid getting too close to the edge in case you fall in.

The only other risk is the weather on the volcano. Since you are very exposed, winds can pick up causing the fumes to go in your direction and also flicking rocks up off the surface which can be painful. They will shut down access to the volcano if the weather is viewed to be too dangerous/stormy.

How long does the Santa Ana Volcano hike take?

Hiking Santa Ana Volcano takes approximately 2-3 hours (total) depending on the speed of your group and the conditions.

I walked up in just over an hour, however I usually walk quickly. It takes most hikers around 90 minutes to reach the crater viewpoint at the summit. You can stay at the top for a while, before returning down. The way down isn’t too steep, so I found myself much quicker on the return leg.

How much does it cost to hike Santa Ana Volcano?

Hiking Santa Ana volcano is more expensive than many other hikes in Central America (which are often free). That being said, the cost of hiking Santa Ana Volcano depends on whether you choose to join a tour or not.

There are lots of little fees that get added together to do the hike:

• National Park Fee: $1.25 (fee for Cerro Negro National Park)
• Entrance Fee: $6
• Guide Fee: $3
• Bus from Santa Ana: $0.70
• Taxi: $22 (approx)

The cheapest total would be just under $12.

You must pay all of this in cash. Even Uber riders regularly request that you cancel the journey and ask for cash instead.

Do you need hiking boots for Santa Ana Volcano?

You don’t need hiking boots to hike Santa Ana Volcano. However, it would be helpful if you had them. The terrain for the majority of the hike is dusty dirt paths, followed by volcanic rock nearer the summit. Whilst hiking boots aren’t essential, the ankle support is good to have, particularly on the way down.

What is the weather like on Santa Ana Volcano?

As with a lot of the volcanoes in Central America, weather conditions on the volcano can be very changeable.

Santa Ana volcano is the highest point in El Salvador and is often a hotspot for lightning strikes whenever there is a storm.

My experience of the weather at Santa Ana Volcano was varied. Despite it being a lovely sunny day at the bottom, the summit proved to be extremely windy. I recommend checking the weather forecast and selecting the best weather day to do the Santa Ana volcano hike.

What’s the best time to hike Santa Ana Volcano?

The best time to hike Santa Ana Volcano is a bit of a trick question as you can only hike at certain times of day.

You are not allowed to hike the Santa Ana volcano after 11:00 AM (unless you sneak past security).

With this in mind, the earlier the better to avoid any crowds. Also avoiding weekends and public holidays is a good idea since it’s a popular spot for local tourism.

A lot of the guides set off at around 10:00 AM and then semi-regularly between then and 11:00 AM. So if you can get a guide before 10:00, that’s what I would recommend.

Santa Ana Volcano Tour vs Hiking Independently

The Santa Ana Volcano hike officially requires a guide.

Whilst, technically it’s an easy hike and wouldn’t require a guide anywhere else in the world, El Salvador is pushing employment for people. Therefore, you will be checked at the entrance to the hiking trail that you have paid for a guide.

I don’t want to advocate going against the rules, but you can ditch your guide part-way through the hike if you want to. Similarly, if you wanted to do the hike really early in the morning (e.g. sunrise), there shouldn’t be a police presence.

NOTE: One additional reason for security was that robberies used to occur on the trail.

The cheapest option is hiring a guide from the main starting point and doing everything else independently. Alternatively, you can organise a tour guide from your starting point in Santa Ana.

What to expect when hiking Santa Ana Volcano

Make your way to the start of the Santa Ana Volcano Trail. This is where you pick up a guide (they will make themselves known and usually wear polo tops). There are toilets and a shop here.

Once you go past the checkpoint where guards check your ticket and through the gate, you begin your hike. It’s a gentle incline at the bottom through the cloud forest. You will wind your way through the deciduous oak and pine trees. This section of the walk is predominantly shaded, though views are limited.

You will reach more and more clearings until you eventually move away from the forest and onto the edge of the volcano. From the trail, you can see the sea in the distance as well as the nearby Izalco volcano. Izalco has that classic cone shape of a volcano and is another one of the hikes you can do in the area.

Near the summit, the path moves away from dirt paths and transitions more into volcano rock as it becomes dryer.

Before you reach the summit, you will pass a sign with some information on the Santa Ana Volcano.

At the peak, you will reach the crater of the volcano. It was so much larger than I was expecting! Then, at the bottom there is a blue-green pool. Not necessarily what you’d expect in the centre of a volcano, but it’s produced by the sulphur.

Surrounding the crater are a series of beams marking the point where you should go past as you may fall into the crater.

From the summit, you can see Lake Coatepeque which you may want to explore later!

You will follow the same route back down the volcano. Since there is only one path it’s easy to follow.

What to pack for hiking Santa Ana Volcano (+ Lake Coatepeque)

For hiking Santa Ana Volcano you should wear your usual, comfortable hiking clothes. This includes shorts (or hiking trousers if preferred), a sweat-wicking top, walking socks, and hiking shoes. Trainers are fine if you don’t have hiking boots.

Look at the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly. If it’s sunny, sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended. If it’s cooler, overcast, or even rainy, then wear something to protect you from the elements. It can get windy at the top, so I’m glad I brought a long-sleeve top and cap as additional layers.

Either way, I recommend bringing a thin extra layer, sunglasses and cap as the wind at the summit would’ve spoilt the experience if I didn’t have them.

In addition to the clothes you are wearing, you should also bring:

• Cash: To pay for entry fees, guides and any snacks.
• Water: Always stay hydrated during your hike.
• Snacks: Gotta keep your energy levels up! Though you can buy popsicles on the trail.
• Sun cream: Once above the tree line, the hike is exposed with minimal protection from the sun.
• Camera: Santa Ana Volcano’s stunning views provide endless opportunities for photographs.

If you decide to visit Lake Coatepeque afterward, make sure you also bring:

• Swimming trunks: Recommended if you extend your trip to Lake Coatepeque.
• Towel: So you can dry off after jumping in the lake.
• Flip-flops (optional): Not a necessity, but handy to have when you’re in and out of the water.
• Plastic bag: To put your wet belongings in for the journey back to Santa Ana.

Where to stay in Santa Ana

Whilst there are a few options for accommodation in Santa Ana, you won’t exactly be spoilt for choice as you would be in Antigua or other Central American cities.

Hostels:

The standout choice is Hostel Casa Verde which has received outstanding reviews on HostelWorld.

I circumstantially ended up staying here for one night, but you need to book in advance! They offer private rooms and dorm rooms. Have a brightly coloured interior, breakfast included, a kitchen for cooking, a swimming pool, a pull-up bar and an owner willing to help you out with suggestions.

With Hostal Casa Verde often selling out, another nearby option is Pool House Hostel.

Another popular option is Hostal Villa el Campanario which is located on the other side of town. Not ideal for city exploring, but it has an awesome pool to come back to after your hike.

Hotels:

For Santa Ana Volcano – El Tibet

For Lake Coatepeque – Captain Morgan Hostel.

My honest experience of hiking Santa Ana Volcano

Having failed to catch the early bus towards the volcano the day before, I decided to get an Uber with a group to the base of the volcano.

It was a bit of a free-for-all since our driver couldn’t find an appropriate place to park and we ended up on someone’s private land… Once we eventually found the start of the trailhead, a guide came over asking questions, tickets in hand. We exchanged money, were assigned a guide, and went on our way.

We passed through the entrance gate as our tickets were checked. I don’t think this is necessary, it just restricts the number of people on the volcano and means everyone visits at the same time…

The hike up was relatively easy. It was a gentle trudge up, following our guide. However, the arbitrary guide assignment meant that the group was a mix of all hiking standards. This meant that people naturally separated (despite the best efforts of the guides).

To my surprise, there were locals selling ice creams, popsicles and chocolate-covered bananas on the trail. Kudos for carrying up a coolbox full of them!

Near the top, it got extremely windy. Whilst the views were amazing, it made it a lot more difficult to appreciate as small pebbles were being flicked up at us and stinging any exposed parts. We spent around 5-10 minutes at the top sheltering behind a rock. On non-windy days, people often spend 30 or more minutes up there.

On the way down, you follow the same route to the start point. We ditched our group so we could go down faster and catch the chicken bus to Lake Coatepeque.

Visiting Lake Coatepeque after Santa Ana Volcano

Given that the latest you can hike Santa Ana Volcano is 11:00 AM, you will be done by early afternoon. This means you can either head back to town to relax and enjoy the rest of your day. Or whilst you’re in the vicinity, you can check out Lake Coatepeque (Lago de Coatepeque)!

Lake Coatepeque is a popular option for combining with Santa Ana Volcano. This huge volcanic caldera is now filled with beautiful blue water and surrounded by lush trees!

NOTE: There are day tours from Santa Ana that will take you to both Santa Ana Volcano and Lake Coatepeque in a day.

Lining the coastline are a series of huts, many of which stand on stilts above the water.

One of the most popular locations to stop at Lake Coatepeque is Captain Morgan Hostel. Whilst you can stay here overnight, it’s a welcoming hangout spot for those visiting for the day.

Of course, if you decide you want to spend longer around Lake Coatepeque, you can stay here to explore more of the lakeside life.

How to get to Lake Coatepeque from Santa Ana Volcano

If you are not taking a tour you have two options to get from Santa Ana Volcano to Lake Coatepeque – Taxi or Public Transport.

Taxi: It’s unlikely that you will be able to flag down a taxi at the bottom of Santa Ana volcano unless you have already scheduled a driver to pick you up or to wait for you at the bottom. Alternatively, you can try an Uber. I tried this but with no success.

Public Transport: Thankfully, it’s relatively simple to get from Santa Ana volcano to Lake Coatepeque by chicken bus. From the bus stop by the trailhead, take the 248 bus to El Congo (0.70 USD approx). The bus usually goes past at approximately 13:00 and then again at 16:00. Then get the 242 bus from El Congo to Lake Coatepeque. The 242 bus goes directly past Captain Morgan Hostel so you can jump out there (0.45 USD approx).

NOTE: Buses often run late, however it’s difficult to tell if you’ve just missed one!

NOTE: If you miss the bus and don’t want to pay for a taxi, you can try to hitchhike to El Congo and from there to Lake Coatepeque.

What to do at Lake Coatepeque?

The stunning blue waters of Lake Coatepeque offer a variety of ways to spend your afternoon!

You can get involved in water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, diving, and jet skiing. The lake is also great for swimming and fishing. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, take a boat tour to appreciate the scenic surroundings.

There are also lakeside restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine while enjoying the view. Whether you’re into adventure or just want to unwind, Lake Coatepeque has something for everyone.

I spent my day at Captain Morgan Hostel jumping in and out of the lake. Using the hostel’s plunge pools and relaxing on the lookout tower at the top of the hostel and in hammocks!

Is it safe to swim in Lake Coatepeque?

Particularly with the changing colours of Lake Coatepeque from blue to turquoise/green, many people question if it’s safe to swim in Lake Coatepeque.

Swimming in Lake Coatepeque is safe. The only things you need to watch out for are boats or jet skis.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my travel guide on how to hike Santa Ana Volcano and in El Salvador and how to visit Lake Coatepeque. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy hiking!