01
Park Entrance & Kiosks
30 minsCash for fees
This is the main gathering point for hikes. You will find small food stalls, restrooms, and ticket counters. Buy extra water or pupusas here. There are no facilities once the hike begins.
Explore
Cerro Verde National Park
This park serves as the starting point for the 4.3-mile round trip hike to the Santa Ana Volcano crater. You will pay your entry fees here and meet your mandatory guide.
Parque Nacional Los Volcanes covers the forested base of the Santa Ana and Izalco volcanoes. Foreigner entry costs $3.00 to $6.00. You cannot hike independently. You must join an official local guide, which costs an additional $1.00 to $3.00 per person.
Groups depart daily around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. The total hike takes 3 to 4 hours. You will climb 1,532 feet through cloud forests before reaching the exposed rocky rim.
02
Cloud Forest Trail Section
45 minsShaded trail
The lower portion of the trail winds through dense vegetation and towering agave plants. This section provides shade before the tree line ends. Keep an eye out for exotic birds.
03
Izalco Volcano Viewpoint
15 minsIzalco views
A clearing along the route offers clear views of the dark, stark slopes of the neighboring Izalco volcano. This peak is famously known as the Lighthouse of the Pacific. Have your camera ready for photos.
04
Santa Ana Crater Rim
30-45 minsHigh winds at summit
The rocky summit reveals a highly acidic, steaming turquoise lake. The water temperature ranges from 45°C to 60°C (113°F to 140°F). Hold tightly onto hats and phones, as the wind at the rim is strong.
Hike from Cerro Verde
Early Santa Ana Volcano Adventure Hike + Coatepeque Lake9 h 5.0 (154)from $85
