the viewing deck: Izalco and Santa Ana Volcano Day Hikes

Monday, July 26, 2021

Izalco and Santa Ana Volcano Day Hikes

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in El Salvador January 12 to January 17, 2021

Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in El Salvador Summary and Itinerary

CERRO VERDE VOLCANOES, EL SALVADOR (Jan. 2021)

- Izalco Volcano (1,950masl) is El Salvador's 4th highest volcano with 662m elevation gain, 7km back trail distance for 4 hours

- Santa Ana Volcano (2,381masl) is El Salvador's highest and most active volcano with 467m elevation gain, 7km back trail distance for 3 hours

- Famous volcano day hikes near Santa Ana Town, both are guide-required and budget DIY day-hike

Itinerary:

Jan. 13, 2021 Wed (Izalco Volcano)

0715H Volcano Bus Station; Cerro Verde ticket 0.90

0740H ETD Santa Ana; bus #248 to Cerro Verde

0920H ETA Cerro Verde Park; park fee 1.50; guide 5

1100H start trekking with police/guide (required); Trail 1st part; continuous descent, forest

Trail 2nd part; continuous ascent, open area, steep; Summit Assault; lose rocks, very steep

1300H ETA Volcán de Izalco summit; rest / photo

1330H ETD Summit (back trail)

1530H ETA Trailhead; Volcán de Izalco (1,950masl) 4th highest

1600H ETD Cerro Verde Park; bus to Sta. Ana 0.90

1730H ETA Sta. Ana

TOTAL: $8.30

Jan. 14, 2021 Thu (Santa Ana Volcano)

0715H Volcano Bus Station; Cerro Verde ticket 0.90

0740H ETD Santa Ana; bus #248 to Cerro Verde

0900H ETA Santa Ana Trailhead; park fee 6; guide 2

0930H start trekking with guide (required); Trail 1st part; continuous ascent, forest

Trail 2nd part; open area, dusty; Summit Assault; smooth ascent, windy

1100H ETA Volcán de Sta. Ana summit; rest / photo; Santa Ana Volcano (2,381masl) highest

El Salvador’s highest and most active volcano

1200H ETD Summit; back trail

1300H ETA Trailhead; bus to Santa Ana 0.90; Hostal Casa Verde

TOTAL: $9.80

Note:

1. The DIY budget transportation per above itinerary is just easy to find as the destinations are regular to locals and can be found in Maps.Me.

2. As per standard, both can be hiked on separate day. As discussed with the guide, both can be hiked at the same day starting 0700H to 1500H, from Santa Ana Volcano to Cerro Verde to Izalco Volcano for $10 each trekker with mnimum 4 persons in a group. Unfortunately, no public transportation to bring you early that time.

3. Izalco Volcano hike has difficult trail than Santa Ana while Santa Ana Volcano has the better summit view than Izalco.

4. Even though the hike requires police / guide escort, the trail looks very safe as this was my first time with police and guide required to think that these volcanoes are the smallest on my Bulkan-serye challenge and Santa Ana town has very relaxing ambiance.