Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador
Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano was a highlight of my trip to El Salvador. As a nature lover and avid hiker (I am the local chapter leader of the Southern Louisiana Hikerbabes organization), fitting in a hiking adventure is an absolute must for me on any trip I take.
The Santa Ana Volcano hike did not disappoint and is a great moderate day hike. It’s easy to get to from San Salvador if you have a car, or you can take public transportation to get to the trailhead from the nearby town of Santa Ana.
Santa Ana volcano hike distance: 4.3 miles
Elevation gain: 1500 feet
Average hiking time: 2-3 hours
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to be able to hike the Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador.
Why hike the Santa Ana volcano in El Salvador?
The Santa Ana Volcano hike is one of the best experiences in El Salvador. From the top, you will have an amazing view of Lake Coatepeque. If you’re considering hiking in El Salvador, this is one of the best hikes in the country.
From the summit, you can look down into the crater of Santa Ana Volcano to see the beautiful emerald green color.
Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano is a unique experience that you will not want to miss.
How to hike the Santa Ana Volcano:
Is hiking the Santa Ana volcano difficult?
The Santa Ana volcano hike is a 4.3 mile out-and-back trail that is moderately challenging. While there were not any particularly steep inclines, hiking to the top is a steady incline. You’ll have an elevation gain of about 1500 feet total.
When I hiked the Santa Ana volcano, I did see families with children and some older folks hiking the trail. If you’re in decent physician shape, while the hike is a moderate challenge you should be able to complete it.
You can see more details about the trail and reviews from other hikers on AllTrails.
Do you need a guide to hike the Santa Ana volcano?
When hiking the Santa Ana volcano, you will need to hire a guide. There are guides and police officers that will escort hikers along the trail. This is mandatory, so you will need to arrive on time to be able to begin the hike with one of these guided groups.
The cost for hiring your guide is $3 USD.
The guides will begin the hike at 10:00 am, so be sure to arrive before that time. If you arrive late and all the guides have started the hike, you will not be allowed to enter.
To find a guide, look for someone in uniform near the entrance. There will be several guides so just look for one and join their group.
How much does it cost to hike the Santa Ana volcano?
There are 2 fees you will need to pay for the Santa Ana volcano hike.
First, you will pay a $3 USD fee for the guide.
There is also a national park entrance fee which is $6 USD for foreigners and $3 USD for Salvadoran citizens.
The total cost for a foreigner to hike the Santa Ana volcano is $9 USD. (Plus the cost of transportation to get to the trailhead).
How to get to the Santa Ana volcano trailhead:
The Santa Ana volcano hike is located in Cerro Verde Park.
Getting to the Santa Ana volcano trailhead is simple. You can easily visit for the day from San Salvador if you rent a car or hire a private driver for the day.
If you plan to use public transportation and take the bus, you’ll need to spend the night in Santa Ana to be able to catch the bus in the morning.
How to get to the Santa Ana Volcano by car:
If you have a rental car (I highly recommend renting a car in El Salvador to be able to visit more of the country during your trip) the drive to Cerro Verde Park is about 2-3 hours from San Salvador.
If you are staying in Santa Ana, the drive will take about 1 hour.
To find directions, just enter Cerro Verde Park into your GPS and once you get to the park, follow the signs or ask a guide working in the park for directions to the parking area.
How to get to the Santa Ana Volcano by bus:
You’ll need to spend the night before in the town of Santa Ana for this option. The bus ride takes about 2 hours, so you will need to get an early start.
Take the #248 bus that leaves from Santa Ana at 7:30 am.
This is the only option that will get you to the trailhead on time. If you take a later bus, you will not arrive by 10am to join a guide, and will not be able to complete the hike.
After you finish the hike, there is a return bus at both 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
The cost for the bus is $0.70 USD each way.
Getting to the Santa Ana Volcano by taxi:
You can hire a private driver from San Salvador for the day, or if you’re staying in the town of Santa Ana, you can get a taxi from in town. (So, if you overslept and missed the 7:30 am bus from Santa Ana, no worries you can still take a taxi)
Note: If you take a taxi from the town of Santa Ana, make an arrangement for pick up with the driver once you’ve completed your hike as there are not many taxis around.
Join a tour to visit the Santa Ana volcano!
Do all of these options sound too complicated? Join a tour from San Salvador and have someone else plan all the logistics for you!
This is the highest rated tour and offers you a visit to Lake Coatepeque as well.
What to pack for the Santa Ana volcano hike?
While the Santa Ana Volcano hike is fairly short (it’s a 4.3 mile out-and-back trail), the path can be uneven and rocky in some places. It is a good idea to wear sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes.
I have hiked all around the world in my Columbia hiking boots, and they have fared well for me on hikes like this one.
You’ll also want to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen (the sun in El Salvador is very strong, trust me you do not want to get burned!)
When you reach the top of the volcano, it can be very windy and a little cold so it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket for the summit.
Need recommendations for hiking gear? Take a look at my Affordable Hiking Essentials Guide.
Best time of year to hike the Santa Ana volcano:
The best time of year to hike the Santa Ana Volcano is during El Salvador’s dry season, which runs from December to April.
If you are visiting during the rainy season, it is highly likely that clouds will be covering the views of the emerald crater and the lake. Honestly, without being able to enjoy the amazing views, the hike isn’t really worth it.
Where to Stay in Santa Ana
It is a good idea to spend the night in Santa Ana before and after your hike, especially if you plan to take the bus to get there.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Santa Ana, El Savlador:
Located just an 8 minute walk from the bus station, this hostel is an affordable and convenient option for solo travelers. They offer both shared dorms and private rooms. The best part is the swimming pool, perfect for relaxing after your hike! See current rates here.
This hostel is not located in the town of Santa Ana, but on nearby Lake Coatepeque.
If you’re looking for accommodations with amazing views right on the lake, however, this is the perfect spot. And it’s close enough to the Santa Ana Volcano to make arranging transportation easy as well.
Looking for the best places to stay in El Salvador? Read my complete guide!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What other things are there to do nearby?
There are so many amazing things to do in El Salvador. Visit a local hot spring, take a drive out to la Ruta de las Flores, slide down the famous rainbow slide, or hang out and relax on Lake Coatepeque for the day.
Is the Santa Ana volcano hike safe?
Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano is considered safe. While it is an active volcano, the last eruption was in 2005. You can monitor volcanic activity and the weather from official sources before your hike.
You also will have police escorts with you along the trail and your guides for the safety of hikers.
The area near the national park is also safe for visitors, but as always be aware of your surroundings and take care with your belongings.
Can you visit the Santa Ana volcano as a day trip from San Salvador?
The Santa Ana Volcano hike is an excellent day trip from San Salvador. It’s about a 2-3 hour drive depending on traffic.
In order to visit for the day from San Salvador you’ll need to have a rental car, hire a private driver, or join a tour.
Can you hike the Santa Ana volcano as a solo traveler?
The Santa Ana Volcano Hike is a great activity for solo travelers in El Salvador. Because you will join a group with a guide, you won’t really be hiking alone. I saw many solo travelers on the hike when I visited.
If you’re staying in a hostel in nearby Santa Ana, chances are you will also meet fellow solo travelers who are planning to hike the Santa Ana Volcano as well.
Is this a good hike for kids?
While I do not have kids of my own, I did see many families with children along the trail. If your kids are accustomed to hiking and can handle a 2-3 hour hike, this could be a great family activity.
Conclusion:
Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano is a must-do experience while in El Salvador. The beauty and views from the top are unmatched.
With safety measures in place, including police escorts and experienced guides, it’s also an adventure that’s perfect for solo travelers.
I hope you enjoy your Santa Ana Volcano hike as much as I did, and enjoy the rest of your trip to El Salvador as well!
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