Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Are you looking for the best Santa Ana Volcano tour in El Salvador? I hiked this volcano in June of 2023 and it was by far my favorite experience in El Salvador!
This beautiful volcano, also known as Illamatepec Volcano, is one of the top things to do in this Central American country and is about an hour and a half from the capital city of San Salvador. It’s also about an hour from the city of Santa Ana.
Hiking the Santa Ana Volcano was one of the most rewarding experiences that I’ve had!
In this post, we’ll share the top-rated tour of the Santa Ana Volcano, but that’s not your only option.
We’ll include other tour companies as well, so you can experience this beautiful volcano for yourself without having to worry about any of the logistics.
Don’t Have Time To Read The Full Article? Book The Day Tour Of Santa Ana Volcano And Lake Coatepeque with a 5⭐️rating
Interested in a Volcano Tour with a visit to gorgeous lakes and ancient Mayan sites? How about a day tour of El Salvador’s city and El Boqueron National Park? Looking for the best tour of the Santa Ana Volcano?
From the vibrant city and stunning natural attractions, El Salvador has so much to offer and I’m here to help.
Below are 5 of the best day tours to Santa Ana Volcano that you shouldn’t miss!
Table of Contents
Best Santa Ana Volcano Tours
Photo Credit- El Salvador Positive Tours
Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Length: 7-10 Hours Check Rates Here
One of the best places to take an excursion is this day tour from El Salvador to the Santa Ana Volcano, where you’ll get to enjoy one of my favorite things to do in El Salvador; hiking the iconic volcano with a knowledgeable guide.
The tour starts on a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle from certain hotels in San Salvador City, El Tunco, or El Zonte in El Salvador.
Enjoy the views along the drive, since you’ll go right past some of the other volcanoes within the park.
Once you reach the trailhead, you’ll get ready to embark on the 2-hour trek to the top of the volcano.
For the entire hike, you’ll be immersed in lush vegetation and awe-inspiring views.
The smell of the steamy sulfuric acid from the lake inside the crater will let you know that you’re close!
After reaching the summit, you’ll have panoramic views of the Santa Ana Volcano and the sulfur lake that sits inside the crater. Once you reach the top, you’ll be 7,812 feet above sea level.
Now that you’ve made it, sit back and enjoy lunch for a while before making the descent back to the trailhead.
As a small group tour, you’ll get a personalized approach from your local guide, who will be there to teach you about the volcano, its history, and the surrounding area on the Santa Ana Volcano hike and ride to the trailhead.
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“This excursion is amazing! The guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the volcano as well as all of El Salvador’s history. He spoke perfect Spanish and English. He picked us up from our hotel and dropped us off at the end of the tour. Highly recommend!!”
Elizabeth_K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ What’s Included in This Tour:
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Park entrance ticket fees
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Knowledgeable guide to volcano
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Transportation from select El Salvador cities
Photo Credit- Salvadorean Tours
Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Length: 9-10 Hours Check Rates Here
If you want to take in the sites of the Santa Ana Volcano, otherwise known as Ilamatepec, and Coatepeque Lake, this full-day trip will be perfect for you!
Starting in San Salvador, you’ll have round-trip transportation to and from the trailhead.
After the scenic drive to the visitor center, you’ll depart the bus and make your way to the top of the 7,812-foot volcano.
There are two options for this tour; one that includes a guide, and one that doesn’t.
If you choose the tour with the guide, you’ll have a knowledgeable, private, professional tour guide to take you to the top.
Along the way, you’ll have commentary on the history of the tour as well as special stops along the way for some of the best viewpoints.
From the top, you’ll have the chance to admire the stunning views of the volcano, Lake Coatepeque, and the rest of Cerro Verde National Park.
If you opt for the route without a guide, you’ll need to find yourself a guide when you arrive at the park.
There are typically several of them standing around the visitor center of Cerro Verde National Park, and they usually cost around $3 for a tour to the top.
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“This hike was so amazing!! It was definitely worth the money because it’s an all day tour. Our tour guide Benjamin was amazing. He told us all about the history on the way up there and answered all the questions we had. Would highly recommend doing this.”
Missy_S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ What’s Included in This Tour:
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Admission to Santa Ana Volcano
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Option to select private guide
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Transportation
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Hotel drop-off and pick-up
Photo Credit- Eco Tours Petate
Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Length: 8 Hours Check Rates Here
Pack up your bags, a picnic lunch, and your hiking shoes, and embark on this adventure to the summit of the Santa Ana Volcano!
This guided tour will provide you with transportation right from your hotel to the trailhead, so you can avoid worrying about parking in the busy areas of Cerro Verde National Park.
Since it’s round-trip transportation, you can sit back and enjoy the views on the way out to the trail and back to your hotel!
After you’ve arrived at the park, you’ll embark on about a 4-hour roundtrip hike to the summit of the mountain on this Santa Ana Volcano tour.
You’ll be standing at nearly 8,000 feet once you’ve made it!
Enjoy views of the emerald-green lagoon inside of the volcano’s crater from the top, as well as Lake Coatepeque in the distance.
This is one of the largest lakes in El Salvador! On a clear day, you might even be able to spot the Pacific Ocean and the Izalco and Cerro Verde Volcanoes.
After you’ve climbed back down, you’ll head to Lake Coatepeque, otherwise known as Lago de Coatepeque. Here you can choose to take a dip in the bright-colored waters of the lake if you’d like.
Then you’ll make the journey back to your hotel with private transportation provided by the tour company.
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Josue’ was an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable & warned us where difficulties were on the hike. The Santa Anna volcano was spectacular. Wow! What a view… incredible pictures on the top!”
Pam_H ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ What’s Included in This Tour:
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Hotel pick-up and drop-off
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Transportation to volcano
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Guide to the top of the volcano
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Visit to Lake Coatepeque
Photo Credit- Tunco Life
Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Length: 9 Hours Check Rates Here
If you’re staying in El Tunco Beach in El Salvador, this tour of the Santa Ana Volcano will be perfect for you.
You’ll be picked up straight from your hotel or hostel and have transportation right to the Santa Ana Volcano trailhead.
On the drive, you’ll have incredible scenic views of the Cerro Verde National Park, including the Izalco Volcano. You’ll also pass by Lake Coatepeque on your way to the volcano.
Upon arriving at the trailhead, you’ll gather your gear and get ready to head to the top with your knowledgeable guide.
Since it’s a small group tour, you’re able to set the pace of your hike so you can take it slowly and enjoy it in its entirety.
Your small group will embark on the nearly 5-mile trail to the top, where you can enjoy beautiful views inside of the Santa Ana Volcano.
Deep inside is a bright-colored lagoon that has become a popular place among tourists. Pack a lunch with you to enjoy at the top!
On your descent, you can enjoy panoramic views of the country of El Salvador. It’s a beautiful location and visitors love it for a reason!
You’ll then have the same scenic drive back to your hotel, where you can kick back and relax as you let someone else do the driving.
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Climbing to the top of Santa Ana Volcano is a must do when visiting and we were lucky to start early and be at the top with very few people. Salva was our guide and super friendly and informative. The hike itself was moderate and if you need to rest you can definitely take your time. The view from the top does not disappoint. Worth the effort and extremely memorable.”
Anthony_D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ What’s Included in This Tour:
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Air-conditioned transportation to Cerro Verde National Park
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Hotel pick-up and drop-off
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Guided tour to the top of the volcano
Photo Credit- EC TOURS EL SALVADOR
Tour Rating: 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Length: 8-9 Hours Check Rates Here
Another of the best Santa Ana Volcano tours is this one, which starts in San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador.
One of the best parts of this tour is that it’s totally private, so you won’t have to share any of this time with anyone outside of your group.
You’ll start your adventure off by departing San Salvador and making your way to Cerro Verde National Park.
Once you’ve arrived at the trailhead for the volcano, you’ll get ready to head out on your hike.
On your hike to the top, you’ll be accompanied by a guide, who can teach you all about the history of the area surrounding Santa Ana Volcano, one of El Salvador’s active volcanoes.
Enjoy the views from the top, which include a look into the crater, as well as 360-degree views of Cerro Verde National Park and El Salvador.
Before heading back to the hotel, you’ll make a stop at Lake Coatepeque, where you can either relax on the shores and enjoy lunch or take a dip in the refreshing water.
Then you’ll have a short drive back to your hotel that you can sit back and relax on, knowing that someone else will take care of the driving.
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“The tour was absolutely amazing!!! The hike was beautiful! It took us about 2 hours or so to go up the trail and 1 to go back down. The hike itself was a little physically challenging towards the beginning and end, but there is an easier trail; We just chose the more vigorous one. The view at the top was worth it!…”
Norma_J ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ What’s Included in This Tour:
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Private transportation to Cerro Verde National Park
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Guided tour to Santa Ana Volcano
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Time at Lake Coatepeque
It was the greatest feeling when we reached the top of the Santa Ana Volcano!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Hike The Santa Ana Volcano?
The hike to the top of Santa Ana Volcano is around 5 miles (8 kilometers) roundtrip.
This typically takes around 4 hours for the average hiker but might take longer if you choose to stop along the way or at the top.
The Santa Ana Volcano hike personally took us about 2.5 hours to reach the top and we were hiking pretty fast to the top.
We went at our own pace and finished ahead of our group because they were going at a slower ascent to the top.
After completing the hike and getting back to the car, my phone iPhone showed that I had almost 20,000 steps and climbed over 70 flights.
How Much Does It Cost To Hike The Santa Ana Volcano?
There is a $6 entrance fee to Cerro Verde National Park, where the Santa Ana Volcano is located.
Aside from that, you’ll also need to pay for the cost of a tour or guide. For a guide at the volcano, it’s $3, while a tour is more expensive.
Can You Hike Santa Ana Volcano Without A Guide?
No, you’ll need a guide to do the hike to the volcano. The best way to see the volcano is to book this Santa Ana Volcano day tour, which includes a guide to get to the top.
Because you’ll need a local or professional tour guide to embark on the hike to Santa Ana Volcano, taking a guided tour makes your planning easy!
Is Santa Ana Volcano Still Active?
Yes, the Santa Ana Volcano is still active, although its last eruption was nearly 20 years ago, back in 2005. But there is still volcanic activity happening often.
Inside the crater of El Salvador’s highest volcano, and one of the most active, you’ll find a bright-colored sulfur lake inside of it.
And in the distance, you can enjoy the views of Lake Coatepeque and the rest of the national park.
Tips For Santa Ana Volcano Hike
💡 Bring a backpack with essentials– It’s a good idea to bring lots of water, sunscreen, snacks, and electrolytes. As I mentioned, you’ll need to have a moderate level of fitness to complete this hike.
💡 Wear hiking shoes– I did not wear hiking shoes and it made the Santa Ana Volcano hike harder and I was slipping on rocks on the way down.
💡 Pay attention to the weather before you go– You’ll want to get an early start. We left the park for the hike around 9 am and had mostly nice weather.
Luckily, we were able to beat the afternoon rain, but there was a little lightning when we were at the top.
If it rains or there’s bad weather, they may not let you attempt the hike. May through October is the rainy season in El Salvador, where it rains often in the afternoon and at night.
💡Visit during the week if possible to avoid the crowds– the weekends get lots of visitors making the hike.
💡Bring cash for snacks and drinks– there are a couple of spots where you can buy drinks and snacks if you want.
💡You’ll want to have a decent level of fitness for the hike- outdoor lovers will enjoy adding this active volcano to their itinerary for a visit to Santa Ana El Salvador.
Even those who aren’t avid hikers can embark on the hike with a guide, but it is quite steep, so make sure that you’re physically fit enough to tackle it.
Wrap-Up: Santa Ana Volcano Tours
If you’re visiting El Salvador and are hoping to visit the highest volcano in the country, then taking one of these Santa Ana volcano tours is the best way to do it!
Because you’ll need a guide to reach the top, taking a tour makes it easy to learn about the history of the volcano, have transportation, and have your guide all wrapped up in one!
These tours will have a guide and allow you to get to the top while learning about the area along the way.
Once you’ve made it, you’ll have incredible views of the sulfur lake inside the crater of Santa Ana Volcano as well as Lake Coatepeque in the distance.
No matter which of these tours you take, you’ll have a great time exploring the Santa Ana Volcano, which is still active to this day.
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Booking a last-minute trip to Santa Ana El Salvador?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended hotels and accommodations!
Top Hotels & Accommodations Near Santa Ana El Salvador
Hostal Las Puertas – (Best Budget-Midrange Hotel In Santa Ana)
Equinoccio Hotel – (Modern-Style Hotel With Swimming Pool)
Remfort Hotel – (Top-Rated Hotel With Buffet Breakfast)
Captain Morgan Hostel Lake Coatepeque – (Highly Booked Hostel With Mountain Views)
Looking To Get Around In El Salvador?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
