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Cerro Verde National Park - Departing early from our meeting point, we drive to Los Volcanes National Park. Along the road we cross through villages and the fertile Zapotitan valley (we can always make a stop for a coffee to go).
The hike starts at Cerro Verde visitors center and takes you into the evergreen cloud forest, down the slopes of this extinct volcano to reach the break with the solidified lava flows.
After getting back to Cerro Verde’s Visitors Center you have been made two volcanoes in one day and can proudly say VENI, VIDI, VICI.
On a glance:
Distance walked: 7.2 Km / 4.5 Mi
Duration (actual walking time): ~ 3h 30m – 4h
Ascent / Descent: 691 – 676 m / 2267 – 2218 ft
Elevation at start (Cerro Verde): 2019 m / 6624 ft
Top elevation: 2019 m / 6624 ft
Environment: Cloud forest, tall trees and a shady trail on Cerro Verde’s side. Bare loose rock and lack of vegetation on Izalco’s side.
Steep slopes on both sides. Some scrambling in last sections of Izalco. On Cerro Verde you must walk down and up near 1,500 steps carved on the dirt.
Highlights: A challenging hike rewarded by stunning views to different volcanic belts and mountain ranges in three countries (on a clear day).
- Private transportation
- Licensed Tourist Guide with specialization in trekking and adventure travel
- Local guide to adhere to park regulations
- Admission to Cerro Verde National Park included
- All fees and taxes covered
- Private, early-departure hike
- Enforced COVID-19 Safety Protocols
- Gratuities to local guides (optional)
- Bottled water
Izalco, one of the world’s youngest and still active volcanoes, promises an adventurous and rewarding journey to its crater. Expect uphill climbs, journeying through dense cloud forests, rough terrains, and the potential for breathtaking vistas when the weather permits. Once known as ‘The Pacific’s Beacon’ by early navigators, this newly formed volcano has been ceaselessly erupting since the 18th century, resulting in lava and debris flows that have structured a nearly 2000 m (over 6400 ft) tall volcanic mound.
At the proximity of the crater, vestiges of past eruptions such as fumaroles and hardened lava fields dispensed from recent eruptions can be seen. The towering slopes of Cerro Verde will also be a sight to soak up.
Upon returning back to the Cerro Verde’s Visitor Centre, having traversed two volcanoes in a day, you can triumphantly proclaim VENI, VIDI, VICI.
Caution: This hike can be strenuous, and proper hiking equipment is necessary for your safety. This includes reliable hiking boots, enough water, protection against the sun/rain and being in good health. The use of trekking poles is strongly advised.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Minimum age for this hike is 12 years old
- This departure is not operated by a company and/or agency but by an independent Tourist Guide.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
