Santa Ana Volcano Hike: Privileged Early Access with Extensive Geology Lessons
5.0
8 Ratings
Lomas de San Marcelino
Experience a privileged early access hike to Santa Ana Volcano with a licensed guide. Learn about geology and enjoy panoramic views of the volcanic wasteland and sulfuric-acid lake. Skip the crowds and go at your own pace.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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Santa Ana Volcano - With this privileged early access you skip the crowds, the warmest hours and waiting in line. You walk your own pace and spend more time enjoying by the crater.
A compound of extinct and young active volcanos forms Los Volcanes National Park.
Santa Ana is the tallest volcano in El Salvador and makes a terrific hike with stunning views to the valleys and Coatepeque caldera lake below. This is also the Easternmost peak of the majestic Apaneca mountain range, a belt formed by 14 volcanoes and the largest coffee country of El Salvador.
Along the hike we walk through diverse environments, from the cloud forest to wasteland on the top. A couple of miradores offer great views and a good place for a rest. Once on the top you can see the massive and deep crater with a steaming turquoise sulfuric-acid lake at the bottom and the fumaroles spewing sulfuric gas.
On a clear day from here you can see up to 9 volcanoes, the fertile Zapotitn valley and the Pacific Ocean coastline on the distance.
What's Included
- Admissions to Natural Protected Area
- Guided hike
- Hiking sticks provided
- Exclusive early access for a private hike
- Comfortable transport with air conditioning
- All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Meals and drinks
Additional Information
As a Certified Guide with over 400 successful ascents under my belt, I bring vast experience to your journey.
Starting from the misty cloud forest at the base, the trek leads up to the barren volcanic wastelands at the peak. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to view the scorching sulfuric-acid lake below and the vibrant ash layers lining the walls of the crater and Coatepeque caldera lake.
More than just a trek, this adventure is packed with interpretative elements, offering insights into the geology, eruption history, etc. of the volcanoes.
Avoid the throng, intense heat, queues, and slow hikers.
This is an exclusive solo departure, not the group hike at 11 AM. This arrangement allows you to move at your preferred pace, greatly enhancing your experience.
Large groups typically move slowly. The weather also tends to be more pleasant in the early hours.
Maximize your day with us! With no rush or crowds, savor the views and capture beautiful moments. You dictate the pace.
The trail offers occasional shade. Restrooms are located near the park ranger’s station.
The trek is also suitable for children.
Location
Bosques del Tíbet
Carretera a Cerro Verde
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(8 Ratings)
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Francesca_f
Jun 25, 2022
Epic Santa Ana Hike with the Wonderful Alfredo - I highly recommend the Santa Ana hike with Alfredo. Expect an early morning hike with the privilege of experiencing the cloud forest and natural wonders of Santa Ana on a private tour, beating the afternoon heat and crowds. Alfredo is a knowledgeable and attentive guide with passion for the land and country. It was a true pleasure to get to know Alfredo. Also, be sure to ask about his mom's pupuseria!
10/10
Review provided by Viator
Pabsskrobs
Mar 8, 2022
Cool hike with Senior Alfredo ;-) - My friend and I had a pleasure to use services of Alfredo whilst climbing the St. Ana volcano in March 2022. "Pleasure" is not just a grammatical form used here: it stands for the actual description of the experience.
Our guide turned to be knowledgeable and kind companion, who answered all our questions and tended to our needs (eg. A stopover at the coffee shop at our request). Chilled out, adaptive... worth highest recommendations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elfox927
Oct 16, 2021
A short and sweet sampling of El Salvador - Friends living in El Salvador who have used Alfredo for tours in the past set us up with a private baby tortuga release, city tour, and a hike up Santa Ana with a side stop at the Cerro Verde cloud forest. Typically, I experience some anxiety meeting new people but Alfredo is so warm and friendly, I was immediately at ease. His passion for the country and the people come through in his historical and geographical knowledge of the area. We were even lucky enough to sample the fare from his family’s pupuseria (spoiler: the pupusas were amazing!). The turtle release was incredible, city tour enlightening, the volcano hike breathtaking, the food delicious. Alfredo is a wonderful, accommodating guide. Go to El Salvador, book some tours with Alfredo, have the trip of a lifetime. You will not regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenkpgh
Oct 16, 2021
Volcano and downtown with Alfredo! - Alfredo is amazing. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about El Salvador and it’s history. We toured with Alfredo on more than one occasion, for a downtown tour and also the Santa Ana volcano hike.
Both were incredible and I recommend Alfredo for any touring you’d like to do in El Salvador!!
His family also makes amazing Papousas!! In business over 40 years
Thank you again for everything, Alfredo!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caballero55
Aug 2, 2021
Amazing Experience Hiking Santa Ana with Alfredo - Alfredo is simply a terrific guide! He was knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and fluent in English. He picked us up as scheduled. We felt safe throughout the tour. We could tell we were in good hands with Alfredo.
During the hike, Alfredo had a lot of great insight into the history, geography and botany of the volcano and the surrounding areas. We never would have learned about these things if we had not hired Alfredo.
You can tell that Alfredo really enjoys his job and enjoys hiking. That enthusiasm was infectious. He was also friendly and a great conversationalist; we talked a lot about hiking, El Salvador, and the great outdoors. It was a joy to simply be around him.
Alfredo knew a lot of the local people we encountered and they greeted him warmly. That says a lot about Alfredo and his reputation.
In summary, we had a fantastic experience having Alfredo as our guide for the hike on the Santa Ana volcano. He helped give us a wonderful experience and we highly recommend Alfredo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrewso4870sy
Jul 2, 2021
Volcano - A great experience definitely recommend the volcano hike. Was a fantastic guide and very knowledgeable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
38johnathanh
Jul 1, 2021
Had a great time - Unreal views, unforgettable experience, great guide. If you do this tour it will definitely be a highlight of your time in El Salvador.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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